Parts for your 2014 Toyota Land cruiser-Control arms

2014 Toyota Land Cruiser control arms — what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series). Technical references including the Toyota Repair Manual for the 200 Series (Suspension section), the Toyota New Car Features (NCF) manual, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue specify a front double‑wishbone independent suspension (with upper and lower control arms) and a rear solid axle located by multiple control/trailing arms with a lateral rod. So yes—control arms are very much part of this Land Cruiser’s underpinnings.

On this model, control arms locate the wheels fore‑aft and side‑to‑side while allowing vertical movement through the springs and dampers. They set and hold key alignment angles like camber and caster up front, keeping steering feel consistent and tyre wear even on long touring days and rough tracks. Bushes and ball joints at the arm pivots isolate vibration, let the suspension articulate, and help the big Cruiser track straight whether it’s loaded, towing, or crawling over corrugations. KDSS‑equipped variants still rely on the same arms, the hydraulic sway bar system complements, not replaces, the arms’ job.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect front upper and lower arms, and the rear trailing/control arms every 20,000 km (or each service). Look for:

• Cracked or oil‑soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, or any free play
• Clunks over bumps, steering wander, vibration, or uneven tyre wear
• Bent arms from off‑road strikes or severe potholes

When replacement’s due, choose quality arms and bushes (OE or proven aftermarket). Torque all pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre‑loading the bushes. Always follow Toyota FSM procedures—especially on KDSS models—and replace any single‑use nuts/bolts called out by the manual. A four‑wheel alignment is a must after front control arm work, expect camber/caster and toe to change. Post‑repair, a road test over mixed surfaces helps confirm quiet operation and straight‑line stability.

For rear arms, fresh bushes can transform towing stability and reduce driveline shudder. After rear work, recheck ride height, verify lateral rod condition, and listen for any remaining knocks from worn sway bar links. Keeping these components in good nick protects tyres, improves braking feel, and preserves that trademark Land Cruiser composure on Kiwi and Aussie roads alike.

Popular questions

Does the 2014 Land Cruiser have control arms at both ends?
Yes. The front uses a double‑wishbone setup with upper and lower control arms, and the rear solid axle is located by multiple control/trailing arms and a lateral rod. This is detailed in Toyota’s 200 Series Repair Manual and NCF publications.

How often should the control arm bushes and ball joints be checked?
Have them inspected at each service or about every 20,000 km. If the vehicle tows, runs bigger tyres, or sees heavy off‑road work, shorten the interval. Any play, cracked bushes, torn boots, or clunks over bumps means it’s time for attention.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes—especially after front arm or ball joint work. Replacing arms alters camber/caster and toe. Book a proper four‑wheel alignment immediately after installation to protect tyres and restore crisp steering.