Parts for your 2014 Holden Barina-Control arms

2014 Holden Barina control arms: what they do, when to replace, and how to keep them right

Control arms are absolutely relevant and fitted to the 2014 Holden Barina (TM, T300). Technical sources including the Holden/GM Service Information for Barina TM (Front Suspension – Description and Operation), the GM Global Electronic Parts Catalogue for TM Barina front suspension, and independent workshop manuals for the Chevrolet Sonic/Aveo T300 platform all specify a MacPherson strut front end with a pressed-steel lower control arm carrying two rubber bushes and an integral ball joint. The rear is a torsion-beam arrangement, so no separate rear control arms are used there.

On this Barina, the front lower control arms connect the wheel hubs to the subframe, letting the suspension travel up and down while keeping the wheel aligned through bumps, braking and cornering. Each arm houses a ball joint for steering articulation and bushes that soak up vibration. When everything’s healthy, the car tracks straight, steering feels tidy, and tyres wear evenly.

Because the bushes and ball joint are wear items, they cop a tough life on Aussie and Kiwi roads. Signs it’s time to sort them include:

• Clunks over bumps, vague or wandering steering, or a shimmy under braking
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear on the inside or outside edges
• Visible cracking, splitting, or oil-soaked rubber bushes, play at the ball joint

During regular servicing or a WOF/roadworthy check, a technician should inspect both front control arms on a hoist, lever-test bush movement, and check the ball joint for free play. If there’s deterioration, replacing the complete arm (rather than just pressing in bushes) is often the most efficient fix and restores geometry in one hit. It’s common practice to replace control arms in pairs left and right so handling stays balanced. Always follow torque specs with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes.

After any control arm replacement, a full wheel alignment is a must to set camber and toe, protect your tyres, and keep the steering sharp. Many Barinas run bush life well past 100,000 kilometres, but city kerbs, potholes, and spirited driving can shorten that. If there’s a knock up front or the tyres are feathering, getting the control arms checked early can save money and keep the Barina feeling safe and planted.

Popular questions about 2014 Holden Barina control arms

Does the 2014 Barina have control arms front and rear?
The 2014 Barina uses front lower control arms as part of its MacPherson strut setup. The rear is a torsion-beam axle with trailing links, so there aren’t separate rear control arms to service like you’d see in a multi-link rear end.

How long do Barina control arm bushes and ball joints last?
Many owners see well beyond 100,000 kilometres, but harsh roads, kerb strikes, and heavy braking can speed up wear. Regular inspections during servicing help catch cracking bushes or ball joint play before they cause tyre wear or vague steering.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes. Any time a control arm is replaced, a professional wheel alignment is recommended to reset toe and camber, protect your tyres, and keep the steering feel consistent.