Parts for your 2014 Subaru Exiga-Control arms

2014 Subaru Exiga Control Arms

Based on technical references, the 2014 Subaru Exiga (YA series) uses control arms. The Subaru Global Service Manual for Exiga lists a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control arm (often called a transverse link), and the rear suspension is a multi-link/double-wishbone design that employs lateral links/control arms. This is supported by Subaru’s FAST parts catalogue, which shows front lower arms with ball joints and multiple rear links with rubber bushes for the YA Exiga range.

On a 2014 Subaru Exiga, control arms do the heavy lifting in keeping the wheels planted and pointed where they should be. Up front, the lower control arm locates the hub and manages camber and caster as the strut moves, while its bushes soak up vibration. The ball joint lets the wheel steer and move up and down smoothly. Out back, the Exiga’s multi-link setup uses control arms (lateral links and trailing arms) to guide wheel movement for stable cornering, braking and ride comfort. When these arms or their bushes wear, the Exiga can feel nervous on the motorway, tramline over ruts, or chew out tyres faster than it should.

Owners and techs should keep an eye on a few tell-tales:

• Clunks, knocks or a dull thud over speed bumps or driveway lips
• Wandering steering, especially in crosswinds or on coarse chip
• Uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear, or shimmy under braking
• Cracked, perished or oil-soaked bushes, torn ball-joint dust boots

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, a visual inspection every 10,000–20,000 km (or annually) is a smart move, especially if the car sees gravel, coastal air or heavy loads. If play is found at the ball joint or the bushes are split, replacement is the go. Many Exiga front arms are available as complete assemblies (arm, bushes, ball joint), which can be more cost-effective than pressing in bushes alone. For the rear, individual lateral links or their bushes can be replaced depending on condition and budget.

Best practice when fitting control arms includes replacing in axle pairs, torquing all pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the new bushes, and finishing with a full four-wheel alignment. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket arms and bushes will keep the Exiga tracking straight and riding quietly. Done right, the difference in steering feel and tyre life is immediately noticeable.

• How can someone tell if the Exiga’s control arms or bushes are worn?
  Typical signs include clunks over bumps, vague steering, and uneven tyre wear. A mechanic can check for play at the ball joints, torn dust boots, and cracked or oil-soaked bushes. Any free play at the wheel during a shake test is a red flag.
• Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing control arms on a 2014 Exiga?
  Yes. Changing control arms alters suspension geometry. A four-wheel alignment resets camber, caster and toe so the Exiga drives straight and the tyres wear evenly. Skipping the alignment can undo the benefits of the new parts.
• Should the whole arm be replaced or just the bushes on the front of a 2014 Exiga?
  It depends on condition and cost. If the ball joint is worn or the arm is bent/corroded, a complete arm is the smarter option. If the arm is sound and only the bushes are tired, quality replacement bushes can do the job. Many shops price up both and choose the most reliable, cost-effective path.