Parts for your 2006 Toyota Highlander-Control arms

2006 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2006 Toyota Highlander (sold as the Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). Toyota’s factory Repair Manual and Technical Information System (TIS), along with the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, all show a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control arm, and an independent rear suspension that uses multiple lateral/trailing control arms. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known brands mirror this, listing complete arms, bushes and ball joints for both ends of the vehicle. So yes—control arms are relevant and fitted to this model.

On the 2006 Highlander/Kluger, the control arms link the chassis to the wheel hubs, controlling the arc of wheel travel and maintaining alignment settings like camber and caster. Up front, each lower control arm carries a ball joint at the knuckle end and rubber bushes at the subframe end, allowing the wheel to move up and down smoothly while keeping the tyre planted. At the rear, the lateral and trailing arms manage toe and camber as the suspension works, helping the SUV feel stable on Kiwi and Aussie roads, whether commuting or heading away for the weekend.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to keep an eye on the control arm bushes and ball joints. Worn bushes can cause clunks over bumps, vague steering, braking shimmy and uneven tyre wear. Ball joint play can lead to steering wander and poor straight-line stability. Given the Highlander’s age, perishing rubber or oil-soaked bushes are common finds.

• Inspect bushes for cracks, splits, or movement, check ball joints for play with the wheel unloaded.
• Look for uneven tyre wear, steering pull, or knocking noises over speed humps.
• If replacing, torque all pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading new bushes.
• Mark or note any eccentric (camber/toe) bolts and book a wheel alignment after the job—front and rear.
• Consider replacing arms in axle pairs if wear is similar side-to-side.

Owners can choose to press new bushes into good-condition control arm housings or fit complete arms with pre-installed bushes and ball joints. Complete arms can save time and often eliminate press-fit hassles. Either way, quality parts and correct torque procedures will keep the Highlander/Kluger tracking straight and riding quietly for many more kilometres.

FAQs

How do you spot worn control arm bushes on a 2006 Highlander/Kluger?
Listen for dull clunks over bumps, feel for steering shimmy under braking, and check for feathered or rapid tyre wear. On a hoist, lever the arm gently to see excessive movement, and look for cracked, torn or oil-soaked rubber. Any play at the ball joint or obvious bush deformation means it’s time for repairs.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes. The front lower arms affect camber and caster, and the rear arms influence toe and camber. Even if you mark eccentric bolts, fresh bushes sit differently. A proper four-wheel alignment is the finishing step to protect tyres and restore factory handling.

Is it better to replace bushes or the whole control arm?
If the arm itself is straight and corrosion-free, pressing in quality bushes is cost-effective. If the ball joint is also worn, or the arm is damaged, a complete arm with pre-fitted bushes and joint can save labour and ensure everything is fresh. Many workshops prefer complete arms for a faster, cleaner result.