Replace worn trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension of a 2015 Kia Forte to restore proper alignment and eliminate clunking or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing (front) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-designated lift points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all trailing arm bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the trailing arm near the wheel hub to support it. Raise jack just enough to take the load off the bushings but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the arm from dropping when bolts are removed.
2. 2

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm bolt that connects to the vehicle chassis. Using a 17mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt and washer completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation. Allow the arm to pivot downward slightly while supported by the jack.
3. 3

   Remove front trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm bolt at the forward chassis mount point. Remove this bolt using a 19mm socket and breaker bar. Carefully lower the jack to allow the trailing arm to be removed from the vehicle. Mark the arm left or right for proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean trailing arm
   Examine the trailing arm for cracks, deformation, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean the bushing mounting areas thoroughly, removing all rust, dirt, and old rubber residue. Clean the bushing bores completely to ensure proper press fit of new bushings.
5. 5

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriately sized bushing driver or press tool, press the old bushings out of the trailing arm. Press from the side that allows the bushing to exit without damaging the arm bore. The front and rear bushings may be different sizes; note their positions. Apply steady, even pressure and ensure the arm is properly supported during pressing.
   ⚠Ensure the trailing arm is properly supported in the press to prevent bending. Use a receiver cup large enough to allow the old bushing to exit freely.
6. 6

   Prepare new bushings
   Verify new bushings match the old bushings in size and design. Apply a light coating of soapy water or appropriate assembly lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushings to ease installation. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants. Ensure bushings are oriented correctly with any voids or cutouts aligned per manufacturer specifications.
7. 7

   Press in new bushings
   Using the hydraulic press and correct bushing driver, press new bushings into the trailing arm bores. Ensure bushings are started straight and press until fully seated and flush with the arm housing. The bushing should be centered in the bore with equal material visible on both sides. Do not over-press as this can damage the bushing.
   ⚠Press bushings slowly and evenly. If resistance is excessive or bushing becomes cocked, stop and realign before continuing.
8. 8

   Reinstall trailing arm to chassis
   Position the trailing arm back into the mounting locations. Use the floor jack to support and align the arm with the chassis mounting points. Insert the front trailing arm bolt first, but do not fully tighten. Then insert the rear trailing arm bolt. Thread both bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment before using tools.
9. 9

   Install wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the full weight is on the wheels but vehicle is still slightly elevated. This loads the suspension to the normal ride height position, which is critical for proper bushing torque.
10. 10

    Torque trailing arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (at normal ride height), torque the front and rear trailing arm bolts. While specific trailing arm bolt torque is not provided in the database, follow the Control Arm Bolts specification as these are similar suspension mounting points. Torque to 165.0 Nm (122 lb-ft). Ensure the suspension is at ride height when torquing to prevent bushing bind.
    ⚠Suspension bushings must be torqued at ride height (vehicle weight on wheels). Torquing with suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final wheel installation
    Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands completely. Lower vehicle fully to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the trailing arm on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both sides should be replaced together to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Always torque suspension bushings with the vehicle at ride height (weight on wheels) to prevent binding and premature wear
2. Double-check that all bolts are torqued to specification before test driving
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and alignment; vehicle should drive straight without pulling
• Visually inspect all bolt heads to confirm they are tight and properly seated
• Schedule a professional alignment check within 100 miles, as bushing replacement affects rear toe settings

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