Trailing Arm

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1990–94 Vehicles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the caliper and trailing arm. Remove the rear caliper from the brake disc and suspend with a wire. Remove the brake disc.
3. Remove the bolt(s) holding the speed sensor bracket to the knuckle and remove the assembly from the vehicle.

   NOTE: The speed sensor has a pole piece projecting from it. This exposed tip must be protected from impact or scratches. Do not allow the pole piece to contact the toothed wheel during removal or installation.

4. Remove the driveshaft to companion flange bolts and nuts and separate the axle from the companion flange.
5. While holding the axle stationary using tool MB990767–01 or equivalent, remove the self-locking nut and remove the axle hub companion flange. Remove the dust shield.

   Fig. 1: Secure axle with special tool and remove self-locking nut

   Fig. 2: Removing rear axle using special tool

6. Remove the upper arm and lower arm mounting bolts, and using a special splitter tool, separate the ball joints from the arms.
7. Remove the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt.
8. Remove the trailing arm front mounting nuts and bolts and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle.
9. Remove the connecting rod from the front of the trailing arm using puller tool MB991254 or equivalent.

   Fig. 3: Rear trailing arm removal — AWD vehicle

   To install:

10. Assemble the trailing arm and connecting rod. Install the trailing arm to the vehicle and secure in place with the front mounting nuts and bolts. Tighten the nuts snugly at this time. Complete the final tightening of the trailing arm installation bolt when the full weight of the vehicle is on the suspension.
11. Install both control arms to the trailing arm, using new self-locking nuts. Tighten the stud nuts to 52 ft. lbs. (72 Nm).
12. Install the lower shock bolt and tighten to 80 ft. lbs. (110 Nm).
13. On FWD, install the sway bar link. Install the parking brake parts and axle hub unit.
14. On AWD, install the dust shield, axle hub and companion flange with a new self-locking nut. Connect the rear axle to the companion flange.
15. Temporarily install the speed sensor to the knuckle; tighten the bolts only finger-tight.
16. Route the cable correctly and loosely install the clips and retainers. All clips must be in their original position and the sensor cable must not be twisted. Improper installation may cause cable damage and possibly system failure.

    NOTE: The wiring in the harness is easily damaged by twisting and flexing. Use the white stripe on the outer insulation to keep the sensor harness properly placed.

17. Use a brass or other non-magnetic feeler gauge to check the air gap between the tip of the pole piece and the toothed wheel. Correct gap is 0.012–0.035 inch (0.3–0.9mm). Tighten the 2 sensor bracket bolts to 10 ft. lbs. (14 Nm) with the sensor located so the gap is the same at several points on the toothed wheel. If the gap is incorrect, it is likely that the toothed wheel is worn or improperly installed.
18. Install the brake disc, caliper and connect the parking brake cable, if not already done. Install the mounting clamps bolts.
19. Double check everything for correct routing and installation. Lower the vehicle so its full weight is on the floor.
20. Tighten the front trailing arm/spindle assembly mount nuts to 101–116 ft. lbs. (140–160 Nm).
21. Take your vehicle to a suitable repair shop, then have then perform a rear wheel alignment.

1995–98 Vehicles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Unfasten the knuckle and trailing arm connecting bolt.

   Fig. 5: With a wrench holding the nut, use a ratchet to loosen the knuckle-to-trailing arm connecting bolt

   Fig. 6: . . . then remove the through bolt

3. Remove the grommet.
4. Remove the trailing arm mounting bolt and the stopper. Remove the trailing arm from the vehicle.

   Fig. 7: Unfasten the trailing arm mounting bolt

   Fig. 8: Pull the bolt out through the access hole in the crossmember

5. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
6. When tightening the retainers, hand-tighten them until the vehicle is safely lowered, then final tighten them to the specifications shown in the accompanying figure.
7. Have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.