Trailing Arm Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
Remove the rear wheel.
Remove the parking brake cable (A) from the trailing arm (B).

Fig 1: Trailing Arm Replacement Components With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the brake line (C) from the brake hose (D), then remove the brake hose clip (E).
NOTE:
- After removal, plug the ends of the hoses and joints to prevent spilling brake fluid.
- Use the new brake hose clip during reassembly.
Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever (see REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES (LEFT AND RIGHT) REPLACEMENT ).
Remove the parking brake cable mounting bolts from the backing plate (see step 21 under PARKING BRAKE CABLE REPLACEMENT ).
Remove the flange nuts (A) from the trailing arm (B).
NOTE: Use new flange nuts during reassembly.

Fig 2: Trailing Arm And Flange Nuts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the flange bolts (A) from the trailing arm, then remove the trailing arm.
NOTE: Use the new flange bolts during reassembly.

Fig 3: Trailing Arm Flange Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the trailing arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- First install all of the suspension components, and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque.
- Do the parking brake adjustment (see PARKING BRAKE INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT ).
- Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc/drum and the inside of the wheel.
- Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX (upper) level line, and bleed the brake system (see MAJOR ADJUSTMENT (TO BE DONE WHEN REPLACING PARKING BRAKE SHOES AND AFTER LINING SURFACE BREAK-IN) ). Check for a leak at the brake hose/line joint, and retighten it if necessary.
Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).