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That wandering feeling in the steering wheel, the clunk over every bump, the uneven tire wear that eats up your tread — a worn lower control arm is usually the culprit. Your WRX deserves parts that restore factory handling and tighten up the front end, not ones that leave you guessing. This guide breaks down the strongest lower control arm options for your Subaru, using real owner feedback and verified fitment data so you get the right part the first time.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind GoCarLife. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are replacing a bent arm or refreshing a high-mileage chassis, the right wrx lower control arm will restore proper suspension geometry, eliminate play, and get your car tracking straight again.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best WRX Lower Control Arm
Choosing the right WRX control arm means looking beyond bolt-on fitment. The ideal arm restores geometry, withstands potholes and curbs, and keeps the front end tight for thousands of miles.
Ball Joint Quality and Boot Design
The ball joint is the pivot point that connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. On a WRX, this joint takes a beating from hard cornering, rough roads, and aggressive driving. A quality ball joint uses a durable rubber boot to seal out grit and moisture. A thin boot tears quickly, letting in contamination that causes early failure and play. Choose arms with a thick, sturdy ball joint boot, not a flimsy one.
Pre-Greased vs. Dry Joints
Pre-greased control arms arrive lubricated and ready to install. Dry joints require pre-install greasing, as adding grease afterward is often impossible. A pre-greased joint saves you a step and ensures the bearing surface is protected right away — a small detail that makes a big difference in lifespan.
Structural Material and Construction
Most factory control arms are stamped sheet metal, which is adequate for normal driving. Upgraded options often use thicker steel or alloy steel, offering more rigidity and better resistance to bending under hard cornering or impact. If you drive a WRX with some extra power or on rough roads, a sturdier arm is worth the money. Check the material type and the overall weight — heavier arms tend to be stronger, but the trade-off is unsprung weight.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Fitment | Material | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metrix Premium Right Arm★ Best Overall | Best Overall Quality | WRX 11-14, Forester 09-13 | Sheet Metal | 3 Year / 36,000 miles | Amazon |
| TUCAREST 4Pcs KitComplete Refresh | Complete Front Refresh | WRX 11-14, Forester 09-13 | OE Spec Steel | — | Amazon |
| PHILTOP 4Pcs Kit | Kit with Sway Bar Links | WRX 11-14, Forester 09-13 | Alloy Steel | 2 year | Amazon |
| Metrix Premium Left Arm | Driver Side Precision | WRX 11-14, Forester 09-13 | Sheet Metal | 3 Year / 36,000 miles | Amazon |
| maXpeedingrods 2Pcs Set | Stock Replacements | WRX 11-14 (excl. STi) | Alloy Steel | 1-year limited | Amazon |
| Detroit Axle 6pc Kit | Most Popular Full Kit | WRX 13-14, Impreza 11-14 | Alloy Steel | 10-Year | Amazon |
| AutoShack Pair | Premium Simplicity | WRX 13-14, Forester 09-13 | Steel | 6 months | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Metrix Premium Chassis Parts Right Control Arm Kit
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 650+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
hundreds of owners praise its bolt-in fit — the best fitment reputation in this guide.
The sheer number of owners who call the fitment perfect makes this arm stand out. It arrives pre-greased, so the ball joint (the pivot point connecting the arm to the wheel hub) is lubricated from the factory. That saves you time and protects the bearing surface from the start. The arm uses sheet metal built to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specs, and it carries IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certifications — real quality management standards that many aftermarket parts skip.
Owners on multiple platforms confirm it lines up exactly as it should, without forcing or modification. A few buyers report the ball joint arrives without extra grease, so check yours before install. The 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty from the date of installation backs this arm with real confidence that the PHILTOP kit (kit plus links) does not match on warranty length. This is the passenger-side arm; pair it with the left-side Metrix arm below for a full front-end refresh.
Lands the best fit
- Pre-greased ball joint saves time and extends lifespan
- IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified manufacturing
- 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty
- Verified fit across multiple Subaru and other platforms
A couple nits to consider
- Ball joint quality draws mixed feedback from a small number of buyers
- Sold as a single arm — you need two for a full front replacement
Reach for this if: You want the crowd-favorite part with the best overall fitment record and a solid warranty behind it.
Look elsewhere if: You need a complete front-end kit with tie rods and sway bar links included.
2. TUCAREST 4Pcs Suspension Kit Front Lower Control Arm
two arms plus two ball joints in one box for a full front suspension overhaul.
If you plan to replace both lower control arms, this kit gives you everything in one purchase — a set of 4 pieces covering both sides. The parts are built to OE (Original Equipment) specifications. Owners consistently praise the rubber joints and the direct fit. One owner of an XV Crosstrek said the quality was excellent and it fit perfectly.
The kit uses an OE manufacturer’s production line, so the bushings and ball joints mirror the originals in performance. It is cheaper than buying two individual arms from a dealership. Several owners confirmed it bolts onto a Subaru Forester or Impreza without modification. The catch: check the Amazon Fitment Filter carefully because this kit covers a broad range of models and not every year lines up. That makes it a different kind of buy than the single-arm Metrix pick — you must confirm your specific year and trim.
