Trailing Arm: Service and Repair

1. Remove lower trailing rod cotter pin and nut, Fig. 9, then lower trailing rod ball joint using ball joint puller set tool No. 49 T028 3A0, or equivalent. Sharp edges of ball joint puller tool can slice dust boot. Install tool so sharp edges are between dust boot and knuckle.

Fig. 9 Lower & Upper Trailing Rod Replacement:

2. Inspect lower trailing rod ball joint as follows:
a. Inspect tie rod end for damage and boot cracks. Replace as necessary.
b. Inspect ball joint for looseness. Replace tie rod end as necessary.
c. Shake ball joint stud at least five times, then connect suitable preload measuring attachment to stud and measure rotation torque using suitable spring scale.
d. Lower trailing rod rotation torque should be 2.6 - 3.9 in.lb. Spring scale reading should be 0.7 - 9.9 lbs. If not within specification, replace upper and lower trailing rods.

3. Remove ball joint protector, then lower trailing rod. Inspect lower trailing rod for bending and damage. Inspect bushing for wear and deterioration.
4. Carefully remove lower trailing rod dust boot with suitable chisel.
5. Remove upper trailing rod snap pin and nut, then upper trailing rod ball joint using ball joint puller set tool No. 49 T028 3A0, or equivalent. Sharp edges of ball joint puller tool can slide dust boot. Install tool so sharp edges are between dust boot and knuckle.
6. Inspect upper trailing rod ball joint in same manner as for lower trailing rod ball joint. Upper trailing rod ball join rotation torque should be 2.5 - 2.6 in.lb. Spring scale reading should be 0.6 - 6.6 lbs. If not within specifications, replace upper and lower trailing rods.
7. Remove upper trailing rod and inspect for bending and damage. Inspect bushing for wear and deterioration.
8. Carefully remove upper trailing rod dust boot with suitable chisel.
9. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Before installing dust boots, wipe grease off ball stud and fill inside of new dust boot with grease.
b. Press dust boots onto ball joints using dust boot installer tool No. 49 T034 201, or equivalent, then wipe away any excess grease.