Replace worn trailing arm bushings on the rear suspension to restore proper alignment and handling characteristics.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushings (front and rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — 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
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under chassis/frame rails
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on trailing arm mounting bolts and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take the load off the trailing arm bushings but not to compress the suspension.
2. 2

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the chassis. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt and nut. The front bushing is pressed into the chassis mounting bracket. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
   ⚠Support the trailing arm as bolt may cause arm to drop suddenly when removed
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the rear suspension knuckle or subframe. Using a 21mm socket, remove the bolt and nut. Note the orientation and position of the arm for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack slightly if needed and remove the trailing arm assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for any damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Clean the mounting areas with a wire brush.
5. 5

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press kit, press out the old bushings from the trailing arm. Note the orientation of the bushings before removal. The front bushing typically has a specific orientation with voids positioned correctly. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses when using hydraulic press as old rubber can deteriorate and break apart violently
6. 6

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin layer of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the new bushings and bores. Using the hydraulic press, carefully press the new bushings into the trailing arm. Ensure bushings are oriented correctly with any voids or markings aligned per manufacturer specifications. Press until bushings are fully seated and flush with the trailing arm bore.
7. 7

   Reinstall trailing arm
   Position the trailing arm back into place on the vehicle. Install the rear mounting bolt first (to knuckle/subframe) and hand-tighten the nut. Then install the front mounting bolt (to chassis) and hand-tighten. Do not torque at this time.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle to load suspension
   Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle so that the suspension is at normal ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels. This is critical for proper bushing alignment. Rock the vehicle side to side to settle the suspension.
   ⚠Trailing arm bolts MUST be torqued at ride height or bushings will bind and fail prematurely
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque trailing arm mounting bolts
   With vehicle at ride height, torque the trailing arm front and rear mounting bolts to 165.0 Nm (122 lb-ft). This must be done with the vehicle weight on the suspension to prevent bushing preload and premature wear.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Raise the vehicle slightly, remove the wheel, and verify all work. Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side trailing arm if needed
2. Torque all fasteners to specification with vehicle at ride height
3. Verify no tools or parts are left under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no clunking or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and stability during straight-line driving
• Verify no abnormal tire wear patterns develop
• Schedule four-wheel alignment to verify rear toe and camber are within specification

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