Parts for your 2015 Lexus Is-Control arms

2015 Lexus IS Control Arms: What They Do and When to Replace Them

Technical sources confirm that the 2015 Lexus IS (XE30 series, including IS 250/300h/350) is fitted with control arms. The Lexus IS 2013–2017 Service/Repair Manual lists a double-wishbone front suspension with upper and lower control arms, while the rear uses a multi-link arrangement with control arms and links. This is also supported by Toyota TIS workshop documentation and the Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue, which enumerate front upper/lower control arms, bushings and ball joints for this model.

On this Lexus, control arms are the key links that locate each wheel, letting the suspension move up and down while keeping geometry steady. Up front, the double-wishbone setup uses upper and lower arms to hold camber and caster in check, which is a big part of why the IS feels planted and precise through corners. Down the back, multi-link arms help the rear tyres track true over bumps and during hard braking, keeping everything calm and predictable.

Over time, the rubber bushings and ball joints in those arms cop a hiding from heat, road grime and Kiwi/Aussie road conditions. When they wear, the driver can notice clunks over speed humps, tramlining on rutted roads, shimmy under brakes, or uneven tyre wear. There’s no fixed replacement interval, but regular servicing should include a close look at the arms, bushings and joints—especially from around 80,000–160,000 km, or sooner if the car sees rough roads.

• Have the suspension inspected during routine services for cracked or leaking bushings, torn dust boots, or play in ball joints.
• Replace control arms or bushings in axle pairs where practical to keep handling balanced.
• Always get a wheel alignment after control arm work, geometry will change as fresh bushings settle.
• Ask the tech to final-torque the arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the new bushings.
• Consider OE or high-quality aftermarket parts, polyurethane bushings can sharpen response but may add a touch more NVH compared with rubber.

If the car’s starting to wander on the motorway, chew the inner edges of the tyres, or knock over driveway lips, it’s worth booking a suspension check. Fresh control arms bring the IS back to that taut, confident feel it’s known for, and protect tyres from premature wear.

Popular questions about 2015 Lexus IS control arms

How long do control arm bushings and ball joints typically last?
There’s no set figure, but many 2015 IS vehicles see 80,000–160,000 km before notable wear, depending on driving style and road conditions. City kerbs, speed humps and coarse chip roads can shorten that window. Regular inspections during servicing help catch issues early.

Do both sides need replacing at the same time?
It’s best practice to replace in pairs on the same axle to keep handling and braking behaviour even left-to-right. If one side has failed, the other is often not far behind, and pairing the job saves on repeat labour and alignment costs.

Is a wheel alignment required after control arm replacement?
Yes. Any change to arms, bushings or ball joints alters suspension geometry. A proper four-wheel alignment restores camber, caster and toe so the IS drives straight and protects its tyres.