Parts for your 2013 Subaru Xv-Control arms

2013 Subaru XV control-arms: what they do and when to replace them

Control-arms are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Subaru XV (also known as the GP-series XV/Crosstrek). Technical sources that detail this include the Subaru XV (GP) Workshop Manual – Front Suspension (MacPherson strut with a lower control arm/transverse link) and Rear Suspension (double wishbone with lateral links and trailing arms functioning as control arms), the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (listing front lower arms and rear lateral links for the 2013 XV), and general service references such as the Haynes/Autodata guides for the 2012–2016 Impreza/XV platform. So, control-arms are very much relevant to this model.

On the XV, the front lower control-arms locate the hub and strut, set key alignment angles, and let the suspension move smoothly through bumps while keeping steering precise. Out back, the multi-link/double-wishbone arrangement uses control-arms (lateral links plus trailing arms) to keep the rear wheels planted and stable. Together, they’re critical for ride comfort, tyre wear, braking stability and straight-line tracking.

As part of routine servicing on a 2013-subaru-xv, it’s smart to inspect control-arms and their rubber bushes every 10,000–15,000 km (or at each service). Look for torn bush rubbers, cracked or leaking ball-joint boots, rust at welds, and any play. Typical clues that control-arms or bushes are tired include:

• Clunks over bumps, or a thud on take-off/braking
• Uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear
• Steering wander, tramlining, or a pull under braking
• Vibration through the wheel or vague turn-in

If replacement is needed, many owners choose complete arm assemblies (arm, bushes and ball joint pre-fitted) to save labour and avoid press-fit hassles. Always have a wheel alignment done afterwards, as new arms change caster and camber. It’s good practice to torque suspension bolts at normal ride height, and replace any single-use/self-locking nuts. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket arms are both fine, for heavy use (gravel, towing, or frequent loads), consider uprated bushes. In coastal or high-corrosion areas, periodic underbody washing helps extend arm life.

Front arm replacement is typically a straightforward job for a workshop and often falls around 1.5–3.0 hours per side depending on rust and seized bolts, rear links vary with condition. For WoF/roadworthy compliance in NZ/Aus, perished bushes or ball-joint play will usually trigger a fail, so sorting control-arms promptly keeps the XV safe, legal and easy on tyres.

Popular questions about 2013-subaru-xv control-arms

Does the 2013 Subaru XV have control-arms?
Yes. The front uses a MacPherson strut with a lower control arm (transverse link), and the rear uses a multi-link/double-wishbone layout with control-arms (lateral links and a trailing arm). This is documented in the Subaru XV (GP) Workshop Manual and Subaru’s parts catalogue.

How long do control-arm bushes last on a 2013 Subaru XV?
It varies with driving and conditions, but many XVs see 80,000–150,000 km before noticeable wear. Frequent gravel roads, heavy loads, harsh potholes, or coastal corrosion can shorten that. Regular inspections catch early cracking or play before it affects tyres and handling.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control-arms?
Absolutely. New arms and bushes alter alignment angles, so a post-repair alignment is essential for proper steering feel, stability and even tyre wear.