Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Control arms

2009 Subaru Forester Control Arms: What They Do and When to Replace Them

Based on the 2009 Subaru Forester (SH) factory service manual’s Front Suspension section, Subaru’s regional parts catalogue (listing the “front arm, transverse link” for SH models), and common aftermarket catalogues that supply complete arms and bush kits for this vehicle, control arms are absolutely used on this Forester. The front suspension is MacPherson strut with a lower control arm (also called a transverse link), while the rear uses a double-wishbone layout with lateral links that function as control arms.

On this Forester, the front lower control arms locate the wheel hub in the correct position and let the suspension move up and down smoothly. They set and hold crucial alignment angles like caster and camber, helping the car track straight, steer predictably, and keep tyre wear even. The ball joint at the outer end allows the hub to pivot for steering, and the bushings at the inboard mounts soak up vibration and harshness so the cabin stays comfy without dulling road feel.

Because they cop every bump, pothole and corrugation, the arm’s bushings and ball joints wear with time. The SH-generation Forester commonly sees the large rear control arm bushing crack or leak (on hydraulic-style bushes), which leads to vague steering and braking shimmy. Regular checks—especially if the car tackles rough Kiwi or Aussie roads, does towing, or racks up big kilometres—are worthwhile.

• Typical signs: clunks over bumps, wandering or tramlining, steering shake under braking, uneven or rapid tyre wear, torn ball joint boots, or visible bushing cracks/leaks.
• Service tip: inspect at each service or roughly every 20,000 km, more often if used on gravel or coastal roads.

When replacement time comes, owners can choose whole arms (quicker, includes new ball joint and bushes) or press-in bushes (cost-effective if the arm is sound). Many workshops recommend replacing left and right together to keep handling consistent. Always torque arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes, and book a four-wheel alignment straight after the job. Expect some bolts to be stubborn—seized hardware and the front ball joint pinch bolt are known pain points—so allow a bit of extra workshop time. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts will keep the Forester steering sweet and tyres wearing nice and even.

Popular questions about 2009 Subaru Forester control arms

How can someone tell if the front control arm bushes are worn on a 2009 Forester?
They’ll often notice clunks on sharp bumps, vague turn-in, shimmy under braking, or feathered tyre wear on the edges. A visual check may show cracked rubber or, on fluid-filled bushes, signs of leakage. Jacking the car and levering the arm gently can reveal excess movement.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing control arms?
Yes. Changing arms or bushes alters caster and camber, and can nudge toe out of spec. A proper alignment right after the job protects tyres and restores the Forester’s straight-line stability and steering feel.

Can just the bushes be replaced, or is a complete arm better?
Both approaches work. Press-in bushes are budget-friendly if the arm and ball joint are still good. A complete arm saves labour time, renews the ball joint and both bushes in one hit, and is often the most hassle-free option on higher-kilometre cars.