Parts for your 2020 Mazda Cx-5-Control arms

2020 Mazda CX-5 Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Technical sources including the Mazda CX-5 (KF) Workshop Manual (front suspension: MacPherson strut with a lower control arm, rear suspension: multi-link with upper and lower lateral arms and a trailing arm), Mazda service information, and aftermarket fitment catalogues (e.g., Moog and Monroe) all list control arms/bush kits for this model year. So, they’re very much part of the suspension package on the 2020 CX-5.

On this CX-5, control arms link the wheel hubs to the subframe, guiding the wheel’s up-and-down motion while holding steady alignment angles like camber and caster. Up front, the arm carries a ball joint at the knuckle and rubber bushes at the chassis, helping the vehicle track straight and soak up bumps without passing harshness into the cabin. Down the back, the multi-link layout uses several control arms to fine-tune handling balance, ride comfort, and tyre contact during cornering and braking.

Because the arms themselves are sturdy, most attention during servicing goes to the wear items: bushes and, on the front lower arm, the ball joint. Worn components can knock, allow the wheel to shimmy, and chew through tyres. After any arm or bush replacement, a four-wheel alignment is a must on the CX-5 to restore geometry and protect tyre life.

• Tell-tale signs include clunks over speed humps, steering wander, vibration under braking, uneven tyre wear, and imprecise turn-in.
• Bush cracking, torn dust boots, or leaking fluid-filled bushes (where fitted) warrant replacement.

For replacement, many workshops prefer complete arm assemblies for the front, which arrive with a pre-installed ball joint and bushes—quicker and often more cost-effective. If pressing bushes, correct orientation and pressing depth matter. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes, and replace any single-use fasteners. A fresh alignment should follow, and it’s wise to inspect sway bar links and strut mounts at the same time, as they share similar loads.

Given Australian and New Zealand conditions—rough chip roads, corrugations, and the odd kerb knock—regular inspections at each service or roughly every 20,000 km make sense. Keeping tyres properly inflated and balanced also reduces stress on the CX-5’s control arms and helps maintain that tidy, confidence-inspiring Mazda handling feel.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have control arms front and rear?
Yes. The front uses a MacPherson strut with a lower control arm, and the rear is a multi-link setup with multiple control arms. This is confirmed by Mazda workshop documentation and common aftermarket catalogues covering the 2017–2021 KF series.

How long do control arm bushes last on a CX-5 in Australia/NZ?
It varies with driving and road conditions, but many owners see well over 80,000–120,000 km before notable wear. Frequent gravel, heavy loads, or big potholes can shorten that. Regular inspections help catch cracking or excess movement early.

Do they need a wheel alignment after control arm replacement?
Yes. Any time a control arm, bush, or ball joint is replaced, geometry can shift. A four-wheel alignment resets camber, caster, and toe to spec, protecting tyres and restoring the CX-5’s tidy steering feel.