A Guide to Replacing Front Suspension Control Arms on Your 2006-2017 Mazda 5
Hearing clunks, pops, or feeling vibrations from your front end? Your control arms might be the culprit.
- A clunking noise from the front end is the most common symptom, but check the cheaper sway bar links and bushings first.
- Replacing control arms is a challenging DIY job; the driver's side front bolt is notoriously difficult to access.
- Always replace control arms in pairs to ensure balanced handling and get a wheel alignment immediately after installation.
- For this vehicle, quality aftermarket arms from brands like Moog, Delphi, or Mevotech's Supreme line offer the best value.
Is Your Mazda 5's Front Suspension Making Noise?
If you're hearing a clunking, knocking, or popping sound from the front of your Mazda 5, especially when driving over bumps 🎬 Watch: Hear what a typical Mazda 5 clunking noise sounds like, a worn control arm is a likely suspect. The rubber bushings and the ball joint are wear items, meaning they degrade over time from the heavy loads they handle. This wear can lead to a range of problems beyond just noise.
Check This First: Sway Bar Links and Bushings
Before you decide to replace the entire control arm, inspect your sway bar links and bushings. On the Mazda 5, these are an extremely common source of front-end clunking noises and are much cheaper and easier to replace. Many owners have fixed their noise issues by replacing these parts alone.
🎬 See how to replace the front stabilizer links yourselfSymptoms of a Failing Control Arm
When a control arm or its components fail, you'll notice it. Here are the most common signs:
- Clunking or Knocking Sounds: A metallic clunk when going over bumps, potholes, or even making sharp turns is the most frequent complaint. This is often caused by worn bushings or a loose ball joint.
- Steering Wheel Vibration: Worn bushings can cause the control arm to vibrate, and that vibration travels up the steering column to your hands.
- Vague or Loose Steering: If the steering feels less responsive or you notice the car wandering on the road, it could be due to play in the ball joint or worn bushings.
- Uneven Tire Wear: When control arms are worn, they can't hold the wheel in the correct alignment. This can lead to the inside or outside edges of your tires wearing out much faster than normal.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
While there are no specific recalls for the 2006-2017 Mazda 5 front control arms, suspension is a commonly reported problem area with the NHTSA. Mazda has issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for similar models regarding front suspension noises, which often point to worn bushings or other components connected to the control arms. A recall was issued for the Mazda CX-9 for lower control arm ball joint corrosion, but this did not apply to the Mazda 5.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part: Brand Tiers
For a vehicle like the Mazda 5, using an aftermarket control arm is a common and cost-effective repair. A quality aftermarket part can provide excellent service life for a fraction of the cost of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. The key is to choose a reputable brand and avoid the absolute cheapest options. The control arms for your Mazda 5 come as a complete assembly with the ball joint and bushings pre-installed, which is the recommended way to replace them.
| Tier | Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premium / Performance | Moog, Delphi, Whiteline, Nolathane | These brands are known for high-quality materials and often feature improvements over the original design, like greasable ball joints. Moog is a well-regarded premium brand in the aftermarket. Whiteline and Nolathane specialize in performance polyurethane bushings for improved handling. |
| Standard / OEM-Quality | Beck Arnley, Febi, Mevotech (Supreme line) | These brands aim to meet or exceed original factory specifications. Mevotech's Supreme line is considered a good option for daily drivers. Beck Arnley often sources parts from the original OEM suppliers. |
| Economy / Value | Dorman, Mevotech (lower-tier lines), Suspensia | These brands offer the most budget-friendly options. Quality can be inconsistent, but they can be a viable choice for those on a tight budget. Dorman is known for being easy to install, but longevity may not match premium brands. |
Installation & Costs
Replacing the control arms on a Mazda 5 is a challenging job for a DIY mechanic, especially in regions with rust. The front bolt on the driver's side can be very difficult to access, often requiring the engine and transmission to be jacked up for clearance. You will need a good set of tools, including a ball joint separator, a breaker bar, and a torque wrench.
Wheel Alignment is Mandatory
You must get a professional wheel alignment immediately after replacing the control arms. Skipping this step will cause poor handling, unsafe driving conditions, and will quickly destroy your tires.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Part (Single) | $205 - $293 |
| New Aftermarket Part (Single) | $28 - $217 |
| Shop Labor (Pair) | $258 - $378 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket, Pair) | $314 - $812 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace control arms in pairs?
Yes. It is highly recommended to replace both the left and right control arms at the same time. If one has failed due to age and mileage, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs ensures balanced handling and suspension performance.
What is the difference between a control arm and a ball joint?
The ball joint is a component that is part of the control arm assembly. On the Mazda 5, the front lower ball joints are integrated into the control arm and are not typically sold separately. When you buy a new control arm, it comes with a new ball joint already installed.
How long does it take to replace a Mazda 5 control arm?
For a professional mechanic, replacing a pair of front control arms typically takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. For a DIYer, especially if dealing with rust, it could take 4-6 hours or more.
Can I just replace the bushings instead of the whole arm?
While technically possible, it is not practical. Replacing just the bushings requires a hydraulic press and specialized tools. Given the labor involved and the fact that a worn ball joint often accompanies worn bushings, replacing the entire control arm assembly is the more efficient and cost-effective solution.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing lower control arms and ball jointsHelpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: C513-34-300 (Right) C513-34-350 (Left)
The front suspension on the 2006-2017 Mazda 5 uses a MacPherson strut design with a lower control arm. The control arm is typically made of stamped steel or cast iron and includes one pre-installed ball joint and two pre-installed rubber bushings.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mazda 5:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Mazda 5's Front Suspension Making Noise?
- Check This First: Sway Bar Links and Bushings
- Symptoms of a Failing Control Arm
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part: Brand Tiers
- Installation & Costs
- Wheel Alignment is Mandatory
- Frequently Asked Questions
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