Parts for your 2013 Lexus Is-Control arms

2013 Lexus IS Control Arms: What they do and how to look after them

Control arms are absolutely relevant to the 2013 Lexus IS. Technical sources including the Lexus/Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the second‑generation IS (XE20, through MY2013) and the factory Repair Manual on Toyota’s Technical Information System describe a double‑wishbone front suspension (upper and lower control arms) and a multi‑link rear (multiple control arms). Aftermarket catalogues from major suspension makers also list front upper and lower arms and rear links for this model, confirming fitment.

On a 2013 Lexus IS, the control arms form the backbone of the suspension geometry. Up front, the double‑wishbone layout uses upper and lower arms to keep the wheel aligned through bumps and cornering, giving that planted, precise steering feel the IS is known for. Down the back, the multi‑link setup uses several arms to control toe and camber as the suspension moves, balancing ride comfort with sharp handling.

Each arm pivots on bushes (bushings) and, where fitted, a ball joint. The bushes absorb vibration and isolate noise, the joints allow smooth movement without slack. When these wear, the car can feel nervous over corrugations, wander on the motorway, or develop clunks on take‑off and braking. Uneven tyre wear and shimmy through the wheel are also common flags.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control arms every 20,000 km or at each tyre rotation. Look for split or weeping bushes, cracked rubber, torn ball‑joint boots, rust around mounts, and any bent arms after a pothole hit. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many owners see bush or ball‑joint wear somewhere between 100,000 and 180,000 km, sooner if the car lives on rough roads.

Replacement can be done as complete arms (often quicker and more cost‑effective) or by pressing in new bushes where design allows. Key tips:

• Replace in axle pairs to keep handling balanced.
• Tighten inner control‑arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid twisting new bushes.
• Book a proper four‑wheel alignment straight after any arm, bush or ball‑joint work.
• Use quality components, cheap bushes can introduce vibration or won’t last.
• Check related parts at the same time: sway‑bar links, tie‑rod ends, and strut top mounts.

Kept in good nick, the IS’s control arms help deliver quiet, confident road manners, even on coarse‑chip highways and city speed humps.

Popular questions about 2013 Lexus IS control arms

What are the signs my 2013 IS needs control arms or bushes?
Common signs include clunks over bumps, steering wander, vibration under braking, and uneven tyre wear. A visual check may show cracked bushes or torn ball‑joint boots, and a pry‑bar test can reveal excess play.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes. Any change to arms, bushes or ball joints alters geometry. A four‑wheel alignment will reset camber, caster and toe to spec, protecting tyres and restoring straight‑line stability.

Should I replace both sides at once?
It’s recommended. Wear is usually similar side‑to‑side, and replacing in pairs keeps handling balanced and braking feel consistent, saving a second alignment later.