Trailing Arm Bushing

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, requiring suspension disassembly and specialized pressing tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the trailing arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the link from rotating while removing the lower nut with an 18mm socket. Disconnect the link from the trailing arm and secure it out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the trailing arm near the shock mounting point. Raise the jack just enough to support the weight of the trailing arm without lifting the vehicle. This will prevent the arm from dropping when fasteners are removed.
   ⚠The trailing arm will drop when disconnected. Ensure jack is positioned securely before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Using a 21mm socket, remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that connects the shock to the trailing arm. Support the shock to prevent it from hanging by the upper mount. The shock can be tied up with wire or secured to the chassis.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line bracket and ABS wheel speed sensor wire attached to the trailing arm. Remove the mounting bolts securing these components to the trailing arm using appropriate sockets. Carefully secure these components away from the work area to prevent damage.
   ⚠Do not allow brake lines or ABS sensor wires to hang unsupported or become kinked.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm mounting bolts
   Locate the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts that attach the arm to the chassis. The front bolt secures the arm through the front bushing, and the rear bolt secures it through the rear bushing. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove both bolts completely. You may need to adjust the jack height slightly to relieve tension on the bolts.
   ⚠These bolts may be extremely tight. Use proper leverage and ensure sockets are fully seated to prevent rounding.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With all mounting points disconnected, carefully lower the jack and remove the trailing arm assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver the arm out through the wheel well opening. Place the trailing arm on a clean work surface for bushing removal.
   ℹ️Mark the orientation of the trailing arm before removal to ensure correct reinstallation.
7. 7

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press tool set, position the trailing arm securely. Select the appropriate size adapters to press out the old bushings. Apply steady, even pressure to drive each bushing out of its bore. Press out both front and rear bushings. Inspect the bores for damage, rust, or debris.
   ⚠Ensure trailing arm is supported properly in the press to prevent distortion or damage.
   ℹ️Old bushings may resist removal. Apply penetrating oil and allow additional soak time if needed.
8. 8

   Clean and prepare bushing bores
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the trailing arm. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old bushing material. Inspect bores for any cracks or damage. The bores must be clean and smooth for proper new bushing installation. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
   ℹ️If bores show damage or significant corrosion, the trailing arm may need replacement.
9. 9

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushings and the inside of the bores. Position the new bushing at the bore opening, ensuring proper orientation (bushings may have directional marks or voids that must align correctly). Using the hydraulic press with appropriate adapters, press each new bushing into its bore until fully seated. The bushing should be centered and flush with the trailing arm mounting surface.
   ⚠Pressing bushings off-center or at an angle will damage them. Ensure alignment before applying pressure.
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as they can deteriorate rubber bushings.
10. 10

    Reinstall trailing arm to chassis
    Position the trailing arm back into the vehicle chassis through the wheel well. Align the mounting points with the chassis brackets. Insert the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts through the bushings and thread them by hand. Do not fully tighten at this time - leave bolts finger-tight until vehicle weight is on the suspension.
    ℹ️Use the jack to help align the trailing arm mounting points with chassis brackets.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Position the shock absorber back to the trailing arm mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 21mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect brake line and ABS sensor
    Reattach the brake line bracket and ABS wheel speed sensor wire to the trailing arm using the mounting bolts. Torque mounting bolts to specification. Ensure brake lines and wiring have proper clearance and are not pinched or kinked.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the trailing arm. Install the lower nut and hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to bring wheel flush against hub, but do not fully torque yet. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground and vehicle weight begins to transfer to the suspension.
    ℹ️Vehicle weight must be on suspension before final torquing of control arm bolts.
15. 15

    Final torque all fasteners
    With vehicle weight on the suspension (tires on ground but vehicle still supported by jack), torque the trailing arm front and rear mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued at this ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify brake lines and ABS sensor wiring have proper routing and clearance
3. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper suspension operation

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle and listen for any unusual noises from trailing arm area
• Verify no interference between trailing arm and brake lines or ABS wiring through full suspension travel
• Confirm wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after test drive
• Schedule a professional alignment as bushing replacement affects rear suspension geometry

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