Porsche 914 Control Arm Parts: A Complete Guide to Buying and Installation

When restoring or maintaining a Porsche 914, the control arm is a critical suspension component that affects handling, alignment, and safety. Control arm parts for the 914 include the arm itself, bushings, ball joints, and hardware. This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, buying, and installing control arm parts for your 914.

Understanding the 914’s Front Suspension

The Porsche 914 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension, similar to the 911 of the era. The lower control arm connects the steering knuckle to the chassis and is a key wear item. Over time, rubber bushings crack, ball joints loosen, and the arm can bend from corrosion or impact. Replacing worn control arm parts restores precise steering and eliminates clunking noises.

Original Equipment vs Aftermarket

You have two main choices: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts from Porsche or aftermarket components. OEM parts are exact duplicates of the factory parts, made by Porsche’s original suppliers. They are expensive but guarantee fit and longevity. Aftermarket parts vary widely in quality. Some are low-cost replacements that may use inferior bushings or weaker steel, while others are high-performance upgrades.

OEM Control Arms:

• Price: $200–$400 per side
• Material: Steel with rubber bushings
• Fit: Perfect, no modifications needed
• Durability: Similar to original, lasts 20–30 years in normal use

Aftermarket Control Arms:

• Price: $80–$250 per side
• Material: Often steel, some aluminum (mostly for racing)
• Fit: Generally good, but some brands may require slight adjustment
• Durability: Varies; choose reputable brands

For street driving, OEM is the safest bet. For track use or lowered cars, consider aftermarket arms with polyurethane bushings or adjustable ball joints.

Key Components: Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints

When buying a control arm, many come as a complete assembly with new bushings and ball joint. However, you can also buy the arm alone and press in your preferred bushings. This is common for enthusiasts who want harder polyurethane bushings for sharper handling.

Bushings: Rubber vs Polyurethane

• Rubber bushings: Flexible, quiet, comfortable, but wear faster and allow more compliance. Best for a stock ride.
• Polyurethane bushings: Stiffer, reduce suspension movement, improve turn-in response, but can transmit more road noise and vibration. Ideal for performance use.

Some suppliers offer control arms with pre-installed polyurethane bushings. If you plan to autocross or track your 914, this is a worthwhile upgrade.

Ball Joints: Integral or Replaceable

Early 914 control arms have integral ball joints that cannot be replaced separately; you must replace the entire arm. Later arms (1973-on) have bolt-in ball joints. Verify your model year before ordering. If your arm has replaceable ball joints, you can save money by replacing only the joint if the arm is still solid.

Material Considerations: Steel vs Aluminum

The factory control arm is stamped steel. Steel is strong and inexpensive but heavy. Aluminum arms are available from aftermarket suppliers like Elephant Racing or Rennline. They reduce unsprung weight by several pounds each, which improves suspension response and ride quality. However, aluminum is more expensive and can fatigue over time. For a street car, steel OEM arms are perfectly adequate. For a track-focused build, aluminum may be worth the investment.

Brands and Suppliers

Several reputable companies offer Porsche 914 control arm parts:

• Porsche Classic OEM: Expensive but original quality, available through dealerships or online retailers like Pelican Parts.
• Elephant Racing: High-end performance parts including aluminum control arms with adjustable ball joints. Built for racing but excellent for spirited driving.
• Rebel Racing: Offers complete control arm assemblies with polyurethane bushings at a reasonable price.
• 914 Rubber: Specializes in 914 parts, sells OEM and aftermarket arms, bushings, and rebuild kits.
• URO Parts: Budget aftermarket brand; functional but may not match OEM longevity.

When buying from third-party sellers, check return policies and customer feedback. Avoid unbranded Chinese knockoffs that may fail prematurely.

Installation Tips and Challenges

Replacing control arms on a 914 is not a beginner job if you lack suspension experience. Here are key points:

• Tools: You’ll need a ball joint separator, torque wrench, spring compressor (if removing strut), and a press for bushings (if not pre-installed).
• Alignment: After replacement, a professional alignment is mandatory. The 914’s front toe and camber are adjustable via eccentric bolts on the control arm.
• Corrosion: 914s are prone to rust. The control arm mounting bolts may be seized. Soak with penetrating oil and use heat carefully. Replace hardware if damaged.
• Torque Specs: Factory torque for the control arm pivot bolt is 37 ft-lb, and the ball joint nut is 22 ft-lb. Use blue Loctite on critical fasteners.

If you’re not comfortable with suspension work, have a shop do it. A poorly installed control arm can cause serious handling issues.

Cost Breakdown and Budgeting

Expect to spend:

• Two OEM control arms: $400–$800
• Two aftermarket arms: $160–$500
• New bushings (if pressing separately): $30–$100 per set
• Ball joints (if replaceable): $20–$50 each
• Alignment: $100–$150

For a typical street rebuild, budgeting $600–$1,000 for parts and labor is reasonable.

Final Recommendation

For most Porsche 914 owners, the best choice is OEM control arms from Porsche Classic or a high-quality aftermarket assembly like from Rebel Racing. If you have a standard street car, stick with rubber bushings to preserve ride comfort. If you enjoy backroads or autocross, upgrade to polyurethane bushings. Always replace both sides at the same time for balanced handling. Buy from trusted Porsche parts specialists; avoid generic eBay parts. With proper installation and a good alignment, new control arm parts will transform your 914’s driving experience.