Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer-Control arms

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Control-Arms — Purpose, Care and When to Replace

Technical sources confirm control-arms are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer. The Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for the CJ/CF Lancer lists a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control-arm and ball joint, while the rear uses independent multi-link arms and lateral links. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue also lists front lower arm assemblies for this model range, and major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro and Moog) supply replacement arms and bush kits for 2008–2017 Lancer variants.

On this Lancer, the front lower control-arms locate the wheel hub and let it pivot smoothly as the suspension moves, keeping camber and caster where they should be. Bushes at the chassis end isolate vibration, and the ball joint at the knuckle lets the wheel steer and bounce without binding. Healthy control-arms mean crisp steering, even tyre wear, and that planted, predictable feel the Lancer is known for.

As part of routine servicing, control-arms deserve a quick once-over. A tech will look for split or leaking bushes, cracked ball-joint boots, rust around bushing sleeves, and any free play. Tell-tales on the road include clunks over bumps, vague turn-in, tramlining, or inside-edge tyre wear. In New Zealand, excessive play or torn bushes can be a WoF fail, in Australia, it’ll raise eyebrows at rego time and on any pre-purchase inspection.

When replacement time comes, most owners opt for complete arm assemblies which include the ball joint and bushes—cost-effective and straightforward. If going the bush-only route, a press and careful setup are needed. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height and book a wheel alignment straight after, because geometry can shift when fresh bushes go in. Replacing arms in axle pairs keeps handling balanced left to right.

• Inspect control-arms and bushes at each service or every 10–15,000 km.
• Look for clunks, steering shimmy under braking, or uneven tyre wear.
• Use quality arms/bushes, follow the factory manual for torque specs.
• Always do a wheel alignment after any control-arm work.

Popular questions about 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer control-arms

How long do control-arm bushes last on a 2017 Lancer?

On typical Aussie and Kiwi roads, many Lancer bushes last 80,000–150,000 km, but rough surfaces, big potholes, or oversized wheels can shorten that. Age matters too—rubber hardens and cracks even if kilometres are low.

Regular inspections catch early wear, saving tyres and keeping steering sharp.

Is it safe to drive with worn control-arms?

It’s not ideal. Worn bushes and ball joints can cause vague steering, longer stopping distances, and rapid tyre wear. If there’s noticeable play or a loud clunk, it’s best to park it and get the arms checked—safety first.

Do they need a wheel alignment after replacing control-arms?

Yes. Fresh bushes and new arm geometry can nudge camber and toe out of spec. A proper alignment right after the job protects tyres and restores the Lancer’s tidy road manners.