Parts for your 2006 Toyota Blade-Control arms

2006 Toyota Blade control-arms: what they do and how to look after them

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the E15# platform (Auris/Blade) — including the New Car Features manual and Repair Manual — plus the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog, the 2006 Toyota Blade uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control arm (also called the front lower arm). The rear is a torsion-beam setup, so no separate rear control arms are used. That means control arms are absolutely relevant on the 2006 Blade, specifically at the front.

On the Blade, the front control arms locate the hub and strut, keeping everything tracking straight while letting the suspension move up and down. Each arm carries large rubber bushes for vibration isolation and a ball joint that pivots with steering and suspension travel. Together, they help maintain proper camber and caster, which directly influences steering feel, braking stability, and tyre wear. When they’re in good nick, the car feels planted and quiet, when they’re tired, it can wander, clunk, and chew out tyres.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect the control arm bushes and ball joints every 20,000–30,000 km, or at each service if you drive on rough roads. Look for cracked or oil-soaked bushes, torn ball-joint boots, and any play. Typical tells the Blade’s control arms need attention include:

• Clunks or knocks over bumps or when braking
• Uneven or rapid inner-edge tyre wear
• Steering pull, tramlining, or a loose on-centre feel
• Vibration under braking or at motorway speeds
• Visual bush cracking or perished rubber

When replacement time comes, many owners choose complete control-arm assemblies (pre-fitted bushes and ball joint) to save press work and ensure a balanced result. Replace in pairs left and right, then get a proper wheel alignment — the Blade’s camber/toe can shift when arms are changed. Always torque the arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes. It’s also a good moment to check sway bar links, strut top mounts, and front engine mounts for wear.

Given local WOF/RWC standards, any detectable play or torn boots will likely be flagged, so staying ahead with timely inspection keeps the Blade safe, compliant, and easy on tyres. With quality parts and proper alignment, front control arms typically last many tens of thousands of kilometres, even on coarse-chip Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Blade control-arms

Does the 2006 Toyota Blade have rear control arms?
No — the rear uses a torsion-beam axle, so there aren’t separate rear control arms. The front suspension does use lower control arms, which are the focus for wear checks and replacement on this model.

Do I need an alignment after replacing front control arms?
Yes. Changing arms can alter camber and toe, so a post-repair wheel alignment is essential to keep the Blade tracking straight and to prevent premature tyre wear.

Can I replace just the bushes, or do I need the whole arm?
Bushes can be pressed in with the right tools, but many workshops prefer complete arm assemblies with pre-installed bushes and ball joint. It’s quicker, often more cost-effective on labour, and restores the geometry consistently on both sides.