Parts for your 2014 Mazda Premacy-Control arms

2014 Mazda Premacy Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace Them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2014 Mazda Premacy (also known as the Mazda5 in some markets). Technical sources note the car runs MacPherson struts up front with lower control arms, and a multi-link rear that uses several control arms to locate the wheel. See the Mazda Premacy (CR) Workshop Manual, Suspension section (2010–2017), Mazda Service Information for Mazda5, and general references like the Haynes Mazda 3 & 5 2010–2016 Repair Manual. Major parts catalogues for this model also list front lower control arms and rear suspension links, confirming fitment.

On this Premacy, the control arms form the solid connection between the body and each wheel hub, keeping everything aligned as the suspension moves. Up front, the lower arms carry bushings and a ball joint that let the wheel move up and down while holding caster and camber steady. In the rear, the multi-link setup uses arms to manage toe and camber so the car tracks straight and rides smoothly. Good arms and bushings help it steer cleanly, brake predictably, and wear tyres evenly.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the control arms a once-over every 20,000–30,000 kilometres, or any time there’s a clunk, shimmy, or odd tyre wear. Look for torn or leaking bushings, cracked ball-joint boots, rust at mounting points, or dented arms from kerb strikes. If a bush or ball joint is flogged out, replace the affected parts promptly—letting it go can chew through tyres, upset braking, and in the worst case, risk joint separation.

• Common signs of wear: front-end clunks over bumps, vibration under braking, wandering or pull, uneven inner/outer tyre wear, and vague steering feel.
• Service tips: tighten arm bolts at normal ride height to prevent bushing preload, replace any single-use fasteners as the workshop manual specifies, and always finish with a four-wheel alignment.
• Parts choice: entire arm assemblies can be cost-effective as they usually include fresh bushings and a ball joint. Pressing in individual bushes is fine if the arm is otherwise mint.

After replacement, expect a sharper, quieter drive and more even tyre wear. If the vehicle has done high kilometres or seen rough roads, doing control arms in pairs (left and right) often saves time and maintains balance.

Popular questions

How long do control-arm bushings last on a 2014 Mazda Premacy?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, bushings commonly last 80,000–150,000 km, but city kerbs, speed humps, gravel roads, and heavier loads can shorten that. If there’s knocking, feathered tyres, or steering wander, check them sooner rather than later.

Can you replace just the bushings, or do you need the whole control arm?
Both are viable. Replacing the entire arm can save labour and ensures new bushings and ball joint in one hit. Pressing in bushings is cheaper on parts but needs proper tools and setup. Go with full arms if the ball joint or arm itself shows wear.

Do you need a wheel alignment after control-arm replacement?
Yes—every time. Changing arms or bushings alters geometry. A proper four-wheel alignment dials in camber and toe so the Premacy tracks straight and protects your tyres.