This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring suspension disassembly and specialized bushing press tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm bushing (per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 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 while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands on manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all trailing arm bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the trailing arm
   Position floor jack under the rear trailing arm near the hub assembly to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to take load off the suspension but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when bolts are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the trailing arm. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the lower sway bar link nut. Disconnect the sway bar link from the trailing arm and swing it clear of the work area.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the lower ball joint connection at the rear of the trailing arm. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers. Remove the ball joint castle nut completely. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to disconnect the ball joint from the trailing arm. Do not damage the ball joint boot.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark control arm position
   Before removing the trailing arm mounting bolts, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the exact position of the trailing arm relative to the mounting brackets. This preserves the factory alignment position and reduces the need for alignment adjustment during reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm mounting bolts
   Locate the trailing arm mounting bolts at both the front and rear mounting points. Remove the rear mounting bolt first, then the front mounting bolt. Keep track of any shims, washers, or spacers. Lower the floor jack slowly and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle completely.
   ⚠Do not torque these bolts until final assembly with vehicle weight on suspension.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect and clean trailing arm
   With the trailing arm removed, inspect for cracks, deformation, or damage. Clean the bushing bore area thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rust, dirt, and old bushing material. Inspect the bore for any damage that would prevent proper bushing seating.
7. 7

   Press out old bushing
   Secure the trailing arm in a hydraulic press or use a portable bushing press tool. Select the appropriate bushing removal adapter that fits the outer diameter of the old bushing. Position the adapter to push the bushing out from the inside of the arm through the bore. Apply steady pressure until the old bushing is completely removed. Inspect the bore again for any damage.
8. 8

   Prepare new bushing
   Compare the new bushing to the old one to verify correct part. Note the orientation of any offset in the bushing or alignment marks. Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the outer diameter of the new bushing and the trailing arm bore. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants.
9. 9

   Press in new bushing
   Position the new bushing at the bore entrance with correct orientation (verify any alignment marks or offset match factory specifications). Select the appropriate installation adapter that contacts only the outer bushing sleeve, not the rubber. Apply steady, even pressure with the hydraulic press until the bushing is fully seated and flush with the trailing arm. Verify the bushing is centered and fully inserted.
10. 10

    Reinstall trailing arm
    Position the trailing arm back into the mounting brackets, aligning with the marks made during disassembly. Support the arm with the floor jack. Insert the front mounting bolt first, then the rear mounting bolt. Thread bolts hand-tight only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension in a later step.
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint
    Raise the trailing arm using the floor jack to align the ball joint stud with its mounting hole. Insert the ball joint stud into the trailing arm and install the castle nut. Torque the nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, then bend the pin ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the trailing arm mounting point. Install the lower sway bar link nut while holding the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension still has slight load from the jack stands. This is the proper condition for torquing suspension bushings. Remove the floor jack from under the trailing arm.
14. 14

    Torque control arm bolts with suspension loaded
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (tires touching ground, supported by jack stands), torque both trailing arm mounting bolts to specification. This critical step ensures the bushings are torqued in their normal operating position, preventing premature bushing failure.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts with suspension loaded will cause premature bushing wear and failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

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

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both trailing arm bushings require replacement
2. Control arm bolt torque is critical and must be performed with vehicle weight on suspension
3. All suspension fasteners should be torqued to specification before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Verify proper rear wheel alignment by checking for abnormal tire wear patterns after 50-100 miles
• Have professional four-wheel alignment performed if vehicle pulls to one side or steering wheel is off-center
• Verify all bolts are properly torqued and cotter pin is installed on ball joint
• Inspect for any fluid leaks or disturbed components after test drive

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