Parts for your 2013 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Control arms

2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris Control Arms

Based on Toyota’s technical literature, the 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (NCP13# series) runs a MacPherson strut front suspension that uses a front lower control arm on each side. This layout is detailed in Toyota New Car Features for the NCP130 family and supported by the Toyota Repair Manual sections covering “Front Lower Suspension Arm” service procedures, as well as the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listing the arm assemblies and associated bushes and ball joints. The rear is a torsion beam arrangement, so there isn’t a traditional set of rear control arms.

On this model, the front control arms act as the solid link between the chassis and the steering knuckle. They keep wheel movement in check, set the geometry for camber and caster, and, together with the strut and sway bar, manage how the car tracks and responds over bumps. The rubber bushes in the arm control noise, vibration and harshness, while the ball joint allows smooth up‑down and steering motion.

For everyday driving around Aotearoa or Aussie roads, these arms and their bushes cop a fair bit of work—potholes, speed humps, gravel, and the odd kerb kiss. Tell‑tale signs of wear include clunks over bumps, wandering or tramlining, vague steering feel, and uneven tyre wear. Braking stability can also feel off when bushes are torn or the ball joint is loose.

As part of regular servicing on a 2013 Vitz/Yaris, workshops typically:

• Inspect control arm bushes and ball joints for cracks, tears, play, or perishing.
• Check for bent arms after impacts or heavy pothole hits.
• Verify tyre wear patterns and road test for knocks and vibration.

When replacement is needed, quality arms (or new bushes and a ball joint if the arm is serviceable) restore steering precision and tyre life. It’s best practice to replace in axle pairs if wear is similar side‑to‑side. After any control arm work, a proper wheel alignment is essential to bring camber and toe back to spec. Given how compact the front end is on the NCP13# cars, access is straightforward for a trained tech using the Toyota Repair Manual procedure and correct torque settings. With fresh bushes and joints, the Vitz/Yaris feels tighter, tracks straighter, and is easier on its tyres—exactly how Toyota intended.

Popular questions

Do all 2013 Vitz/Yaris models have front control arms?
Yes. Technical sources for the NCP13# series (Toyota New Car Features and the Repair Manual) specify a MacPherson strut front end with a lower control arm on each side. Rear suspension is a torsion beam, so there aren’t conventional rear control arms.

How long do control arm bushes typically last on a 2013 Vitz/Yaris?
Service life varies with roads and driving style, but it’s common to see bushes last 80,000–150,000 km. Frequent stop‑start, rough roads, or heavy loads can shorten that. Regular inspections during scheduled servicing help catch cracking or play early.

Is a wheel alignment required after replacing a control arm?
Absolutely. Changing a control arm or its bushes can shift camber and toe. A post‑repair alignment brings the geometry back to spec, protecting tyres and restoring straight‑line stability and steering feel.