suspension

Trailing Arm

for 2021 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 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including proper torque specifications and alignment considerations.

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

⚠Final torque on control arm bolts must be performed with vehicle weight on suspension. Incorrect procedure will cause premature bushing failure.

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

ℹ️Trailing arm bushings are typically pressed into the arm and may require replacement if worn.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2 minimum)Essential

Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential

19mm socket (lug nuts)Essential

17mm socketEssential

14mm socketEssential

Breaker barEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

Rear trailing arm assembly × 1 — 48710-06180 or aftermarket equivalent
Trailing arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
Remove rear wheel completely
Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if bolts show corrosion

Procedure

1
Support rear suspension
Position floor jack under the rear lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the suspension at approximately ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping and damaging brake lines or ABS sensors when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2
Remove trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt
Locate the trailing arm at the rear of the rear knuckle assembly. Remove the bolt connecting the trailing arm to the rear knuckle using a 17mm socket and breaker bar. The bolt passes through the trailing arm bushing at the forward end of the arm. Support the bolt as you remove the nut to prevent it from falling.
3
Remove trailing arm-to-body mounting bolt
Locate the rear mounting point where the trailing arm connects to the vehicle body/subframe. Remove the through-bolt using a 17mm socket. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the arm from the mounting bracket after the bolt is removed. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4
Remove trailing arm from vehicle
Pull the trailing arm rearward and downward to remove it from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on both the knuckle and body for damage, corrosion, or deformation. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary.
5
Inspect and prepare new trailing arm
Compare the new trailing arm to the old unit to verify correct part. Inspect bushings for proper installation and no damage. Apply a thin film of anti-seize compound to bolt threads (avoid getting any on bushing areas). Ensure all mounting surfaces are clean.
6
Install trailing arm to body mount
Position the new trailing arm into the body mounting bracket at the rear. Insert the mounting bolt from the correct direction (note orientation from removal) and install the nut hand-tight only. Do not torque at this time - this must be done with vehicle weight on suspension.
7
Connect trailing arm to knuckle
Align the forward end of the trailing arm with the mounting point on the rear knuckle. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust suspension height for proper alignment. Insert the bolt and install the nut hand-tight only. Do not torque at this time.
8
Install wheel and lower vehicle
Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the jack stands still support most of the weight. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
9
Final torque trailing arm bolts with vehicle weight on suspension
With vehicle lowered completely so full weight is on the suspension (jack stands removed), torque both trailing arm bolts - the body mount bolt and knuckle mount bolt - to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This is critical for proper bushing life. Torquing with suspension unloaded will cause premature bushing failure.
⚠Both trailing arm bolts must be torqued with full vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do so will cause bushing binding and premature failure.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10
Final inspection
Verify all fasteners are properly torqued. Check for any interference between the trailing arm and surrounding components through full suspension travel by bouncing the rear of the vehicle. Ensure no brake lines or ABS wiring are under tension or interference.

Reassembly

Repeat procedure for opposite side if both trailing arms are being replaced
Clean wheel and hub mating surfaces before installing wheels
Torque all fasteners to specification only after vehicle weight is on suspension

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
Check for proper tracking - vehicle should drive straight without pulling
Schedule 4-wheel alignment within 100 miles of repair to verify rear toe and camber are within specification
Re-check trailing arm bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving