Trailing Arm

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including proper torque specifications and alignment considerations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Lift rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on affected side
5. Spray penetrating oil on trailing arm bolts and allow to soak while preparing tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Place a floor jack under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support the weight of the suspension components. Raise just enough to take the load but not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the suspension from dropping when components are disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if equipped
   If the trailing arm interferes with sway bar link access, remove the lower sway bar link nut from the trailing arm mounting point. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt
   Locate the forward bolt connecting the trailing arm to the rear knuckle assembly. This is typically a large bolt running horizontally through the trailing arm bushing. Use a breaker bar to loosen, then remove the bolt completely. Support the trailing arm as the bolt may be holding significant load.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm-to-body mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting point where the trailing arm attaches to the vehicle body/subframe. Remove the bolt securing the trailing arm to this mounting bracket. The trailing arm should now be free to remove. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the trailing arm out of the vehicle. You may need to adjust the height of the floor jack supporting the knuckle to create clearance. Inspect the mounting points on the vehicle for damage, rust, or worn bushings in the mounting brackets.
6. 6

   Prepare new trailing arm
   Compare the new trailing arm to the old unit to verify correct part. Check that all bushings are properly seated and that the arm is free of shipping damage. Clean the mounting surfaces on the vehicle body and knuckle with a wire brush to ensure proper bolt seating.
7. 7

   Install trailing arm to body mount
   Position the new trailing arm into the rear body/subframe mounting bracket. Insert the new mounting bolt but do not fully tighten yet. Thread it enough to hold the arm in position while you align the forward connection.
   ℹ️Keep bolts loose until all connections are made to allow for alignment adjustment.
8. 8

   Connect trailing arm to knuckle
   Align the forward end of the trailing arm with the mounting point on the rear knuckle. You may need to adjust the floor jack height to align the holes. Insert the knuckle mounting bolt and thread it by hand, then snug but do not torque yet.
9. 9

   Reconnect sway bar link if removed
   If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the trailing arm or mounting point. Install the nut and torque to specification while holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Carefully lower the vehicle until the full weight is on the wheels but the jack stands are still in light contact as a safety measure. This loads the suspension to its normal ride height position.
    ⚠Suspension bolts must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing wear.
11. 11

    Torque trailing arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the trailing arm mounting bolts. These are considered control arm bolts and must be torqued to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) in the loaded position. Torque both the knuckle connection and body mount connection to this specification.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final wheel installation
    Raise the vehicle fully, remove jack stands, and lower completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
3. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension before test driving

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for any clunking or rattling that would indicate loose fasteners
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after this repair, as suspension geometry has been disturbed
• After alignment, verify straight-line tracking and even tire wear over the next few hundred miles

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