Parts for your 2014 Honda Stream-Control arms

2014 Honda Stream control arms: what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources including Honda service literature for the RN6–RN9 series and reputable OEM parts catalogues confirm that the 2014 Honda Stream uses front lower control arms as part of its MacPherson strut front suspension. Aftermarket catalogues that list complete arm assemblies, bushes and ball joints for RN6/RN8 models back this up as well. So yes—control arms are relevant and fitted to the front of a 2014 Honda Stream. The rear of this model uses a torsion-beam/trailing-arm layout rather than traditional upper/lower control arms.

On the Stream, the front lower control arms (often called wishbones) locate the wheel hub, manage camber and caster, and let the suspension move smoothly while keeping steering precise. Each arm uses rubber bushes to isolate noise and vibration, and a ball joint to connect to the steering knuckle. When those wear, the car can feel vague, pull under brakes, or chew out tyres.

For everyday servicing, it’s smart to have the control arms and bushes checked every 20,000 km or at each scheduled service. A good technician will look for cracked or torn bushes, leaking hydro-bushes (where fitted), rust at bushing sleeves, and play in the ball joint. Typical clues the Stream’s arms need attention include:

• Clunks over speed bumps or sharp edges
• Steering wander, tramlining, or a pull when braking
• Uneven or rapid inner-edge tyre wear
• Shimmy or vibration at motorway speeds

When it’s time to replace, many owners choose complete arm assemblies rather than pressing individual bushes and ball joints—it saves time and usually restores factory feel in one go. Quality matters here, go with OEM or reputable aftermarket brands rated for Australian and New Zealand roads. Replacing in axle pairs helps keep handling balanced.

Fitment tips a workshop will follow: use new self-locking nuts where specified by Honda, torque all fasteners at normal ride height (with the suspension loaded) to avoid preloading the bushes, and always perform a wheel alignment afterwards. It’s also a good moment to inspect sway bar links, tie-rod ends, and front strut mounts, since they often wear together. With decent roads and gentle driving, Stream control arm bushes and joints commonly last 80,000–150,000 km, harsh potholes, kerb strikes, and heavy loads can shorten that.

Note: the rear torsion-beam setup doesn’t have conventional control arms, but its trailing arm bushes should still be checked for cracking and movement, as they also affect stability and tyre life.

Does the 2014 Honda Stream have control arms?

Yes. The 2014 Stream (RN6–RN9) uses front lower control arms as part of its MacPherson strut front suspension. The rear uses a torsion-beam/trailing-arm design, so there aren’t traditional rear control arms on this model.

How long do the control arm bushes and ball joints last?

On typical Aussie and Kiwi roads, expect roughly 80,000–150,000 km. Cars that see lots of potholes, gravel, speed humps or kerb strikes may need attention sooner. Regular inspections help catch wear before it affects tyres and braking stability.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Absolutely. Control arms influence camber and caster, so an alignment is essential after any arm, bush or ball joint work. It ensures stable steering, even tyre wear, and proper braking behaviour.