Parts for your 2007 Subaru Forester-Control arms

2007 Subaru Forester Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace

Yes, the 2007 Subaru Forester (SG series) uses control arms. Technical sources that confirm this include the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SG Forester (Front Suspension: lower control arm with ball joint, Rear Suspension: lateral links/trailing arm), and OEM parts catalogues that list a “front arm complete” for left and right along with rear lateral links commonly referred to as control arms. So if a 2007 Forester is on the hoist, there’ll be control arms front and rear doing important work.

On this Forester, the front suspension is MacPherson strut with a lower control arm (wishbone) that locates the wheel, controls camber/caster under load, and connects to the knuckle via a ball joint. At the back, the strut suspension uses lateral links (rear control arms) and a trailing arm to keep the hub where it should be. Together, they keep the geometry stable so the Forester tracks straight, rides nicely on corrugations, and wears tyres evenly.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth giving the control arms a decent once‑over, especially if the vehicle clocks heaps of country kays or tows. Rubber bushes harden, crack or split with age, and ball joints can loosen, showing up as clunks, steering shimmy or vague turn‑in. Uneven tyre wear, tramlining, and pulling under brakes are all clues things aren’t quite right.

When replacing, many owners choose complete arms rather than pressing new bushes, as it saves labour and resets everything in one hit. If going the bush route, quality polyurethane or OEM‑style rubber both have their place—poly can sharpen response but may transmit a bit more road feel. Always replace in axle pairs, torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid bush preload, and book an alignment straight after. A fresh alignment locks in tyre life and handling, and helps with WOF checks in NZ or roadworthy inspections in AU.

For longevity, wash out road grime and coastal salt, keep an eye on torn dust boots, and don’t ignore small knocks—catching a tired bush early is cheaper than chewing out tyres or struts.

• Common symptoms: clunks over bumps, steering wander, uneven tyre wear, brake pull.
• Service tips: replace in pairs, torque at ride height, align immediately after.
• Inspection interval: at every service or 10,000–15,000 km, sooner for rough-road use.

Popular questions

How long do control arm bushes last on a 2007 Forester?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many bushes last 100,000–150,000 km, but gravel roads, towing, and big temperature swings can shorten that. If there’s knocking, steering wander, or uneven tyre wear, inspect sooner. A quick lever test during routine servicing will spot cracks or excessive movement early.

Can I just replace the bushes, or should I fit complete arms?
Both approaches work. Pressing new bushes (and a fresh ball joint up front) can be cost‑effective if labour is reasonable and the arm itself isn’t rusted or bent. Complete arms save time, reset multiple wear points at once, and are often the smarter choice when kilometreage is high.

Do I need a wheel alignment after control arm work?
Absolutely. Changing a control arm or bush alters camber and toe, and can shift caster. An alignment right after the job protects tyre life and restores the Forester’s straight‑line stability and steering feel.