Replace the trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate clunking noises or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Disable high-voltage system according to manufacturer lockout/tagout procedure
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove rear wheels and set aside
7. Spray all trailing arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the trailing arm near the axle hub to support the weight of the suspension components. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the trailing arm bushings but do not lift the vehicle.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor (if necessary)
   If the trailing arm removal requires additional clearance, remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and secure the caliper to the chassis with wire or a bungee cord. Do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the rotor if needed for access.
   ⚠Do not depress the brake pedal with the caliper removed, as this will extend the brake pistons.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS sensor and wiring
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the trailing arm. Disconnect the electrical connector and unclip any wiring harnesses attached to the trailing arm to prevent damage during removal.
4. 4

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that connects to the trailing arm or nearby suspension component. Remove the bolt and nut. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm bushing mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the chassis. Use a breaker bar if necessary to loosen the bolt. Remove the bolt completely and set aside. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm bushing mounting bolt at the rear chassis mount point. Remove this bolt while supporting the trailing arm with the floor jack. Carefully lower the jack and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect trailing arm and mounting points
   Thoroughly inspect the trailing arm for cracks, bends, or damage. Inspect the chassis mounting points for corrosion, elongated holes, or damage. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or trailing arm bushing press tool, press the old bushings out of the trailing arm. Apply pressure evenly and ensure the arm is properly supported. The old bushings may be heavily corroded and require significant force to remove.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses during pressing operations. Use proper press adapters to avoid damaging the trailing arm.
9. 9

   Clean bushing bore
   Clean the bushing bore in the trailing arm thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, old rubber, and debris. Inspect the bore for damage or excessive wear.
10. 10

    Press in new bushings
    Apply a thin layer of dish soap or rubber lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushings. Using the hydraulic press or bushing tool, press the new bushings straight into the trailing arm bore until fully seated. Ensure bushings are centered and not cocked in the bore.
    ℹ️Some bushings have a specific orientation. Check for alignment marks or offset holes before pressing.
11. 11

    Install trailing arm to chassis
    Position the trailing arm with new bushings into the vehicle. Apply anti-seize to the mounting bolt threads. Start the front and rear mounting bolts by hand, but do not fully tighten. Support the trailing arm with the floor jack.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Align the shock absorber lower mount with the trailing arm or suspension component. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and hand-tighten. Do not torque at this time.
13. 13

    Load suspension to ride height
    Use the floor jack to raise the trailing arm until the suspension is at normal ride height (simulating vehicle weight). This ensures bushings are torqued in the correct position to prevent premature wear.
    ℹ️Torquing suspension bushings at full droop or full compression will cause binding and premature bushing failure.
14. 14

    Torque all trailing arm fasteners
    With the suspension loaded to ride height, torque the front trailing arm bolt, rear trailing arm bolt, and shock absorber lower bolt to manufacturer specifications. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - consult factory service manual for exact values.
15. 15

    Reconnect ABS sensor and reinstall brake components
    Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector and secure all wiring harnesses to the trailing arm. If removed, reinstall the brake rotor and caliper, torquing caliper bolts to specification.

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side trailing arm
2. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
5. Re-enable the high-voltage system following manufacturer procedures
6. Pump brake pedal several times to restore brake pressure if calipers were removed

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are tight and no fluid leaks are present
• Check that the vehicle tracks straight and handling feels normal
• Have a professional alignment performed to ensure proper suspension geometry after bushing replacement
• Re-torque all trailing arm fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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