suspension

Trailing Arm

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

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

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠Final torquing of control arm bolts must be performed with vehicle weight on the wheels to avoid premature bushing failure.

⚠Alignment should be checked after trailing arm replacement as suspension geometry will be affected.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-200 Nm range)Essential

21mm socket (lug nuts)Essential

17mm socket and wrenchEssential

19mm socket and wrenchEssential

Breaker barEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Alignment tool or drift punch

Parts

Rear trailing arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
Trailing arm mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if bolts are damaged

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Chock front wheels securely
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
Lift rear of vehicle and support with jack stands on frame rails
Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
Spray trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1
Support rear suspension
Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents strain on brake lines and ABS wiring during trailing arm removal.
2
Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
Locate the forward mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the chassis. This is a horizontal bolt passing through the front bushing of the trailing arm. Use a 19mm socket and wrench to remove the bolt and nut. The bolt may require significant force to remove due to corrosion.
3
Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the rear knuckle/axle carrier assembly. Use a 17mm socket and wrench to remove the bolt and nut. Keep the jack supporting the knuckle to maintain position.
4
Remove trailing arm from vehicle
Pull the trailing arm away from the mounting points. Use a pry bar if necessary to separate the arm from the chassis bracket. Inspect the removed arm for damage, cracks, or deteriorated bushings to confirm replacement is necessary.
5
Clean mounting surfaces
Use a wire brush to clean the chassis mounting bracket and knuckle mounting surface. Remove rust, dirt, and old bushing material. Clean the bolt threads with a wire brush to ensure accurate torque readings during installation.
6
Install new trailing arm
Position the new trailing arm into place, aligning the rear mount first with the knuckle. Insert the rear mounting bolt and thread the nut by hand. Then align the front bushing with the chassis bracket and insert the front mounting bolt, threading the nut by hand. Do not tighten either bolt yet.
7
Snug mounting bolts
With both mounting bolts installed, snug them finger-tight plus 1-2 turns with a wrench. Ensure the trailing arm moves freely and is not binding. The suspension should still be supported by the floor jack at approximately ride height.
8
Install wheel and lower vehicle
Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still partially on jack stands. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
9
Final torque with vehicle weight loaded
Fully lower the vehicle to the ground so suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on wheels. Torque the trailing arm rear mounting bolt to specification, then torque the front mounting bolt to specification. This must be done with weight on wheels to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height
Verify no interference between trailing arm and other suspension components through full travel
Check that brake lines and ABS sensor wiring have adequate clearance and are properly secured

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
Check for proper tracking and no pulling to either side during straight-line driving
Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted professionally, as trailing arm replacement affects rear toe and camber settings
Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving