This procedure covers the replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 AWD engine, requiring removal of the trailing arm assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing set (front and rear bushings) × 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 (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer frame points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Apply penetrating lubricant to all trailing arm mounting bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the rear trailing arm near the wheel hub to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take up slack in the suspension without lifting the vehicle.
2. 2

   Disconnect stabilizer link (if necessary)
   If clearance is limited, remove the rear stabilizer bar link nut from the trailing arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning while loosening the nut. Remove link from trailing arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the arm to the rear subframe or crossmember. This is typically the bolt closest to the rear of the vehicle. Using a socket and breaker bar if necessary, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
   ⚠The trailing arm may shift once this bolt is removed. Ensure the jack is properly supporting the arm.
4. 4

   Remove front trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the arm to the chassis or body. This bolt passes through the front bushing that will be replaced. Remove this bolt completely while supporting the trailing arm with the jack. The arm should now be free from the vehicle.
   ⚠The trailing arm assembly is heavy. Control its descent with the jack as you remove the final bolt.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower the jack and remove the trailing arm assembly from the vehicle. Place the arm on a stable workbench for bushing service. Inspect the arm for cracks, deformation, or excessive corrosion.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriately sized bushing drivers, press out the old bushings from both the front and rear mounting locations of the trailing arm. Apply pressure evenly and slowly. Note the orientation of the bushings before removal, particularly any offset or directional features.
   ⚠Ensure the trailing arm is properly supported in the press to prevent slipping or damage. Wear safety glasses as bushings may release suddenly.
7. 7

   Clean bushing bores
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the bushing mounting bores in the trailing arm. Remove all rubber residue, rust, and debris. Inspect bores for damage or deformation. Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the bores to ease installation (do not use petroleum-based lubricants).
8. 8

   Press in new bushings
   Position new bushings in their respective locations, ensuring correct orientation per manufacturer specifications (typically with any voids or slots aligned properly). Using the hydraulic press and bushing drivers, carefully press the new bushings into place until fully seated and flush with the arm. Ensure bushings are centered and not cocked in the bore.
   ℹ️Some bushings may have alignment marks or specific orientations. Verify correct installation direction before pressing.
9. 9

   Reinstall trailing arm to chassis
   Lift the trailing arm back into position using the floor jack. Align the front bushing with its mounting bracket on the chassis. Insert the front mounting bolt finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time.
10. 10

    Install rear trailing arm bolt
    Align the rear of the trailing arm with the subframe or crossmember mounting point. Insert the rear mounting bolt with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Thread bolt finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time.
11. 11

    Reconnect stabilizer link (if removed)
    If the stabilizer link was disconnected, reconnect it to the trailing arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Install the rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not torque to final specification yet.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle to ground
    Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the full weight is resting on the wheels and suspension is at normal ride height. This is critical for proper bushing torquing to prevent preload binding.
    ⚠Control arm and trailing arm bushings must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.
14. 14

    Torque trailing arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts to the Control Arm Bolts specification of 165.0 Nm (122.0 lb-ft). This ensures the bushings are not bound in a twisted state.
    Torque spec

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

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or suspension area
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection of the trailing arm after test drive to confirm no movement or looseness
• Have a professional alignment performed to ensure proper rear suspension geometry
• Re-check trailing arm bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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