Parts for your 2006 Toyota Hilux-Control arms

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

Technical sources confirm the 2006 Toyota Hilux runs front upper and lower control arms (double-wishbone front suspension) and a live rear axle with leaf springs. That’s straight from Toyota’s Global Service Information (TIS) Hilux AN10/20 Series Repair Manual – Suspension section, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for “Arm Sub-Assembly, Front Suspension, Upper/Lower” (e.g., KUN26, GGN25), and independent manuals such as Haynes/Gregory’s covering 2005–2015 Hilux models. So yes, control arms are very much used on the front of this ute, the rear doesn’t use them due to the leaf-spring setup.

On a 2006 Hilux, the front control arms locate the hub and allow the wheel to move up and down while keeping the alignment geometry in check. The bushes isolate vibration and the ball joints let the steering and suspension articulate smoothly. They’re key to straight tracking on the highway and predictable handling on rough Kiwi and Aussie backroads.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to inspect the control arm bushes and ball joints for cracking, tearing, play, or split dust boots. Any clunks over bumps, steering wander, vague turn-in, or uneven tyre wear are classic signs they’re on the way out. Aftermarket lift kits or heavy off-road use can accelerate wear, and raised Hiluxes may benefit from aftermarket upper control arms to recover caster and ball-joint clearance.

• Check bushes and ball joints at each service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km.
• If replacing, do arms in pairs (left/right) for consistent handling.
• Always get a proper wheel alignment afterwards, the lower arm cam bolts set camber and caster.
• Torque pivot bolts with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading new bushes.
• In rust-prone areas, expect seized cam bolts, new cams, bolts and eccentric washers are a smart add-on.

Choosing quality components matters. Genuine Toyota arms and reputable aftermarket options with upgraded bushes can sharpen steering feel and last longer. For hard-touring or tradie duty, fresh lower ball joints and bushes restore confidence, reduce tyre costs, and make the old N70 drive like it should.

Does a 2006 Hilux have control arms at the rear?

No. The rear is a live axle on leaf springs, so there are no rear control arms. Only the front suspension uses upper and lower control arms.

How often should the control arm bushes and ball joints be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval, as it depends on use. With mixed city–country driving they often last 100,000–200,000 km, but frequent off-road work, loads, and lifts can shorten that. Inspect at every service and replace at the first signs of play, cracks or split boots.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Absolutely. The lower arm cams set camber and caster, so any arm, bush or ball joint work should be followed by a proper alignment to protect tyres and keep it tracking straight.