Replace worn rear control arm bushings to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate clunking noises or unstable handling on 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing kit (left and/or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 2 — 2mm x 20mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
4. Remove rear wheels completely
5. Spray all control arm bolts, ball joint nuts, and mounting points with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint nut connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Discard the old cotter pin as it cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Loosen ball joint nut
   Using a 17mm socket, loosen the ball joint nut but do not remove it completely. Leave the nut threaded on by 2-3 turns to protect the threads and prevent the control arm from dropping suddenly when separated.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork between the control arm and knuckle at the ball joint taper. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to break the taper fit. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠The arm may drop suddenly when the taper releases. Support the control arm with your free hand or position a jack under it.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt that secures the arm to the subframe. This is typically a 14mm or 17mm bolt. Support the control arm with a floor jack positioned under the arm to prevent it from falling. Remove the bolt completely and note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
5. 5

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Remove the rear mounting bolt securing the control arm to the subframe or rear suspension crossmember. Lower the floor jack slowly and remove the control arm from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on the subframe for damage or corrosion.
6. 6

   Remove old bushings from control arm
   Using a bushing press, hydraulic press, or suitable bushing removal tool, press out the worn bushings from the control arm. Note the orientation and alignment marks if present. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for cracks or elongation. If the arm is damaged, replacement of the entire control arm is required.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant (never grease or oil) to the new bushings and control arm bores. Align any orientation marks or voids in the bushing with the control arm specifications. Press the new bushings into place using a bushing press, ensuring they are fully seated and centered in the bores. The bushing should be flush with the control arm mounting eyes.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as they will cause premature deterioration.
8. 8

   Install control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the vehicle and align the mounting points with the subframe. Insert both front and rear mounting bolts but do not tighten them yet. Thread the bolts in by hand to ensure proper alignment. The bolts should thread smoothly without force.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the outer end of the control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the rear knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud through the knuckle and thread on the ball joint nut. Tighten the nut to the specified torque. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, then bend the ends of the cotter pin to secure it.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Do not fully tighten lug nuts yet.
11. 11

    Torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on suspension
    With the vehicle lowered so the suspension is at normal ride height (wheels on ground supporting vehicle weight), torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This step is critical - torquing the bolts while the suspension is hanging will preload the bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at normal ride height. Failure to do so will twist the bushings and cause early failure and handling problems.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear control arm bushings
2. Verify all fasteners have been torqued to specification
3. Confirm new cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent loss

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify elimination of clunking noises or vague handling
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm no loose fasteners and proper ball joint cotter pin installation
• Check for abnormal tire wear patterns after 500-1000 miles of driving
• If handling concerns persist, have four-wheel alignment checked by qualified technician

More procedures for this vehicle