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Parts for your 2013 Ford Escape-Control arms
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2013 Ford Escape Control Arms
Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Ford Escape. Ford’s Workshop Manual for this model (Front Suspension, Section 204-01, Rear Suspension, Section 204-02) specifies a MacPherson-strut front end with a lower control arm and a multi-link rear with control blades/lateral links. The Ford Parts Catalogue lists complete front lower control arm assemblies for 2013 Escape (e.g., LH/RH service arms), and major aftermarket catalogues (MOOG, TRW, AC Delco) carry direct-fit replacements. That’s solid technical confirmation the vehicle uses control arms front and rear.
On a 2013 Escape, the control arms connect the wheel hubs to the body while allowing smooth up–down movement. Up front, the lower control arm locates the wheel, sets geometry like caster and camber, and houses a ball joint so the wheel can steer. In the rear, the links and arms control toe and camber as the suspension moves. Together, these parts keep the tyres planted, the steering true, and the ride settled over Aussie and Kiwi backroads alike.
Because control-arm bushes and ball joints are wear items, a quick check at every service or 20,000 km is smart. Look for split or oil-soaked rubber bushes, torn ball-joint boots, loose pinch bolts, rusted arms, and any play. Corrugations, gravel, and big potholes speed up wear, so country kilometres count extra.
- Common signs it’s time to replace: clunks over bumps, vague steering, pulling under braking, uneven or rapid inside-edge tyre wear, shimmy at 60–90 km/h, or wandering on the motorway.
- Most quality replacement arms include a pre-fitted ball joint and bushes, many OE fasteners are single-use stretch bolts—replace them as specified.
- Replace in pairs (left and right) to keep handling balanced.
- Torque control-arm bolts at ride height to avoid pre-loading the bushes, otherwise they’ll fail early.
- Book a four-wheel alignment immediately after fitment, geometry will shift when arms or bushes change.
- If you tow or frequently carry loads, consider inspecting more often and opting for heavy-duty bushes.
With proper servicing, OE-style arms typically last well past 100,000 km, but city kerb knocks and rough gravel can shorten that. A tidy control-arm setup helps the Escape steer crisply, brake straight, and treat its tyres kindly—worth every bit of attention during routine maintenance.
Popular questions about 2013 Ford Escape control arms
Do both front control arms need replacing at the same time?
Best practice is yes. If one side’s bushes or ball joint are worn, the other is usually not far behind. Replacing in pairs keeps geometry and braking behaviour even, and it saves on repeated alignments.
Do I need a wheel alignment after changing control arms?
Absolutely. Changing arms or bushes alters camber and toe. A four-wheel alignment right after installation protects your tyres and restores straight-line stability and steering feel.
How long do factory control-arm bushes and ball joints last?
Many owners see 100,000–160,000 km from OE parts under mixed driving. Lots of stop–start, speed humps, gravel, and heat can bring that forward. Inspect every service and act on early signs like clunks or uneven tyre wear.
