Parts for your 2013 Mazda Premacy-Control arms

2013 Mazda Premacy control arms: what they do and how to look after them

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Mazda Premacy (also known as the Mazda5, CW series). Technical sources back this up: the Mazda Workshop Manual (CW, Front Suspension and Rear Suspension) specifies a front lower control arm with an integral ball joint, and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists “Arm, Lower (Front)” along with rear multi-link arms/links. Major aftermarket catalogues (MOOG, TRW, FEBEST, SuperPro) also list direct-fit control arms and bush kits for the 2013 Premacy/Mazda5. So, control arms are relevant to this vehicle.

On the Premacy, the front MacPherson-strut setup relies on a lower control arm to locate the wheel and keep alignment steady through bumps, braking and cornering. The arm pivots on rubber bushes at the subframe and connects to the steering knuckle via a ball joint. Out back, the multi-link rear suspension uses several arms/links that play the same role—controlling wheel motion and maintaining camber and toe for tidy handling and even tyre wear.

Healthy control arms and bushes deliver a calm, confidence-inspiring drive. When they’re tired, the car can wander, shimmy under braking or clunk over speed humps. Tyres may scrub or wear on the inner edges, and steering feel can go a bit vague. That’s why it’s smart to check them at every service.

• Inspection tips: look for cracked or split bushes, leaking ball-joint boots, rust around joints, and any free play with a pry bar.
• Replacement best practice: torque pivot bolts at normal ride height, replace single-use/strech bolts where specified, and book a four-wheel alignment straight after.
• When to replace in pairs: if one front arm or bush has failed, doing both sides can restore symmetry and save on a second alignment later.

How long do they last? In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, factory rubber bushes can go 80,000–150,000 km, depending on road quality, loads and driving style. City kerbs, potholes and speed bumps shorten that. If the ball joint is part of the arm, a complete arm assembly is often the neatest fix. Where the bushes are serviceable, pressing in new rubber or polyurethane can sharpen things up, but quality matters—cheap kits can squeak or transmit vibration. After any control-arm work, fresh alignment settings bring the Premacy’s tidy turn-in and straight-line stability back to factory feel, and help protect those tyres.

• Quick signs it’s time: steering pull, uneven tyre wear, clunks over bumps, braking shudder that isn’t rotor-related, and visible bush tears.
• Good parts to choose: reputable OE or OE-equivalent arms and bush kits suited to ANZ roads.

Popular questions about 2013 Mazda Premacy control arms

Do all 2013 Mazda Premacy models have front control arms?
Yes. Every 2013 Premacy (Mazda5, CW) runs a MacPherson-strut front end with a lower control arm and ball joint, as shown in the Mazda Workshop Manual. The rear is a multi-link design that also uses arms/links to set toe and camber.

How long do Premacy control-arm bushes last?
Typically 80,000–150,000 km in Australian and New Zealand conditions. Rough roads, frequent heavy loads and kerb hits shorten their life. Regular inspections catch cracks or play before they chew out tyres.

Can the bushes be replaced without changing the whole arm?
On many Premacy arms, yes—the bushes can be pressed in and out. If the ball joint is riveted or integrated, a complete arm can be more efficient. Either way, torque bushes at ride height and get an alignment afterwards.