This procedure covers the replacement of trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension of a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushings (front and rear per side) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
6. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the trailing arm mounting point. Raise the jack just enough to make light contact and support the axle weight. This prevents the axle from dropping when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove trailing arm-to-frame bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the frame rail. This is a large horizontal bolt near the front of the rear axle. Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt and nut. The bolt may be seized; use penetrating oil and allow additional soak time if needed. Remove the bolt completely.
   ⚠This bolt often experiences significant corrosion. Do not use an impact wrench if the bolt appears corroded, as it may break.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm-to-axle bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the axle bracket. Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove this bolt and nut. Support the trailing arm by hand or with a bungee cord as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully lower and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for damage, cracks, or excessive rust. If the arm is damaged, replace it rather than installing new bushings.
5. 5

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or trailing arm bushing removal tool, press out the old bushings from both ends of the trailing arm. Apply pressure evenly and slowly to avoid damaging the trailing arm housing. The bushings may be bonded or severely corroded in place. Note the orientation of the old bushings before removal, particularly any offset or rotation.
   ⚠Use proper size press tools that support the trailing arm eye evenly. Improper support can deform or crack the mounting eye.
6. 6

   Clean bushing bores
   Use a wire brush and solvent to thoroughly clean the bushing bore at both ends of the trailing arm. Remove all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect the bore for damage, cracks, or elongation. The bore must be clean and smooth for proper bushing installation.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of dish soap or rubber lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the outer sleeve of the new bushings. Position the bushing in the trailing arm bore with correct orientation. Use the hydraulic press or bushing installation tool to press the new bushing straight into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the trailing arm housing. Repeat for both bushings. Ensure bushings are not cocked or misaligned during installation.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as they can cause premature deterioration.
8. 8

   Install trailing arm to axle bracket
   Position the trailing arm back into the vehicle with the rear bushing aligned to the axle bracket. Insert the trailing arm-to-axle bolt through the bushing and bracket. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not fully tighten yet. Leave the fastener finger-tight to allow for suspension articulation during alignment.
9. 9

   Install trailing arm to frame
   Align the front trailing arm bushing with the frame rail mounting bracket. You may need to use the floor jack under the axle to adjust ride height and align the holes. Insert the trailing arm-to-frame bolt and thread the nut finger-tight. Do not torque yet.
10. 10

    Position suspension at ride height
    Use the floor jack to raise the rear axle until the suspension is at normal ride height (suspension not extended or compressed). This simulates the vehicle sitting on the ground with weight on the wheels. This is critical for proper bushing alignment and torque.
    ⚠Trailing arm bolts must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
11. 11

    Torque trailing arm fasteners
    With the suspension at ride height and the jack supporting the axle, torque both the front (frame) and rear (axle) trailing arm bolts to 122 lb-ft (165 Nm). Torque the nut side while holding the bolt head to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the rear wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to prevent warping the rotor or drum.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With full vehicle weight on all wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to 115 lb-ft (156 Nm) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued after first test drive
3. Check for any unusual noises or handling changes during initial test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no clunking, banging, or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and no pulling to either side during acceleration and braking
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all bolts are tight and properly seated
• Recheck torque on all trailing arm fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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