Covers both sides
- 4-piece set includes both control arms and ball joints
- OE-spec manufacturing for direct-fit installation
- Strong quality scores from owners — rubber joints get specific praise
- Excellent value vs. individual arms from parts stores
One thing to check
- Fitment verification is critical — covers multiple Subaru models, so confirm your specific year and trim
Best for: The DIY owner doing a full front suspension refresh on a budget — one kit, both sides done.
Not ideal if: You only need a single arm or you want a kit that also includes sway bar links and tie rods.
3. PHILTOP 4Pcs Front Lower Control Arms
both control arms and two sway bar end links — a more complete front-end kit than the TUCAREST 4-piece.
This PHILTOP kit includes two lower control arms and a pair of front sway bar end links (the rods that connect your anti-roll bar to the suspension). End links are a common wear part that causes clunking and loose cornering feel when worn. The arms are built from alloy steel, which is stronger than the basic stamped steel of a stock arm. Every owner who commented on the ball joint boots called them high quality. One reviewer described the craftsmanship of the lower control arm itself as excellent, noting it fits like a glove.
This kit saves you a second shopping trip for end links. The trade-off: a few owners mention shipping can be slower than expected, so plan ahead. The 2-year warranty from PHILTOP is shorter than the 3-year Metrix warranty but still reasonable for the price. Note the kit does not include inner tie rod ends, so check those separately if they are worn.
Extra parts included
- Includes two sway bar end links — saves a separate order
- Alloy steel arms are stronger than basic stamped steel
- Ball joint boots and craftsmanship draw high praise from owners
- 2-year warranty coverage
The catch
- Shipping speed is occasionally slow
- Does not include inner tie rod ends if you need a full rebuild
Reach for this if: You want a stronger alloy steel arm and want to knock out your end links at the same time without a second purchase.
Think twice if: You need everything — check your tie rods separately if they are worn.
4. Metrix Premium Chassis Parts Left Control Arm Kit
the mirror-image sister arm to the top pick, with the same build and warranty.
Like its right-side counterpart, this left-side Metrix arm arrives pre-greased and includes a cotter pin (a small metal pin that locks the castle nut in place for safety). It holds IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certifications, and it shares the same 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. Owners of a 2013 Forester and a 2007 Honda Civic coupe LX confirm the fit is spot-on, which speaks to consistent manufacturing.
A few owners noted weld spatter near the bushing on certain units, which needed light filing to clear the nut. This is not widespread but worth inspecting before install. Otherwise, feedback is overwhelmingly positive on fit, quality, and value. If you buy the right arm from product 1 above, grab this left arm as its partner for a complete front-end job — unlike the TUCAREST kit, this requires two separate purchases.
Same quality as the right
- Pre-greased ball joint for immediate install
- 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty
- Certified manufacturing (IATF 16949, ISO 9001)
- Includes cotter pin for proper fastening
A minor check
- An occasional unit shows weld spatter near the bushing that needs filing
- Single arm — must buy two for a full front refresh
Pair it with: The right-side Metrix arm above for a matched set with identical build quality and warranty.
Not for: Anyone who wants a single-box kit — you will need two orders for both sides.
5. maXpeedingrods 2Pcs Front Lower Control Arms
a solid two-arm set at a sharp price for the budget-conscious WRX owner — but the ball joints are dry.
If you need a pair of arms without extras, this maXpeedingrods set saves you money. The arms are made from high-strength alloy steel. Pre-installed rubber bushings help reduce road noise and vibration for a smoother ride. One owner of a 2013 Subaru WRX Limited confirmed the fit and reported that after 8,000 miles the front end still felt tight and the bushings looked new.
The big caveat: the ball joints are not pre-greased, and greasing them after installation is basically impossible. You must grease the joint before pressing it into the knuckle. That is a step the Metrix arm does not require. Despite that, these arms have a strong reputation for durability at this price. maXpeedingrods includes lifetime technical support and a 1-year limited warranty on quality issues. This is a stock replacement, not a performance upgrade, but it is a very solid choice for the budget buyer who does not mind a little prep work.
Budget-friendly pair
- Two arms in one package — covers both sides
- High-strength alloy steel construction
- Holds up well over thousands of miles per owners
- Lifetime technical support included
Pre-install prep needed
- Ball joints are not pre-greased; greasing after install is impossible
- Not a performance upgrade — strictly a stock replacement part
Best for: The budget-minded owner who does not mind greasing the joint before installation and wants a proven, durable stock replacement.
skip it if: You want a pre-greased, ready-to-bolt-on part with no extra prep work.
6. Detroit Axle 6pc Front End Control Arms Kit
the most-reviewed kit in this list — thousands of owners have already bought it.
