Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Control arms

2017 Subaru Legacy Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2017 Subaru Legacy. Technical references including the Subaru Legacy/Outback (BN/BS, MY2017) factory Service Manual (Chassis: Front and Rear Suspension) and Subaru’s genuine parts catalogue list the front lower control arm assemblies and the rear control arms/lateral links for this model. That makes control arms directly relevant to suspension performance and tyre wear on the 2017 Legacy.

On this Legacy, the front uses a MacPherson strut setup with a single lower control arm per side, carrying a ball joint at the knuckle and rubber bushes at the subframe. The rear is a multi-link/double-wishbone arrangement that uses several arms (often called lateral links and a trailing arm) to keep the wheel tracking straight while allowing smooth vertical movement. In plain terms, these arms locate the wheels, manage camber and caster, and soak up bumps so the car feels planted and predictable.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the control arms and their bushes/ball joints inspected every service or at least each 10,000–15,000 km. Aussie and Kiwi roads, corrugations, and coastal conditions can speed up wear. Telltales of trouble include thumps over speed humps, shudder under braking, vague steering on the motorway, and uneven tyre wear (especially inner shoulders).

• Look for cracked or split bushes, oil-soaked rubber, or torn ball-joint boots.
• Check for free play by levering the arm carefully, any clunk or movement at the ball joint or bushes needs attention.
• If one front arm’s bushes are shot, replacing in pairs (left and right) helps keep handling even.
• Many workshops fit complete arm assemblies for convenience and longevity, though the front ball joint on this model can be serviced separately if wear is isolated.
• Always get a four-wheel alignment after control arm work, camber and toe will shift.
• Ask the technician to torque the bush bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the rubber, and replace any specified single-use lock nuts/bolts per Subaru guidance.

Kept in good nick, the Legacy’s control arms help deliver that tidy Subaru feel—quiet over rough patches, precise turn-in, and even tyre wear. Leaving worn bushes or a loose ball joint to linger just costs more in tyres and can knock other suspension bits about, so it’s worth sorting sooner rather than later.

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Legacy control arms

How long do control arm bushes last on a 2017 Legacy?
In typical Aussie/NZ use, many see 80,000–150,000 km, but rough roads, heavy loads, and coastal exposure can bring that forward. Regular inspections will catch small cracks or play early, before it turns into a clunk or uneven tyre wear.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes—every time. Changing arms or bushes alters suspension geometry. A proper four-wheel alignment restores camber and toe so the car tracks straight and the tyres wear evenly.

Can I replace just the bushes instead of the whole arm?
Often, yes. The front ball joint is also serviceable separately on this model. That said, complete arm assemblies can save labour and renew all wear points at once, which many owners prefer for long-term reliability.