How To Replace Subaru Suspension Control Arms
When it comes to maintaining your Subaru, replacing the suspension control arms is an important job that will significantly improve the handling and safety of your vehicle.
Although it may seem difficult, replacing your Subaru's control arms using OEM parts is straightforward and can be tackled with the right tools and know-how. That's where this guide comes in. In it, we'll walk through how to replace your Subaru's control arms using OEM parts and provide some general guidelines that apply to most models.
Why Replace Your Subaru Control Arms?
Control arms play a significant role in aligning the vehicle's wheels and absorbing road shocks. Over time, their bushings can wear out, or the control arms can bend or break, leading to:
- Uneven tire wear
- Noisy steering
- Poor handling and vehicle stability
Replacing the control arms will restore your vehicle's performance and extend the life of your tires and other suspension parts.
Subaru Suspension Control Arm Replacement
Image Credit: CarsNToys
Tools and Materials
If one control arm is worn out or damaged, it's best to replace both because it's very likely the other one is going out as well. In addition to the OEM Subaru parts, you'll need the following:
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Ball joint separator
- Jack and jack stands
- Safety goggles
- Neoprene gloves or mechanic's gloves
Steps For Replacing Subaru Control Arms
- Prep Your Vehicle:
- Park on a flat surface and apply the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels.
- Jack up the car and secure it on jack stands.
- Remove the front wheels.
- Disconnect the Old Control Arms:
- Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts connecting the control arm to the frame and wheel hub.
- It may also be necessary to use a ball joint separator or pry bar to disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
- Repeat on the other side
- Install the New Control Arms:
- Position the new OEM control arms on the car and secure it.
- Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench.
- Reattach the Wheels:
- Put the wheels back on and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
- Lower the car from the jack stands and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
Once you've finished the job, take your Subaru on a quiet road to check that the control arm and the suspension are operating correctly.
OEM Control Arms From Subaru Parts Plus
If you need to replace a control arm on your Subaru, your best bet is Subaru Parts Plus. When you buy from us, you get the following:
- OEM parts backed by a Subaru warranty
- Expert advice from our experienced, knowledgeable associates
- Fast shipping to your door
We are a family-owned, authorized dealer of OEM Subaru parts. All parts we sell are backed by a Subarus manufacturer warranty. If you need help, contact us online or call us at 1-888-294-4979.