Parts for your 2010 Ford Territory-Control arms

2010 Ford Territory control arms — what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2010 Ford Territory. The Ford Territory SY II workshop manual (Front Suspension 204‑01 and Rear Suspension 204‑02) specifies a double‑wishbone front end with upper and lower control arms, plus an independent rear suspension using multiple links/control arms in a Control Blade layout. This is echoed by Gregory’s Falcon/Territory 2002–2010 repair manual and major parts catalogues (e.g., SuperPro, Moog, Repco) that list front upper and lower control arms and rear lateral arms for the 2010 model.

On this Territory, control arms link the wheel hubs to the body, keeping camber, caster and toe in check while the suspension moves. The arms pivot on rubber (or polyurethane) bushes and, up front, the lower arms carry ball joints that let the knuckle steer and travel smoothly. The result is stable handling, predictable braking and even tyre wear — all the good stuff owners expect for school runs and long Kiwi or Aussie road trips.

As part of routine servicing, a quick look and pry-bar check of the arms, bushes and ball joints pays off. Cracked or oil‑soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, looseness, or rust around brackets are the tell‑tales. Many Territory owners start noticing clunks over speed humps, a shimmy under braking, or wandering on the motorway once bushes and joints are tired, often around 120,000–200,000 km depending on loads, towing and road conditions.

• Common symptoms: front-end clunking, sharp steering kickback on potholes, uneven inner tyre wear, vague steering, or ABS/ESC complaints after big kerb strikes.
• Servicing tips: inspect every service or 10–15,000 km, replace arms in axle pairs where practical, always book a wheel alignment after any arm, bush or ball joint work.

When replacing, torque the pivot bolts at normal ride height so the rubber bushes aren’t pre‑twisted — the workshop manual calls this out and it’s crucial for bush life. Quality aftermarket arms can save time thanks to pre‑pressed bushes and joints. Upgraded polyurethane bushes sharpen response and last longer but may transmit more vibration, OE‑style rubber keeps the Territory quiet and comfy. If a ball joint shows play or a bush has fully separated, it’s a safety item — park it and sort it before the next drive.

Rear multi‑link arms also wear, especially the lateral arm bushes, addressing them restores straight‑line stability and tidies up rear tyre wear. A fresh set and a proper alignment make a tired Territory feel new again.

Does a 2010 Ford Territory have front and rear control arms?

Yes. The front uses a double‑wishbone (upper and lower control arms), while the independent rear suspension uses multiple control arms in a Control Blade design. Both ends rely on bushes and, in the front lower arms, ball joints that wear with kilometres and heavy loads.

How often should control arm bushes or ball joints be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval — inspect every 10–15,000 km. Many last 120–180,000 km, but towing, corrugations and kerb strikes shorten that. Replace when bushes crack or split, the ball joint boot tears, or there’s measurable play or noise.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Yes. Control arm work alters camber, caster and toe. An alignment ensures proper tyre wear and straight tracking, and the tech can recheck that all pivots were torqued at ride height.