Parts for your 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer-Control arms

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Control-Arms — What They Do and When to Replace

Based on technical sources — the Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ/CF series, incl. 2014) workshop manual for Front (Group 33A) and Rear Suspension (Group 34), plus the Mitsubishi ASA/Global EPC parts catalogue — the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer does use control arms. Up front it runs a MacPherson strut setup with a lower control arm (front suspension arm with an integral ball joint and bushes). Down the back it uses a multi-link arrangement with lateral links and a trailing arm that function as rear control arms.

On a Lancer, the control arms keep the wheel hubs located in the right spot through bumps, braking and cornering. They pivot on rubber or hydraulic bushes and, on the front, connect to the steering knuckle via a ball joint. That combo lets the suspension move freely while holding your wheel alignment steady, so the car tracks straight, turns predictably, and doesn’t chew out tyres.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control-arms and their wear items every 20,000–30,000 kilometres or at least annually — especially if the car sees rough country roads, speed humps, or coastal conditions common in Australia and New Zealand. Look for split or oil-soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, rust at arm pivots, and any play.

• Tell-tale signs they’re tired: clunks over bumps, steering shimmy, wandering, uneven or rapid tyre wear, pulling under braking, or a metallic knock when taking off or stopping.
• When replacing: torque the bolts at normal ride height (wheels on ramps or with the arms preloaded) to avoid preloading bushes.
• Always book a four-wheel alignment after control-arm or bushing work — it’s critical for tyre life and safe handling.
• Consider complete arm assemblies (with pressed-in bushes and ball joint) for a cleaner, time-saving fix, and stick with quality parts designed for Aus/NZ conditions.
• In coastal areas, add a quick rinse under the guards now and then to help fend off corrosion at the arm mounts.

If the car feels fine but the bushes show cracking, they can be replaced before they get noisy. But if a ball joint has play, don’t muck about — replace the arm/ball joint immediately. Driving with a loose joint risks sudden loss of steering control.

Technical sources referenced (no external links):

• Mitsubishi Lancer CJ/CF (2007–2017) Workshop Manual — Group 33A Front Suspension, Group 34 Rear Suspension
• Mitsubishi ASA / Global EPC (Electronic Parts Catalogue) — Front Lower Arm and Rear Lateral/Trailing Links listings for 2014 Lancer variants

Popular questions about 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer control-arms

Q: Does the 2014 Lancer have both front and rear control arms?
Yes. The front uses a lower control arm in a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear uses multi-link arms (lateral links and a trailing arm) that function as control arms to manage wheel alignment and movement.

Q: Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms on a Lancer?
Absolutely. Any time you change arms, bushes or ball joints, get a proper four-wheel alignment. It restores camber, caster and toe, protecting your tyres and ensuring the car tracks straight.

Q: How long do control-arm bushes and ball joints last in Aus/NZ conditions?
There’s no fixed interval, but many last 80,000–150,000 kilometres depending on roads and driving style. Frequent corrugations, potholes and heavy loads shorten their life. Inspect annually and replace at the first signs of play, cracking, or noise.