This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine, including suspension disconnect and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or equivalent
• 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. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping when components are disconnected and maintains proper working angle.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if equipped
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the trailing arm or lower control arm. Hold the ball stud shaft with a 6mm Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the lower nut with a 14mm wrench. Swing the sway bar link up and out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the subframe. This is a large bolt typically requiring a 17mm socket. Remove the nut first, then drive the bolt out from the subframe side. The bushing may bind on the bolt, requiring light tapping with a hammer.
   ℹ️Mark the position of any alignment shims or cams before removal for reference during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the rear knuckle or subframe mount point. Remove the nut and bolt. You may need to adjust the floor jack height slightly to relieve tension on the bolt for easier removal.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully lower the floor jack slightly and maneuver the trailing arm out of its mounting position. Inspect the removed arm for damage, worn bushings, or cracks. Check mounting points on the vehicle for damage or excessive rust.
6. 6

   Prepare new trailing arm
   Compare the new trailing arm with the old unit to ensure correct part. Clean mounting surfaces on the subframe and knuckle with a wire brush. Inspect mounting bolt holes for damage or thread issues. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to bolt threads.
7. 7

   Install new trailing arm
   Position the new trailing arm into place, aligning the mounting holes. Raise the floor jack under the knuckle to support the arm at approximately ride height. Install both front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
   ⚠Ensure bushings are properly seated in their mounts before installing bolts. Misaligned bushings will cause premature failure.
8. 8

   Reconnect sway bar link if equipped
   Reconnect the sway bar link to the mounting point on the trailing arm or lower control arm. Install the nut and hold the ball stud shaft with a 6mm Allen key while tightening to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque with vehicle weight on wheels
    Lower the vehicle completely so full weight is on the wheels. Rock the vehicle side to side several times to settle the suspension. Torque both trailing arm mounting bolts (front and rear) to specification in this loaded condition. This is critical for proper bushing alignment and longevity.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on wheels will cause rapid bushing deterioration and handling issues.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque specifications are critical for this repair. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued.
2. Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels, not while suspended in the air.
3. If alignment shims or adjustment cams were present, ensure they are reinstalled in their original positions.

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from the rear suspension
• Check for clunking or knocking sounds over bumps that would indicate loose fasteners
• Have a four-wheel alignment performed to ensure proper rear suspension geometry
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving as a precautionary measure

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