This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnection of suspension components and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing kit (if not included with arm) × 1 — 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 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer specified points on frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all trailing arm bolts and nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a hydraulic jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when components are disconnected and allows for easier reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link where it connects to the trailing arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the sway bar link stud from rotating, then remove the lower nut using a 14mm socket. Swing the sway bar link out of the way.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that connects to the trailing arm. Use a 17mm socket and breaker bar to remove this bolt completely. Support the shock absorber to prevent it from hanging by the upper mount.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark alignment position and remove trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt
   At the rear of the trailing arm where it connects to the knuckle assembly, mark the position of the bolt and any alignment shims or adjustment positions with a paint marker. Remove the trailing arm-to-knuckle mounting bolt using a 17mm socket. This is typically an eccentric bolt used for camber adjustment.
   ℹ️Marking the original position helps maintain alignment during reassembly and reduces the need for immediate alignment service.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting point of the trailing arm where it attaches to the vehicle chassis/subframe. This is a large bolt that passes through the trailing arm bushing. Use a 17mm socket and breaker bar to remove this bolt completely. You may need to slightly adjust the hydraulic jack position to relieve tension.
   ⚠The trailing arm will become free once this bolt is removed. Ensure the hydraulic jack is properly positioned to control the suspension movement.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the trailing arm
   Carefully lower the hydraulic jack slightly and maneuver the trailing arm out of its mounting positions. You may need to angle it to clear the knuckle assembly and chassis mounting point. Inspect the removed trailing arm for cracks, excessive rust, or damage to mounting points.
7. 7

   Prepare and install new trailing arm
   Clean the mounting areas on the chassis and knuckle with a wire brush. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to bolt threads (not on thread-locking surfaces). Position the new trailing arm into place, aligning it with the front chassis mount first. Insert the front mounting bolt finger-tight only. Do not torque at this time.
   ℹ️The front control arm bolt must not be fully torqued until vehicle weight is on the wheels to prevent bushing bind.
8. 8

   Connect trailing arm to knuckle
   Align the trailing arm with the knuckle assembly at the rear connection point. If an eccentric bolt is used, align it to the marked position from disassembly. Install the trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt and tighten finger-tight. Use the hydraulic jack to adjust suspension height as needed for alignment.
9. 9

   Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Align the shock absorber lower mounting eye with the trailing arm mounting point. Install the lower shock bolt and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the trailing arm mounting point. Install the nut and use an Allen key to hold the shaft while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the wheels just touch the ground (suspension at ride height but vehicle not fully on ground). At this point, torque the trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque front trailing arm bolt with weight on wheels
    With the vehicle at ride height (wheels touching ground but still partially supported), torque the front trailing arm mounting bolt to chassis to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This ensures the bushing is torqued in its normal operating position.
    ⚠Torquing control arm bolts with suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure. Always torque with vehicle weight on suspension.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove all jacks and jack stands. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the trailing arm mounting bolts which must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels
2. Double-check that the sway bar link is properly secured and the Allen shaft is not spinning
3. Verify the shock absorber lower bolt is fully seated and torqued

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking in a straight line; if vehicle pulls to one side, alignment service is required
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Have a four-wheel alignment performed as soon as possible, especially if the eccentric bolt position was disturbed
• Visually inspect all connections after test drive to ensure no bolts have loosened

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