Parts for your 2014 Volvo Xc60-Control arms

2014 Volvo XC60 Control Arms: What They Do, When to Replace, and How to Look After Them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2014 Volvo XC60. Technical references including Volvo VIDA (Workshop Manual, Front and Rear Suspension sections), the Volvo Genuine Parts Catalogue for XC60 (P3 platform, MY2014) and independent workshop data (MacPherson strut front with lower wishbone, independent multi‑link rear) all show the model employs lower control arms at the front and multiple control/link arms at the rear. These arms connect the wheel hubs to the chassis, pivoting on bushes and ball joints to control wheel location and alignment under braking, cornering and over bumps.

On a 2014 XC60, the front uses a MacPherson strut with a lower control arm (often called a wishbone) that carries the ball joint and two bushes. The rear is an independent multi‑link setup with several arms managing toe and camber. Together, they keep geometry steady, reduce tyre scrub, and filter vibration so the cabin stays quiet and composed.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect control arm bushes and ball joints every 20,000 km or at each service. Look for split or leaking hydro-bushes, perished rubber, loose ball joints, and torn dust boots. Typical tell‑tales include clunks over bumps, shimmy under braking, vague steering, and uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer edges. Aussie and Kiwi roads, corrugations and the odd pothole or gravel run can accelerate wear, particularly on the front lower rear hydro-bush.

When replacement time comes, many owners opt for complete arms with pre‑installed bushes and ball joint to save labour and ensure everything is fresh. In some cases, individual bushes can be pressed in with the right tooling, but it’s often more cost‑effective to fit full arms in pairs (left/right) for balanced handling. Always use new single‑use/torque‑to‑yield fasteners where Volvo specifies, snug bolts at ride height before final torque to avoid preloading the bushes, and book a four‑wheel alignment immediately after. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket arms will restore steering feel, braking stability and tyre life.

• Service tip: check sway bar links and strut top mounts at the same time—if they’re tired, it’s efficient to do them together.
• Compliance note: worn control arm bushes/ball joints can lead to a WOF/RWC fail due to steering or suspension play.

Technical sources referenced: Volvo VIDA Workshop Manual (Front/Rear Suspension, P3 platform, MY2014), Volvo Genuine Parts Catalogue (XC60 2014, suspension illustrations and bill of materials), and industry alignment/specification databases used by professional workshops.

Popular questions about 2014 Volvo XC60 control arms

Does the 2014 XC60 have control arms front and rear?
Yes. The front uses a MacPherson strut with a lower wishbone (control arm), and the rear is a multi‑link design with several arms that set toe and camber. Both ends rely on bushes and ball joints to keep alignment spot‑on while isolating noise and harshness.

How long do the control arm bushes typically last?
Many XC60s see 80,000–150,000 km from front lower bushes, but life varies with road conditions, loads, and driving style. Frequent gravel, speed bumps, heavy towing or big potholes in AU/NZ can shorten that window. Annual inspections help catch wear early and save tyres.

Can the bushes be replaced separately, or is a complete arm needed?
Both approaches are used. Some bushes can be pressed in with the right tools and specs, but workshops often fit complete arms that include new bushes and the ball joint. It reduces labour, avoids pressing errors, and restores all wear points at once.