Trailing Arm Diagnosis
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Trailing Arm Diagnosis
I'm overdue for a rear end alignment but before I have it done I'd like to make sure the trailing arms are OK. Assuming that they look fine visually, what's the best way to determine if they need to be rebuilt? Thanks in advance. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 2
From: Orange Ct
If the parts are all original, the alignment place will usally not take the time to remove the rusted bolts for the toe adjustment (without substantial charges) Camber is usally not a problem to adjust. Is the car handling badly or making bad noises? does your parking brake work? Once you start with the trailing arms, add new struts, shocks spring cushons maybe a new spring and on and on. You could get years with the current setup depending on how much the car is used. I did mine last year and spent about $1500 on parts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
There are basically 2 things to be concerned about in regards to wearable items for the trailing arm. The front bushing and the bearings. Strut rod bushings and end play of the yoke must also be reasonably good as well.
Before taking the car for the rear alignment, it would be to your advantage to see if the bolts can be loosened up for adjustment. The front trailing arm bolt does not have to come out for alignment; however, it must be able to be loosened if the shims have to be moved. If they are 'frozen' and the toe is in spec, you can leave them alone for the time being.
Before taking the car for the rear alignment, it would be to your advantage to see if the bolts can be loosened up for adjustment. The front trailing arm bolt does not have to come out for alignment; however, it must be able to be loosened if the shims have to be moved. If they are 'frozen' and the toe is in spec, you can leave them alone for the time being.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
How do the strut rod bushings look? If they're trashed and are as old as the trailing arms, it's probably a good idea to fix up the trailing arms too.
As soon as I have cash, if I don' trade up for a different car, I'll do my arms as well.
-Steve
As soon as I have cash, if I don' trade up for a different car, I'll do my arms as well.
-Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Have you checked your bearing for play? If they are loose or have that dry feeling when you spin the wheels they should be rebuilt. If the trailing arm bushings have never been changed you probably would be better off pulling them and having them rebuilt. I would replace all the other bushings on the struts, spring and get new shocks too. I just did this and couldn't believe how bad the old bushings had worn; and what an improvement replacing them made. Good luck with your project!
Bernie
Bernie
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Sierra Foothills CA
Thanks for the info & suggestions guys. The trailing arms were rebuilt about 15 years & 12-15K miles ago by a Corvette shop but the guy admitted he hadn't done alot of them yet & gave me a good price cuz he was a friend. The bolts shouldn't be hard to loosen because I never drive in the rain.
I'll check the strut rod bushings- after all this time I can't remember if I replaced them. Shocks, spring, bushings & mounting bolts have been replaced so I'm OK there. The rear end feels like it wants to kick sideways a bit if I hit a dip or a fairly big bump & that's why I know it's time to get to work on it.
I'll check the strut rod bushings- after all this time I can't remember if I replaced them. Shocks, spring, bushings & mounting bolts have been replaced so I'm OK there. The rear end feels like it wants to kick sideways a bit if I hit a dip or a fairly big bump & that's why I know it's time to get to work on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
The local Firestone alignment shop charged me $150 for the alignment - they worked on the car for almost two hours and everything needed to be adjusted because I replaced all the suspension parts...
I'd definately replace the TA bushings and shims - if they cannot get the shims out they'll charge you $$$
It's probably a good idea to replace the strut rods with the adjustable rods from one of our favorite suppliers
Make sure there's nothing left that you have to replace after the alignment is done...
I'd definately replace the TA bushings and shims - if they cannot get the shims out they'll charge you $$$
It's probably a good idea to replace the strut rods with the adjustable rods from one of our favorite suppliers
Make sure there's nothing left that you have to replace after the alignment is done...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
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From: Sierra Foothills CA
RedBad,
Thanks for the info. I've got a new pack of shims ready to go. I'll look into the TA bushings. Awhile back I had considered the Smart Struts but after measuring clearance for my exhaust pipes it doesn't look like they'll fit. I'll see if there's something else better than stock that would fit- suggestions are welcomed.
Thanks for the info. I've got a new pack of shims ready to go. I'll look into the TA bushings. Awhile back I had considered the Smart Struts but after measuring clearance for my exhaust pipes it doesn't look like they'll fit. I'll see if there's something else better than stock that would fit- suggestions are welcomed.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I thought about going to smart struts, but after getting the stock ones off, I just installed new bushings and reused the stock ones. I had marked the position of the eccentric bolts and lined them back up when I installed them. Still have to have it aligned but it is close enough to get it to an alignment shop.
Bernie
Bernie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
My rear end was moving around when I got on and off the gas. I only have this to say "Van Steel". Dan will answer all your questions and give you a good price. Just tell him you are a forum member.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Les
RedBad,
Thanks for the info. I've got a new pack of shims ready to go. I'll look into the TA bushings. Awhile back I had considered the Smart Struts but after measuring clearance for my exhaust pipes it doesn't look like they'll fit. I'll see if there's something else better than stock that would fit- suggestions are welcomed.
Thanks for the info. I've got a new pack of shims ready to go. I'll look into the TA bushings. Awhile back I had considered the Smart Struts but after measuring clearance for my exhaust pipes it doesn't look like they'll fit. I'll see if there's something else better than stock that would fit- suggestions are welcomed.