This procedure covers the removal and replacement of worn trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushings (front and/or rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage 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 under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the trailing arm mounting point. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and take load off the trailing arm bolts. This prevents the axle from dropping suddenly when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove the forward trailing arm bolt
   Locate the forward trailing arm mounting bolt at the frame rail. Use a breaker bar and socket to remove the bolt completely. The bolt passes through the trailing arm bushing and frame bracket. Mark the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove the rear trailing arm bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt at the axle housing bracket. Remove this bolt completely using a breaker bar and socket. Support the trailing arm as the second bolt is removed to prevent it from falling. Lower the trailing arm and remove it from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean the trailing arm
   With the trailing arm removed, inspect the bushing housing bores for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean the bushing housing areas thoroughly. Inspect the bolt holes for elongation or damage. Replace the trailing arm if any structural damage is found.
5. 5

   Press out the old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate adapters, press the old bushings out of the trailing arm. Support the arm properly on the press bed and ensure the pressing force is applied evenly to the bushing outer shell, not the center sleeve. Press from the side that provides the cleanest exit. If using a portable bushing press tool, follow manufacturer instructions for proper adapter selection.
   ⚠Ensure trailing arm is properly supported during pressing to prevent bending or distortion of the arm.
6. 6

   Clean the bushing bores
   After old bushings are removed, thoroughly clean the inside of the bushing bores with a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect bores again for cracks or damage. The bores must be clean and smooth for proper new bushing installation.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the outer shell of the new bushings and the inside of the trailing arm bores. Position the new bushing at the bore entrance, ensuring proper orientation if the bushing has directional markings. Using the hydraulic press with proper adapters, press the new bushing straight into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the trailing arm housing. Verify the bushing is centered and not cocked in the bore.
   ⚠Do not use grease for bushing installation as it can cause hydraulic lock. Use only soapy water or approved bushing lubricant.
8. 8

   Reinstall the trailing arm
   Position the trailing arm back into place with the forward bushing aligned with the frame bracket and the rear bushing aligned with the axle bracket. Use the floor jack to raise or lower the axle as needed to align the bolt holes. Insert the forward and rear trailing arm bolts through the bushings and brackets, but do not tighten at this stage. Thread the nuts on by hand to hold the arm in position.
9. 9

   Reinstall the rear wheels
   Install the rear wheels and thread the lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle so that the full weight is resting on the wheels, but keep the vehicle slightly raised so the wheels can still turn freely. This loads the suspension to the proper ride height position.
10. 10

    Torque trailing arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension at normal ride height, torque both the forward and rear trailing arm bolts to specification. This ensures the bushings are not pre-loaded in a twisted position, which would cause premature wear. After torquing, mark the bolt heads and nuts with paint to indicate they have been properly torqued.
    ℹ️Torquing suspension bushings at ride height is critical for longevity. Do not torque with suspension hanging or fully compressed.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final wheel installation
    Raise the vehicle completely off the ground and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even wheel seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If both sides were serviced, repeat all steps for the opposite side trailing arm
2. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued and marked
3. Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Verify the vehicle tracks straight and there are no handling changes
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on trailing arm bolts to ensure they have not loosened
• Inspect for any fluid leaks or loosened components in the rear suspension area
• Consider having a professional alignment check performed if the vehicle pulls or wanders

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