Parts for your 2009 Ford Territory-Control arms

2009 Ford Territory Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2009 Ford Territory (SY II). Technical references back this up: the Ford SX/SY Territory Workshop Manual specifies a short/long-arm (SLA) double-wishbone front end with distinct upper and lower control arms, while the rear runs a Control Blade independent rear suspension that relies on lateral control arms for wheel location. Major parts catalogues and fitment guides from Ford, SuperPro, Nolathane, Moog and Repco list complete upper and lower front control arms, ball joints and bushes for 2004–2011 Territory models, confirming fitment and common service parts.

On a 2009 Territory, the control arms do the heavy lifting of keeping each wheel located and pointing straight while still allowing smooth up–down movement over bumps. They link the steering knuckle to the subframe via ball joints and bushes, managing camber and caster as the suspension moves. In plain speak: they keep the Territory tracking true, help tyres wear evenly, and give the steering that planted, confident feel owners expect.

Because the Territory is a fair bit heavier than a standard sedan and often tows or carries loads, the control arm bushes (especially the big hydraulic rear bush on the front lower arm) and ball joints are known wear items. When they’re tired, drivers may notice clunks over speed humps, a shimmy under brakes, or feathered/inside-edge tyre wear. Steering can feel vague or wander on the motorway.

• Common signs to check: knocking noises, uneven tyre wear, steering pull, instability under braking, torn/leaking bushes, and split ball joint boots.
• Good practice: inspect every 20,000–30,000 km, or at each service if the Territory tows, does gravel work or lots of stop–start driving.

When it’s time to sort them, replacing complete arms can be more time-effective than pressing bushes and ball joints, and often isn’t much dearer. Always tighten control arm bolts at normal ride height so the bushes aren’t preloaded, and book a wheel alignment straight after—camber and caster can shift with new parts. It’s also smart to look over sway bar links, castor/radius bushes and strut mounts while you’re there, as they often age together.

Quality aftermarket arms with upgraded bushes can sharpen things up without making the ride harsh, and fresh control arms will usually pay for themselves in better tyre life and a calmer steering wheel on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

How can someone tell if the Territory’s control arm bushes or ball joints are worn?

Clunks over potholes or driveway entries, a steering wobble on braking, and inside-edge tyre wear are classic Territory clues. A visual check often shows torn rubber, leaking hydraulic bushes on the front lower arms, or cracked ball joint boots. With the wheel off the ground, any free play at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions can point to arm or ball joint wear (make sure the wheel bearings are sound first).

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing control arms?

Yes—every time. New arms and bushes change the static position of the hub and can alter camber and caster. An alignment dials everything back to spec, improves tyre life and ensures the steering tracks straight.

Should the bushes be replaced or the whole control arm?

Both approaches work. Pressing new bushes and ball joints into a solid factory arm can save a few dollars, but it needs the right tools. Complete arms are quicker to fit, reduce labour, and arrive with fresh bushes and ball joints already installed. On higher-kilometre SY II cars, many workshops prefer complete arms for a reliable, long-term fix.