Detroit Axle is a well-known name in suspension replacement. This 6-piece kit is the most popular option here by a wide margin. You get two front lower control arms, two outer tie rods, and two inner tie rods — everything to refresh the front end of a 2011-2014 Impreza WRX or 2013-2014 WRX. The parts are made from alloy steel, and each piece undergoes impact, wear, and fatigue testing during manufacturing. The 10-year warranty is the longest of any product in this guide, far exceeding the 3-year Metrix warranty.
Fitment is the top positive aspect — hundreds of owners confirm a direct, no-hassle fit. Quality also gets many positive mentions. However, this kit has the widest range of feedback on durability. A notable number of customers note that the ball joints have a shorter-than-expected service life, so if you plan to rack up many miles, consider that. The kit weighs 24 pounds, reflecting the sturdy alloy steel and included tie rods.
Full front-end overhaul
- 6-piece kit includes control arms, inner and outer tie rods
- 10-year warranty — best in class
- Impact and fatigue testing for durability
- Fitment and quality scores are very high from owners
Mixed durability reports
- Ball joint quality and durability receive a notable number of negative mentions
- At 24 pounds, shipping weight is significant
Reach for this if: You want a single box with everything for a full front-end rebuild and a 10-year warranty backing it up.
Look elsewhere if: Ball joint durability is your top concern — the long-term feedback is more mixed here than on the Metrix arms.
7. AutoShack Front Lower Control Arms and Ball Joint with Bushings
a pair of steel arms that owners say survive impacts the stock ones would not handle.
AutoShack’s offering is a direct-fit pair of front lower control arms for the 2009-2013 Forester and 2011-2014 Impreza, including the 2013-2014 WRX. The arms come with bushings and ball joints already installed — no pressing required. Owners specifically note the strength: one reviewer noted their WRX took a 30-mph curb impact that bent the original arm, but the AutoShack replacement survived without cracking. That real-world abuse signal matters if you drive hard or face rough roads.
At 15.4 pounds, the kit is heavier than some rivals, pointing to sturdy steel construction. The downside is the warranty: 6 months on defects in materials or workmanship, and it does not cover labor or installation. That is much shorter than the Metrix or Detroit Axle warranties, so factor that in if long-term coverage matters. Overall quality is well-regarded, with several owners noting easy installation and great value compared to dealer quotes.
Tough build
- Bushings and ball joint pre-installed — no pressing needed
- Steel construction survives hard impacts per owner reports
- Direct replacement for WRX and Forester models
- Owners praise the price vs. dealer quotes gap
Warranty is short
- 6-month warranty is much shorter than the competition
- Warranty does not cover labor or installation costs
Best for: The owner who prioritizes raw strength and impact resistance over a long warranty period.
Think twice if: You want a warranty that matches the long life of the car — the 6-month term is the shortest here.
Understanding the Specs
Ball Joint
The ball joint is the pivot point between your control arm and the steering knuckle. It allows the wheel to turn left and right while moving up and down. On a WRX, this joint takes a lot of stress during hard cornering. A pre-greased joint means the bearing surface is lubricated from the factory, so you do not need to add grease before installation. A high-quality rubber boot keeps dirt and moisture out — if the boot tears, the joint fails fast.
OEM Interchange Numbers
These are the manufacturer part numbers (like 20202SC002 or RK622787) that tell you exactly which original part the aftermarket arm replaces. If your WRX’s original arm has one of these numbers stamped on it, the replacement in this guide will match bolt-for-bolt. Always check these numbers before buying — it is the most reliable way to confirm fitment, more accurate than year/make/model alone.
Bushing Material
Bushings are rubber or urethane inserts that isolate vibration between the control arm and the vehicle frame. Rubber bushings are quieter and smoother for daily driving. Urethane bushings are stiffer and more responsive for performance driving, but they transmit more road noise into the cabin. All the arms in this guide use rubber bushings unless stated otherwise, which is the correct choice for a street-driven WRX.
Warranty Length
The warranty tells you how much confidence the manufacturer has in the part. A 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty — like Metrix offers — is a strong sign of durability. A 10-year warranty, like Detroit Axle provides, is even more reassuring, though it often covers only the part itself, not labor. A 6-month warranty is short and suggests you should inspect the part carefully upon arrival and install it quickly to test fit and function.
FAQ
Will a Forester control arm fit my WRX?
Do I need an alignment after installing a control arm?
What is the difference between a control arm and a ball joint?
How long do aftermarket lower control arms last on a WRX?
Can I replace just one side, or should I do both?
What tools do I need to install a lower control arm at home?
Are there different control arms for the WRX and the WRX STi?
What does OE specification mean for a control arm?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the wrx lower control arm winner is the Metrix Premium Right Control Arm Kit because it combines the best fitment track record, pre-greased convenience, and a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty that gives genuine confidence. If you want a complete front-end overhaul with tie rods, grab the Detroit Axle 6pc Kit — it is the most popular kit for good reason, with a class-leading 10-year warranty. And for the budget-focused owner who is comfortable greasing the joint before install, the maXpeedingrods 2Pcs Set delivers proven durability at a sharp price.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, GoCarLife earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.