This procedure covers the replacement of trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension of a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushings (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM Toyota specification or quality aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands placed on frame rail jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray trailing arm bolts with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the trailing arm near the spindle to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take the load off the trailing arm mounting points. This prevents the suspension from dropping when bolts are removed.
2. 2

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the chassis. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt and nut completely. The trailing arm will now be held only by the rear mounting point and the jack support. Mark or photograph bolt orientation for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the chassis or suspension crossmember. Remove this bolt and nut completely. Carefully lower the jack supporting the trailing arm and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Support the brake line and ABS sensor wiring to prevent damage.
   ⚠Do not allow brake lines or ABS wiring to hang unsupported or become stretched.
4. 4

   Inspect trailing arm and bushing condition
   With the trailing arm removed, inspect the bushing mounting areas for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Clean the bushing bore area with a wire brush. Check that the old bushings show typical wear patterns (cracking, separation, or compression). Inspect the trailing arm shell for damage that would prevent proper bushing installation.
5. 5

   Remove old bushings from trailing arm
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing removal tool, press out the old bushings from the trailing arm. Position the trailing arm securely in the press with proper support under the arm body. Use appropriately sized adapters to avoid damaging the trailing arm bore. Press bushings straight out to prevent bore damage. Repeat for both front and rear bushings if applicable.
   ⚠Ensure trailing arm is properly supported in press to prevent arm distortion or injury from shifting parts.
6. 6

   Clean bushing bores
   Thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the trailing arm using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all old rubber residue, corrosion, and debris. Inspect bores for damage or out-of-round conditions. The bore must be clean and smooth for proper new bushing installation.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin film of soapy water or approved bushing lubricant to the outer shell of the new bushings and the trailing arm bore. Position the new bushing squarely at the bore entrance, paying attention to any orientation marks or voids in the bushing design. Using the hydraulic press with proper adapters, press the new bushing straight into the bore until fully seated and flush with the trailing arm body. Verify bushing is seated evenly on all sides. Repeat for all bushing positions.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as this can cause deterioration. Use only soapy water or approved bushing installation lubricant.
8. 8

   Install trailing arm to vehicle
   Position the trailing arm with new bushings back into the vehicle mounting points. Support the arm with a floor jack. Insert the rear mounting bolt first and thread the nut on finger-tight. Then install the front mounting bolt and thread its nut finger-tight. Do not torque these bolts yet. Ensure brake lines and ABS wiring are properly routed and secured.
9. 9

   Reinstall rear wheels
   Mount the rear wheel onto the hub and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a socket until snug but not torqued. The wheels must be installed for the next step.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands until the full weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheels and suspension. The suspension must be at normal ride height with vehicle weight on it before torquing control arm bolts. Leave the jack and stands in place for safety but with no weight on them.
11. 11

    Torque trailing arm mounting bolts
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension, torque both the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts to the specified Control Arm Bolts torque value of 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This is critical - torquing these bolts with the suspension unloaded will cause premature bushing failure and binding.
    ⚠These bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension. Failure to do so will cause bushing failure.
    Torque spec

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

    Final wheel installation
    Raise the vehicle slightly and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified value of 129 Nm (95 lb-ft). Repeat for both rear wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued per specifications
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left under the vehicle
3. Check that brake lines and ABS wiring are properly secured and not rubbing on suspension components
4. Lower vehicle completely and remove all jacks and stands

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Verify the vehicle tracks straight and there is no pulling to one side
• Check for any clunking or binding sensations over bumps that would indicate improper installation
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect trailing arm bolt torque during next service interval
• Consider having a professional alignment check performed, as trailing arm removal can affect rear toe settings

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