Trailing Arm: Service and Repair

The trailing arms and their mounting points control the position and movement of the rear wheels. A damaged trailing arm or worn mounting bushings will change rear wheel alignment, and may adversely affect handling and stability.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to straighten a damaged trailing arm. Bending or heating may weaken the original part. Replace damaged parts.

To remove a trailing arm the rear brake lines must be disconnected, thus the brakes will have to be refilled with fluid and bled when the trailing arm is reinstalled. To replace a trailing arm the drive axle must be removed, and this may require special tools.

REMOVAL

1. Remove the drive axle.
2. Disconnect the rear brake lines at the union, and drain the brake fluid or plug the line. Disconnect the parking brake cable.
3. Disconnect the lower shock absorber mount, lower the trailing arm, and remove the bolts from the trailing arm mounts.

INSTALLATION

Installation is the reverse of removal. When installing the trailing arm mounting bolts, begin with the inner bolt. Refill and bleed the brake system.