Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Asx-Control arms

2017 Mitsubishi ASX control arms — purpose, care, and when to replace

Control arms are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX. Technical sources confirm it uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms (wishbones) and a multi-link rear setup with multiple control/lateral arms. References include:

• Mitsubishi Motors 2017 ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport Service Manual (Front Suspension Group 33A, Rear Suspension Group 34A) describing the lower arm and multi-link components.
• Mitsubishi ASA/OEM parts catalogues listing front lower arm assemblies and rear lateral/trailing arms for the 2017 ASX model range.
• Aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro, Whiteline, major parts retailers) offering front lower control arms, ball joints, and bush kits for 2010–2020 ASX.

On the ASX, the front lower control arms tie the hub and strut to the chassis, guiding wheel movement so the tyres keep the right contact patch. They pivot on rubber bushes and connect to the steering knuckle via a ball joint. At the rear, the multi-link arms control toe and camber as the suspension moves, keeping the little SUV planted and predictable.

Healthy control arms mean sharper steering, even tyre wear, and better braking stability. Worn bushes or a sloppy ball joint can show up as clunks over bumps, vague steering, shimmy under braking, tramlining, or uneven tyre wear. If the steering wheel doesn’t centre nicely or the car feels unsettled on corrugations, it’s time for a proper inspection.

Good practice for ASX owners in Australia and New Zealand is to have the arms, bushes, and ball joints checked at each service (every 10,000–15,000 km), or sooner if driving on rough roads. A technician will look for torn or oil-soaked bushes, cracked ball joint boots, corrosion, and any play using a pry bar and dial gauge. Any control arm work should be followed by a wheel alignment to reset camber and toe. In NZ, a WOF inspector may flag split bushes or excess play.

When replacing, quality matters. Full replacement arms are a time-saver if the ball joint is also worn, otherwise, bush kits can be a cost-effective refresh. Replace in axle pairs where practical, torque all fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height, and use new hardware where specified by the workshop manual. If you’re hearing a knock or noticing shoulder wear on tyres, don’t wait—sorting control arms early saves tyres and keeps the ASX driving safely and sweetly.

• Does the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX have front and rear control arms?
  Yes. It uses front lower control arms with MacPherson struts, and a rear multi-link arrangement that includes several control/lateral arms. This setup balances comfort with tidy handling and good tyre contact.
• How long do ASX control arm bushes and ball joints typically last?
  Anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 km is common, depending on road conditions and driving style. Rough surfaces, heat, and contaminants can shorten bush and ball joint life. Listen for clunks, feel for steering wander, and keep an eye on tyre wear.
• Can just the bushes be replaced, or is a full control arm needed?
  Both are options. If the ball joint is sound, quality bush kits can refresh the arm. If the ball joint is worn, the arm is bent, or bolts are seized, a complete arm often works out quicker and more economical. Always finish with an alignment.