Parts for your 2013 Subaru Tribeca-Control arms

2013 Subaru Tribeca Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Subaru Tribeca. Technical sources that confirm this include the Subaru Tribeca Service Manual (Front Suspension – “Front Arm”) and the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue for MY2013, both detailing front lower control arm assemblies, bushings and ball joints. Aftermarket catalogues also list complete front lower control arm units for this model, reinforcing that control arms are a core part of its suspension.

On the Tribeca, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts working with robust lower control arms (also called transverse links). These arms locate the wheel hub fore–aft and side-to-side, allowing the strut to handle vertical movement while maintaining precise wheel alignment. The rear runs a multi-link setup with lateral links and a trailing arm, many parts suppliers group these as “rear control arms”, as they serve the same job of holding toe and camber steady.

When control arm bushings soften or split, or when the integrated ball joint wears, the Tribeca can develop clunks over bumps, vague steering, braking shimmy, and uneven tyre wear. That’s the cue for inspection and likely replacement. Owners in Australia and New Zealand who tow, tackle rough roads, or drive higher kilometres will often see wear sooner.

• Inspection: Check at each service or every 20,000 km for cracked/delaminated bushes, torn dust boots, or ball joint play.
• Replacement: Best done in axle pairs to keep handling balanced. Always torque bolts at normal ride height to avoid bush preload.
• Alignment: A four-wheel alignment is essential after control arm work to protect tyres and restore straight-line stability.

Quality matters. OE-spec arms or premium aftermarket units with improved bush compounds help the Tribeca track true and reduce noise, vibration and harshness. While the front lower arm is the common culprit, don’t overlook rear lateral links if there’s persistent toe drift or inside-edge tyre wear.

Handy workshop tips include soaking fasteners ahead of time on higher-mileage cars, replacing hardware if it’s corroded, and checking sway bar links and front ball joints “while it’s apart”. Fresh arms, correctly installed and aligned, bring the Tribeca back to the planted, confidence-inspiring feel owners expect.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Tribeca control arms

Does the 2013 Tribeca have both front and rear control arms?
Yes. The front uses dedicated lower control arms as part of the MacPherson strut system. The rear is a multi-link arrangement with lateral links and a trailing arm, many parts catalogues refer to these as rear control arms because they control wheel position and alignment just the same.

What are the tell-tale signs the control arms need replacing?
Common signs include clunks on take-off or over bumps, steering wander, braking shimmy, and uneven or rapid tyre wear. Visual checks often reveal split or oil-soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, or noticeable play when levering the arm.

Is a wheel alignment required after replacing control arms?
Absolutely. Any change to arms, bushes, or ball joints alters geometry. A proper four-wheel alignment restores camber, caster and toe, protects tyres from premature wear, and brings back that stable, straight-ahead feel.