This procedure covers the replacement of worn trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension of a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing set (front and rear bushings) × 1 — Toyota OEM 48725-06150 and 48702-06180 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jack points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under the rear subframe
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all trailing arm bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the rear trailing arm near the wheel hub area to support the weight of the arm and prevent it from dropping when bolts are removed. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   If the sway bar link interferes with trailing arm removal, disconnect it from the trailing arm by holding the shaft with an Allen key and removing the nut with a wrench. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark alignment positions
   Before removing any bolts, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the trailing arm and its mounting points. This helps maintain rear wheel alignment during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the vehicle body/subframe. Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 19mm), remove the bolt and nut completely. The bushing you are replacing is pressed into the trailing arm at this location.
   ⚠Do not fully tighten this bolt during reassembly until vehicle weight is on wheels to avoid binding the bushing.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the rear knuckle/axle carrier. Remove this bolt and nut completely using appropriate socket (typically 17mm). Support the trailing arm with the floor jack as you remove the last fastener.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack and maneuver the trailing arm out of the vehicle. The arm may need to be angled or rotated to clear suspension components. Inspect the arm for cracks, damage, or excessive corrosion before proceeding.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing removal tool, press out the old bushings from both ends of the trailing arm. Note the orientation and depth of the original bushings. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or elongation.
   ⚠Ensure press is properly aligned to avoid damaging the trailing arm bore. Apply even pressure and stop if resistance is excessive.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushings (never use petroleum-based products on rubber). Using the hydraulic press or installation tool, press the new bushings into the trailing arm bores until they are fully seated and flush with the arm. Ensure bushings are oriented correctly with any voids or slots positioned as specified by the manufacturer.
   ℹ️Some bushings have directional markings or specific orientation requirements. Verify correct positioning before pressing.
9. 9

   Reinstall trailing arm to vehicle
   Position the trailing arm back into place and align it with the mounting points using your reference marks. Support the arm with the floor jack. Insert the rear mounting bolt (knuckle end) first, then the front mounting bolt (body/subframe end). Thread bolts by hand initially to ensure proper alignment.
10. 10

    Temporarily secure trailing arm bolts
    Snug the trailing arm mounting bolts hand-tight or with minimal wrench pressure. Do NOT torque these bolts yet. The final torque must be applied with the vehicle weight on the wheels to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
    ⚠Final torque of trailing arm bolts must be performed at curb weight. Torquing while suspended will cause bushing failure.
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reinstall it to the trailing arm with all washers and bushings in their original positions. 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 wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Then lower vehicle completely so full weight is on all four wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque trailing arm bolts at curb weight
    With the vehicle at normal curb weight (all wheels on ground, no suspension load from jacks), bounce the rear suspension several times to settle the components. Torque both trailing arm mounting bolts (front and rear) to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) in their final installed position. This is critical for proper bushing function and longevity.
    ℹ️The Control Arm Bolts torque specification applies to all rear suspension lateral and trailing arm bolts on this vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both trailing arms
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify no unusual noises or handling issues

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle and verify no clunking or unusual noises from trailing arm area
• Verify trailing arm bolts were torqued at curb weight, not while suspended
• Check for proper wheel alignment - vehicle should track straight with no pull (professional alignment recommended after suspension work)
• Inspect for any interference between trailing arm and other suspension components through full range of motion
• Road test vehicle and verify improved ride quality and reduced rear end noise compared to worn bushings

More procedures for this vehicle