suspension

Trailing Arm

for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm (lower control arm) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

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

⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels or suspension at normal ride height. Failure to do so can cause premature bushing failure.

⚠Ball joint separator tools can damage boots and components if used improperly. Use care when separating joints.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Torque wrench (50-200 Nm range)Essential

19mm socket for lug nutsEssential

17mm socket and wrench

19mm socket and wrench

Breaker barEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Parts

Rear trailing arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Ball joint nut × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage 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 with floor jack at rear jacking point
Support vehicle with jack stands under manufacturer-specified jacking points
Remove rear wheel completely
Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1
Support the rear suspension
Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support the suspension at approximately normal ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping excessively when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2
Remove the ball joint nut
Locate the ball joint connection between the trailing arm and the rear knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if present. Using a 19mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Keep the nut if it is not damaged; otherwise, replace with new.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
3
Separate the ball joint
Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the trailing arm ball joint from the rear knuckle. Insert the tool between the arm and knuckle and apply pressure until the taper releases. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the arm.
⚠The ball joint may release suddenly. Keep hands and tools clear of pinch points.
4
Remove the front mounting bolt
Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that attaches to the vehicle chassis/subframe. This is typically a 17mm or 19mm bolt. Hold the nut on the backside if accessible and remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
5
Remove the rear mounting bolt
Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt at the chassis connection point. Remove this bolt completely while supporting the trailing arm. The arm may now be free to remove from the vehicle.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6
Remove the trailing arm
Carefully maneuver the trailing arm out from its mounting position. It may require slight rotation or angling to clear surrounding components. Inspect all mounting points for corrosion, damage, or worn bushings.
7
Prepare the new trailing arm
Compare the new trailing arm to the old one to verify correct part. Clean all mounting surfaces on the chassis and knuckle with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to bolt threads (not the clamping surfaces).
8
Install the new trailing arm
Position the new trailing arm into place, aligning the front and rear mounting points with the chassis brackets. Insert both mounting bolts hand-tight only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
9
Connect the ball joint
Raise or lower the floor jack supporting the knuckle to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the ball joint nut hand-tight. Ensure the taper is properly seated.
10
Torque the ball joint nut
Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque the ball joint nut to 84 Nm (62 lb-ft). If equipped with a cotter pin, align the castle nut slots with the hole in the stud and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
11
Install the wheel and lower vehicle
Reinstall the rear wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is loaded to normal ride height. Do not fully lower yet.
12
Torque control arm bolts at ride height
With the vehicle weight on the suspension at normal ride height (wheels touching ground but vehicle still supported by jack stands), torque both the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This is critical for proper bushing alignment and longevity.
⚠Torquing control arm bolts with suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure. Ensure full vehicle weight is on the suspension.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13
Final wheel installation
Remove jack stands and fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Using a torque wrench, tighten the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft).
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Inspect all fasteners are properly torqued according to specifications
Verify no tools or parts were left in the work area
If both trailing arms were replaced, ensure both sides are torqued identically
Test drive the vehicle at low speed to verify no abnormal noises or handling issues

Verification

Bounce the rear of the vehicle to verify the suspension moves freely without binding or unusual noises
Visually inspect the ball joint connection to confirm it is fully seated
Verify all bolts are tight and properly torqued
Test drive and confirm no pulling, clunking, or unusual rear suspension behavior
Schedule a wheel alignment check, as replacing suspension components can affect alignment settings