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Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Control arms
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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Control Arms — What They Do and When to Service Them
Control arms are absolutely used on the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Eclipse Cross Service Manual (GK-series, Front Suspension Group 33A and Rear Suspension Group 34A) and the Mitsubishi ASA/parts catalogue identify front lower control arm assemblies and a rear multi-link layout incorporating control arms and lateral links. That means the Eclipse Cross relies on control arms both front and rear to locate the wheels and keep handling tidy.
On this model, the front end runs a MacPherson strut with a lower control arm that houses a ball joint and rubber bushes. At the rear, the multi-link arrangement uses arms and links to control toe and camber as the suspension moves. These arms fix the wheel hubs to the body with precise geometry, manage braking and cornering loads, and help the tyres keep a consistent contact patch. The bushes isolate cabin harshness while the ball joints allow smooth articulation through bumps, steering and braking.
Servicing the Eclipse Cross control arms is mostly about inspection and timely replacement of wear parts. Rubber bushes harden, crack or delaminate with age, heat and road grime, ball joints wear and can develop play. Typical signs include clunks over sharp bumps, vague steering, instability under braking, or uneven tyre wear. If any of that shows up, or if a Warrant of Fitness/roadworthy check flags movement in the arms, it’s time for a closer look.
- Have the control arm bushes and ball joint boots inspected at every service or 10,000–15,000 km, whichever comes first.
- Replace cracked bushes, torn boots or any arm with measurable play. On the front of the Eclipse Cross, it’s smart to replace arms or bushes in pairs (left and right) to keep handling even.
- Torque control arm fasteners at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading new bushes, and always follow Mitsubishi torque specs from the workshop manual.
- Book a four-wheel alignment after any control arm or bush replacement. The rear multi-link setup is sensitive to small geometry changes that affect tyre life.
- Choose quality OE or reputable aftermarket arms/bushes, new hardware is recommended where specified.
Looked after properly, the Eclipse Cross’s control arms keep steering sharp, tyre wear even and ride quality calm, whether it’s city commuting or a long weekend run.
Do all 2018 Eclipse Cross models have control arms front and rear?
Yes. The front uses a MacPherson strut with a lower control arm. The rear is a multi-link system that uses control arms and lateral links to set camber and toe. This layout is documented in the Mitsubishi service manual and parts catalogue for GK-series vehicles.
What are common signs the control arm bushes or ball joints are worn?
Drivers may notice clunks over bumps, steering wander, shudder under braking, or uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer edges. Visual checks might show cracked bushes or a torn ball joint boot. Any looseness found during a WOF/roadworthy should be addressed promptly.
Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing control arms on an Eclipse Cross?
Absolutely. Even if only the front lower arms are changed, alignment can shift. With the rear multi-link, small variations in bush position or arm length directly affect toe and camber. A proper four-wheel alignment protects tyre life and restores straight-line stability.
