Trailing Arm: Description and Operation

The lateral arms and tension strut have rubber isolator bushings at each end. The lateral arms are attached to the rear crossmember and knuckle, using a unique bolt and nut assembly at each end. The lateral arm to rear crossmember attaching bolts are longer than the lateral arm to knuckle attaching bolts. Each lateral arm to knuckle attaching bolt and nut assembly uses 2 flat washers. Each lateral arm to rear crossmember attaching bolt uses 1 flat washer and 1 adjustment cam to provide a means for rear wheel Toe adjustment. The tension strut assembly attaches to a bracket on the frame rail and to the bottom of the knuckle.

Lateral arms, tension struts and knuckles are normally replaced only when the part has been damaged or when the vehicle has been involved in an accident. If a suspension part has been damaged, be sure to check the underbody dimensions of the car. If underbody dimensions of the vehicle are not correct, the frame must be straightened before replacement suspension components are installed.