This procedure covers the replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic, requiring removal of the trailing arm assembly from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm bushing (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification (Honda part 52385-TBA-A01)
• Rear trailing arm bushing (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification (Honda part 52390-TBA-A01)
• Trailing arm mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM if replacing

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 securely on jack stands placed on chassis frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on all trailing arm mounting bolts and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheel
   With vehicle properly supported on jack stands, remove the loosened lug nuts and remove the rear wheel completely. Set wheel aside in safe location.
2. 2

   Support trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the rear trailing arm assembly near the wheel hub area to support the weight of the arm. Raise jack just enough to take up slack, not to lift the vehicle.
   ⚠The jack must remain in place until the trailing arm is removed to prevent it from dropping when fasteners are removed.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt
   Locate the bolt connecting the trailing arm to the rear knuckle assembly at the wheel end. Remove the nut and bolt using a 17mm socket and wrench. The trailing arm will now pivot at the front and rear bushings only.
4. 4

   Remove front trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that passes through the front bushing to the chassis. Use a 19mm socket to remove the bolt completely. This bolt secures the front bushing to the subframe.
   ⚠Support the trailing arm with the jack as this bolt is removed to prevent sudden dropping.
5. 5

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that passes through the rear bushing to the chassis. Use a 19mm socket to remove this bolt completely. The trailing arm is now free from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Lower and remove trailing arm
   Carefully lower the floor jack and guide the trailing arm assembly out from under the vehicle. Place the trailing arm on a stable work surface for bushing removal.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriately sized bushing removal adapters, press out the old front and rear bushings from the trailing arm. Apply pressure gradually and ensure proper alignment to avoid damaging the trailing arm bore. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or excessive wear.
   ⚠Ensure press adapters are properly centered on bushing to prevent cocking and arm damage during removal.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushings. Position the new bushing in the trailing arm bore with correct orientation (note any offset or directional marking). Using the hydraulic press with proper installation adapters, press the new bushing into place until fully seated and flush with the arm. Repeat for both front and rear bushings.
   ℹ️New bushings may have orientation marks or offset centers. Verify correct installation direction per Honda service manual before pressing.
9. 9

   Install trailing arm to chassis
   Position the trailing arm assembly back into place under the vehicle. Use the floor jack to support and align the arm. Insert the front mounting bolt through the front bushing and chassis mount, threading the nut on finger-tight. Insert the rear mounting bolt through the rear bushing and chassis mount, threading the nut on finger-tight. Do not torque at this time.
10. 10

    Connect trailing arm to knuckle
    Raise the floor jack to align the trailing arm with the mounting point on the rear knuckle. Insert the trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt and install the nut finger-tight. Ensure proper alignment before tightening.
11. 11

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel onto the hub and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the wheel contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then lower the vehicle completely to the ground so full vehicle weight is on the suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque trailing arm fasteners with vehicle weight loaded
    With the vehicle now on the ground and suspension at normal ride height, torque all trailing arm mounting bolts and the knuckle connection bolt to their final specifications. This ensures bushings are torqued in their normal operating position, preventing premature bushing failure. If specific torque values for trailing arm mounting bolts are not listed in the provided specs, consult the Honda service manual for proper values (typically 100-120 Nm).
    ℹ️Critical: Trailing arm bushing fasteners must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension to prevent binding and premature bushing wear.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
2. Remove floor jack and jack stands from under vehicle
3. Verify no tools or parts are left under vehicle
4. If both sides were serviced, verify all fasteners on both sides are properly torqued

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and alignment during straight-line driving
• Visually inspect all fastener installations after test drive
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as bushing replacement affects suspension geometry

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