Parts for your 2007 Subaru Impreza-Control arms

2007 Subaru Impreza control arms: what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2007 Subaru Impreza. The Subaru Workshop Manual for MY2007 (GD/GG), the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, and common repair references like the Haynes manual all show a MacPherson strut front end with a pressed-steel lower control arm (front lower arm assembly). At the rear, the car uses a strut layout with two lateral links and a trailing arm per side, these links are widely catalogued as rear control arms by Subaru and major aftermarket suppliers. So, control arms are both relevant and fundamental to how this Impreza steers, handles, and brakes.

On this model, the control arms locate the wheel hub relative to the body, keeping alignment angles (camber and caster) where they should be while the suspension moves. Rubber bushes isolate vibration and allow controlled movement, and the front arms also work with the lower ball joints to let the wheels swivel smoothly. Good arms and bushes help the Impreza track straight, bite into corners, and keep tyre wear even.

With age and kilometres, the rubber bushes crack, soften, or get oil-soaked, and ball joints can loosen. Common giveaways include clunks over bumps, vague steering, pulling under brakes, shimmy on rough roads, and inside-edge tyre wear. If the alignment won’t hold after a recent set-up, tired control arm components are often the culprit.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front lower arms, ball joints, and rear lateral links every 20,000 km or 12 months—more often if it tackles corrugations, potholes, or gravel. Look for split dust boots, cracked or leaking bushes, rust around mounting points, and any play with a pry-bar check. When replacing, doing both sides keeps handling balanced. Owners can choose complete arm assemblies (quicker, everything new) or press-in bushes/ball joints (cost-effective but more labour). After any control arm, bush, or ball joint work, a full wheel alignment is a must.

Pro tips for the 2007 Impreza:

• Tighten arm-to-subframe bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading bushes.
• Consider upgraded bushes if regularly loaded or driven spiritedly, but expect a firmer ride.
• Re-check alignment and fasteners after a few hundred kilometres.

Looked after properly, fresh control arms and bushes make this Impreza feel tight, planted, and confidence-inspiring on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

What are the signs the 2007 Subaru Impreza’s control arms need replacing?

Listen for clunks over speed humps, feel for steering wander or tramlining, and watch for uneven tyre wear (often the inner edges). If it pulls when braking or feels twitchy on coarse chip, the bushes or ball joints may be tired.

A quick workshop inspection for bush cracks, torn boots, and play at the ball joints will confirm it.

Do 2007 models have rear control arms or just fronts?

They have both. The front uses a single lower control arm per side. The rear uses a strut with two lateral links and a trailing arm per side—these links are classed as control arms in Subaru’s parts system and by major aftermarket brands.

This means rear arm bushes and ball-jointed links can also wear and affect alignment and tyre life.

Is a wheel alignment needed after control arm or bush replacement?

Yes—every time. Changing arms, bushes, or ball joints alters camber and toe. A proper alignment protects your tyres and restores the sharp, predictable steering the Impreza is known for.

Ask the shop for a print-out and check that left/right settings are balanced.