Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Control arms

2013 Ford Falcon control arms — what they do and when to replace

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2013 Ford Falcon (FG MkII). Technical sources including the Ford FG/FG MkII Falcon Workshop Manual (Front Suspension) and Ford’s electronic parts catalogue (Microcat/EPC) show the front suspension as a short-long-arm/double-wishbone layout with upper and lower control arms. For sedans and XR variants, the rear “Control Blade” independent rear suspension also employs lateral control arms/links, while the 2013 Falcon Ute runs a live rear axle with leaf springs (no rear control arms). Aftermarket catalogues from brands like SuperPro, Whiteline and Repco/NAPA list complete arms and bush kits for these models, further confirming fitment.

On a 2013 Falcon, the control arms locate the wheels precisely, keeping camber and caster where they should be so the car steers straight, brakes predictably, and wears tyres evenly. Each arm pivots on rubber or hydraulic bushes and connects to the hub through a ball joint, allowing the suspension to move without letting the wheel wander. Up front, those upper and lower arms are doing the heavy lifting for ride and handling, in IRS sedans, the rear arms keep toe and camber tidy under load.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control arm bushes and ball joints every 20,000–30,000 km or annually—more often if the car tows, lives on rough roads, or sees spirited driving. Look for torn or leaking bushes, split ball joint boots, rust dust, and any free play. Uneven inner-edge tyre wear, steering shimmy, clunks over bumps, or a tendency to tramline are classic signs the control-arms need attention.

• Listen for knocks when taking speed humps or turning into driveways.
• Check tyres for feathering or rapid inner wear after alignments.
• Watch for wandering on the motorway or vague turn-in.
• Inspect bush and ball joint boots for cracks or grease leaks.
• If one side fails, compare both sides—ageing is usually symmetrical.

Replacement can be done as complete control-arms (often quickest) or by pressing in new bushes/ball joints. Use quality parts, torque everything at ride height to avoid pre-loading the bushes, and always get a wheel alignment afterwards—camber/caster up front and rear toe on IRS sedans are critical to how a Falcon drives and how long the tyres last. For utes, remember the rear is leaf-sprung, so the control-arm focus is all at the front.

Do 2013 Ford Falcon sedans and utes both have rear control arms?

Sedans (FG MkII) run Control Blade independent rear suspension that uses control arms/links to manage toe and camber. The 2013 Falcon Ute uses a live rear axle with leaf springs, so there are no rear control arms on the ute. Both body styles do use front upper and lower control arms.

How long do control arm bushes and ball joints last on a 2013 Falcon?

Many last 80,000–150,000 km, but rough roads, heavy loads and performance driving shorten that. Tell-tales are clunks, uneven tyre wear, vague steering and torn boots. Regular inspections during services help catch wear before it chews out tyres.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Yes. Any change to arms, bushes or ball joints can alter camber, caster and toe. A proper alignment is essential—front for all Falcons, and rear toe/camber on IRS sedans—to restore crisp steering and protect tyre life.