This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 RWD, requiring suspension disassembly and specialized pressing tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface 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 with jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the side being serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle to support the weight of the suspension. This prevents the suspension from dropping when components are disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the trailing arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and remove the link nut. Disconnect the sway bar link from the trailing arm and secure it out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the trailing arm. Remove the bolt and nut completely. The shock will remain supported by the upper mount. If equipped with struts instead of shocks, note the position before removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect any brake line or ABS sensor brackets
   Inspect the trailing arm for any brake line brackets, ABS sensor routing clips, or parking brake cable brackets. Remove mounting bolts and carefully position lines out of the way without stretching or kinking. Do not disconnect hydraulic brake lines.
   ⚠Do not allow brake lines to hang unsupported. Secure them with wire or zip ties to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove ball joint connection (if equipped)
   If the trailing arm has a ball joint connection to the knuckle or axle housing, remove the cotter pin and loosen the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper. Remove the nut completely and separate the joint.
   ℹ️Some F-150 configurations may not have this connection. Verify your specific rear suspension design.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the trailing arm to the frame bracket. This bolt passes through the bushing being replaced. Remove the bolt completely while supporting the trailing arm with the jack. Note the bolt orientation and any washers or spacers.
7. 7

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt at the axle housing or rear mounting point. Remove this bolt completely. The trailing arm should now be free from the vehicle. Carefully lower the jack and remove the trailing arm for bushing service.
8. 8

   Press out old bushing
   Secure the trailing arm in a hydraulic press or use a specialized trailing arm bushing removal tool. Select the appropriate receiver cup that is larger than the bushing outer diameter. Position the pressing adapter on the bushing and apply steady pressure to press the old bushing out of the trailing arm. Inspect the bore for damage, rust, or distortion.
   ⚠Ensure the trailing arm is properly supported and the press force is aligned straight through the bushing bore to prevent arm damage.
9. 9

   Clean bushing bore
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the inside of the trailing arm bushing bore. Remove all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Wipe clean with a rag. Check for cracks or damage to the arm. Apply a thin coat of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the bore.
10. 10

    Press in new bushing
    Align the new bushing with the bore, ensuring any orientation marks or voids are positioned correctly (typically oriented fore-aft). Use the hydraulic press with the appropriate adapter to press the new bushing straight into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with both sides of the arm. Verify even installation on both sides.
    ⚠Do not use grease on the bushing outer shell as it may cause the bushing to rotate in the bore. Only lubricate the bore itself if needed.
11. 11

    Reinstall trailing arm to vehicle
    Position the trailing arm back into place, aligning the front bushing with the frame bracket. Raise the rear of the arm to the axle housing using the floor jack. Insert the front mounting bolt through the frame bracket and new bushing, then thread on the nut finger-tight. Insert the rear mounting bolt and thread finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time.
12. 12

    Reconnect ball joint (if equipped)
    If a ball joint connection was removed, clean the ball stud taper and knuckle bore. Insert the ball stud into the knuckle and install a new nut. Torque to specification and install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect shock absorber and sway bar
    Reinstall the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and tighten securely. Reconnect the sway bar link to the trailing arm, holding the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification. Reattach any brake line brackets, ABS sensor clips, or parking brake cable brackets removed earlier.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque trailing arm mounting bolts with weight on suspension
    Reinstall the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground and the suspension is at normal ride height. This loads the bushings in their operating position. Now torque the trailing arm front and rear mounting bolts to specification. Then raise vehicle and remove jack stands.
    ℹ️Torquing suspension bushings at ride height is critical to prevent premature bushing failure and binding.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final wheel installation
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Repeat the procedure for the opposite side if both trailing arms require bushing replacement.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle weight on wheels
2. Verify new cotter pins are properly installed and bent on all ball joint connections
3. Check that all brake line brackets and ABS sensor clips are securely reattached
4. Confirm sway bar links are properly connected on both sides

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are tight and properly installed
• Check for proper rear axle alignment and tracking - have alignment checked if vehicle pulls or tracks abnormally
• Verify parking brake functions correctly if cable brackets were disturbed
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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