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Subaru Impreza Control Arm Sets

Subaru Impreza Control arm sets

Control arm sets for the Subaru Impreza start at $77.95 and AutoBuffy stocks 5 options from MOOG and Suspensia. Control arms connect your wheels to the vehicle frame, maintaining wheel alignment and absorbing road forces. When they wear out, handling becomes unpredictable and tire wear accelerates — two problems that compound quickly into safety risks.

Signs your Subaru Impreza needs new control arms

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension over bumps, potholes, or during slow turns — often caused by a worn control arm bushing or ball joint
  • Steering wheel pulls to one side without input, even on a flat, straight road, pointing to a bent arm or collapsed bushing throwing off alignment
  • Uneven or rapid tire wear on the inner or outer edge, indicating the wheel is no longer sitting at the correct angle
  • Vibration through the steering wheel or floorboard that worsens with speed, especially after hitting a pothole or curb
  • Loose or vague steering feel — the wheel wanders or requires constant small corrections to hold a lane
  • Visible damage on inspection: cracked or torn rubber bushings, a seized ball joint, or a bent arm from a collision or road hazard

Which control arm set should you buy for your Subaru Impreza?

The main decision is whether to buy a complete assembly — arm, bushings, and ball joint pre-installed — or individual components. For most owners, a complete set saves labor time and ensures all wear items are replaced together. Position (front upper, front lower, rear) and whether you need a single side or full set are the next filters.

Complete arm with ball joint and bushings pre-installed
Best for
Most owners doing a full refresh or replacing after impact damage
What you get
Ready-to-bolt-on assembly; no pressing or sourcing separate parts
Arm with bushings only (no ball joint)
Best for
Vehicles where the ball joint is separate or still in good condition
What you get
New arm and fresh bushings; you reuse or separately source the ball joint
Front lower control arm set (both sides)
Best for
Balanced replacement when one side is worn, since the opposite is likely close behind
What you get
Matched pair ensures even suspension geometry and consistent handling
OE-spec replacement (direct fit)
Best for
Drivers who want factory handling and alignment characteristics restored exactly
What you get
Meets original dimensional tolerances; straightforward alignment after install
Heavy-duty or performance-grade arm
Best for
Trucks, SUVs with lifted suspensions, or vehicles used for towing and off-road
What you get
Thicker steel or forged construction; upgraded bushings rated for higher load cycles

Control arm sets brands we stock for your Subaru Impreza

MOOG
4 options · from $83.95
Suspensia
1 option · from $77.95

Replacing control arms on a Subaru Impreza

Advanced⏱ 2–4 hours per sideFloor jack and jack standsBall joint separator or pressBreaker bar and socket setTorque wrenchPry bar

Control arm replacement requires supporting the vehicle safely, disconnecting the ball joint and any sway bar links, then unbolting the arm from the frame and knuckle. Installers should torque fasteners with the suspension at ride height, not fully droop, to prevent bushing preload issues. A professional wheel alignment is mandatory after the job is complete.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace control arms on a Subaru Impreza?
Parts alone start at $77.95 for a Subaru Impreza control arm set at AutoBuffy. Shop labor typically adds more on top depending on your location and how many arms are being replaced. Replacing both sides at once is more cost-effective since alignment is required either way and labor overlap reduces total time.
Can I drive my Subaru Impreza with a bad control arm?
A worn control arm is a safety risk and should be addressed promptly. A failing bushing may allow limited driving at reduced speed, but a cracked arm or severely worn ball joint can cause sudden loss of steering control. If the ball joint is loose or the arm is visibly damaged, the vehicle should not be driven.
Do I need to replace control arms in pairs on my Subaru Impreza?
It is strongly recommended. Control arm bushings and ball joints wear at similar rates on both sides. Replacing only one side often results in uneven handling, a steering pull toward the newer side, and a return visit in a short time. Replacing in pairs also means alignment only needs to be done once.
Does replacing control arms on a Subaru Impreza require a wheel alignment?
Yes — always. Removing a control arm changes the suspension geometry. Reinstalling a new arm without a professional alignment afterward will leave the wheels at incorrect angles, causing rapid and uneven tire wear and steering that pulls to one side. Budget for an alignment as part of the total job cost.
How long do control arms last on a Subaru Impreza?
Control arm lifespan varies widely based on road conditions, driving style, and climate. Arms themselves often outlast their bushings and ball joints by a wide margin. Bushing and ball joint wear is what typically triggers replacement. Vehicles driven on rough roads, in freeze-thaw climates, or used for towing tend to wear components faster.
What is the difference between an upper and lower control arm on a Subaru Impreza?
On double-wishbone and multi-link suspensions, the lower control arm carries most of the vehicle's weight and road load, making it the more commonly replaced component. The upper arm primarily controls camber angle. Not all Subaru Impreza configurations use both — MacPherson strut suspensions typically have only a lower control arm per side.

Shop control arm sets by year for the Subaru Impreza

202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993

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