This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear trailing arm on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 AWD engine, including bushing inspection and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lock nuts (if specified by manufacturer) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer's specified lift points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on trailing arm mounting bolts and allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take slight load off suspension without lifting vehicle off jack stands. This prevents suspension from dropping when trailing arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove trailing arm to knuckle bolt
   Locate the forward bolt connecting the trailing arm to the rear knuckle. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt and nut. Support the trailing arm as you remove the fastener. If bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and use breaker bar for removal.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm to subframe bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the rear subframe or chassis mounting bracket. Using a 19mm socket, remove the bolt. The trailing arm may need to be maneuvered slightly to clear the mounting points. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for cracks, bends, or damage. Check both bushings for tears, excessive wear, cracking, or separation from metal housing. If bushings are damaged, they must be pressed out and new ones installed using a hydraulic press.
5. 5

   Inspect and prepare new/existing trailing arm
   If installing a new trailing arm, verify it matches the removed part exactly. Clean all mounting surfaces on the knuckle and subframe using a wire brush. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread-locking compound from bolt holes. Inspect bolt threads and replace if damaged or corroded.
6. 6

   Install trailing arm to knuckle
   Position the trailing arm into place at the rear knuckle. Insert the forward bolt through the trailing arm and knuckle but DO NOT torque at this time. Thread the nut on by hand and snug finger-tight only. The suspension must be at ride height before final torque is applied.
7. 7

   Install trailing arm to subframe
   Align the rear end of the trailing arm with the subframe mounting bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust suspension height for proper alignment. Insert the rear mounting bolt and thread it in by hand. Snug the bolt but DO NOT torque at this time.
8. 8

   Install wheel and lower vehicle
   Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until full vehicle weight is on the suspension and wheels are on the ground, but keep floor jack in position for safety. Do not fully lower jack yet.
9. 9

   Torque trailing arm bolts at ride height
   With vehicle weight on suspension (wheels on ground), torque both trailing arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing with suspension hanging will preload bushings and cause premature failure. Torque front bolt (to knuckle) and rear bolt (to subframe) according to manufacturer specification for control arm or suspension mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Ensure wheel is properly seated on hub before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel well area
3. Double-check all connections are secure before test driving

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for any clunking or knocking sounds over bumps
• Verify vehicle tracks straight with no pulling to either side
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule alignment check if vehicle handling seems abnormal or if other suspension components were disturbed

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