Trailing Arm Rebuild
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Canton MI
Trailing Arm Rebuild
I've read through various posts and have definitely decided that full trailing arm overhaul is something that I'd better leave to someone with experience. I'm sure I could do it but by the time I learn (through mistakes), the cost could be double (if I'm lucky).
first question..are there parts of this job that I can do at home without getting into the tougher parts of the job and still give my rear suspension renewed life (replace the bushing)?
My other question is, how do I KNOW whether or not my trailing arms need to be sent out to be overhauled. I suppose that mileage could be one indicator, however this is definitely not a scientific way to find out. My car has 92k on it and definitely needs bushings all around but that's all I can say with any certainty. What are the other tell tale signs that I had better get them taken care of now, despite the heavy cost?
Last question, is it possible to replace the rear rotors without getting into the entire trailing arm overhaul? In other words, can the rotors be replaced without getting into replacing the bearings?
Thanks, as usual!
first question..are there parts of this job that I can do at home without getting into the tougher parts of the job and still give my rear suspension renewed life (replace the bushing)?
My other question is, how do I KNOW whether or not my trailing arms need to be sent out to be overhauled. I suppose that mileage could be one indicator, however this is definitely not a scientific way to find out. My car has 92k on it and definitely needs bushings all around but that's all I can say with any certainty. What are the other tell tale signs that I had better get them taken care of now, despite the heavy cost?
Last question, is it possible to replace the rear rotors without getting into the entire trailing arm overhaul? In other words, can the rotors be replaced without getting into replacing the bearings?
Thanks, as usual!
Last edited by ajkogut; Oct 27, 2007 at 03:55 PM. Reason: clarification after reading a couple other posts...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Proper bearing setup is the biggest issue. On top of that, the bearings have to be installed with a press.
If you're going with rubber T/A bushings, they need to have the inner sleeves flared.
If you're going with rubber T/A bushings, they need to have the inner sleeves flared.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Yes the rotors can be replaced with the trailing arms in place. If they have never been off there are rivets to be drilled out and they will likely be rusted in place. Maybe they just need resurfacing, still have to come out. Be sure and get the runout checked/corrected when you put it back together
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: parsippany nj
I have rebuilt rear suspensions on my C2 and C3 corvette. Did everything but the trailing arms. I sent those to van steel to be rebuilt and was happy with them. Everything I read it seemed pretty complicated and I think they are backed for 5 years. Kathy
