Parts for your 2014 Lexus Is-Control arms

2014 Lexus IS control arms: what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2014 Lexus IS range (IS 250, IS 350 and IS 300h). The front suspension is a double wishbone design with upper and lower control arms, and the rear is a multi-link layout using several arms to locate the hub. This layout is documented in Lexus/Toyota technical sources including the Lexus IS (XE30) New Car Features manual, the Toyota/Lexus Repair Manual (TIS) – Suspension and Axle section, and the Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue, which list upper/lower front arms and multiple rear suspension arms for these models.

On this Lexus, the control arms link the chassis to the wheel hubs, keeping the tyres planted and the alignment steady through bumps, braking and cornering. They pivot on rubber or hydraulic bushes and, depending on position, may incorporate a ball joint. As the bushes age, they can crack or soften, which lets alignment wander and adds noise or vibration. Ball joints wear too, leading to looseness and clunks over rough roads.

Good servicing habits go a long way. A quick visual check every 20,000 km (or at each service) for split bushes, leaking hydraulic bushes, torn dust boots and rust at the ball joints is smart. If the car feels floaty, trams along ruts, or chews out the inner or outer edge of the tyres, have the arms and alignment checked. Many IS arms are replaced as complete assemblies when bushes or ball joints are worn, which restores factory geometry and saves time.

When replacing control arms on a 2014 Lexus IS, it’s best practice to:

• Use quality arms (genuine or reputable aftermarket) with OE-style bushes and joints.
• Tighten pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading the bushes.
• Always get a four-wheel alignment afterwards, camber and toe can shift with fresh bushes.
• Inspect related hardware at the same time: sway bar links, toe arms and strut mounts.

There’s no hard-and-fast replacement interval because road conditions and driving style differ, but many owners see bush or ball joint wear between 80,000 and 150,000 km. If you’re noticing steering shake under braking, a dull thud on take-off, or rapid tyre wear, sorting the control arms will bring the IS back to its tidy, confidence-inspiring handling.

Popular questions about 2014 Lexus IS control arms

Does the 2014 Lexus IS actually have control arms?
Yes. The XE30-series IS uses a front double wishbone setup with upper and lower control arms, and a rear multi-link with multiple arms. This is outlined in Lexus New Car Features and the Toyota/Lexus Repair Manual (TIS), and the Lexus parts catalogue lists these arms by position and side.

How long do the control arm bushes last?
It varies with roads and driving, but many see wear between 80,000–150,000 km. City kerbs, potholes and heat can shorten life. Tell-tales are wandering steering, tyre feathering and clunks over speed humps. An alignment check can confirm if bush movement is throwing out camber or toe.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Definitely. Fresh bushes and joints change where the wheels sit, so a four-wheel alignment is essential to lock in correct camber and toe, protect the tyres and keep the IS’s sharp steering feel. Make sure the arm bolts are torqued at ride height before the alignment is set.