Symptoms of Faulty or Faulty Trailing Arm Bushings

Common symptoms include clanging when accelerating or braking, excessive and uneven tire wear, and poor steering when cornering.

Suspension components have evolved significantly since the introduction of the leaf spring a few decades ago. Modern suspension is engineered to withstand the wear and tear that cars, trucks and SUVs experience on a daily basis. At the heart of the suspension on most vehicles is a trailing arm, which aligns the body's pivot point with the suspension by using a series of arms and bushings for support. In many circumstances trailing arm bushings can withstand enormous loads and last a very long time. However, they can be damaged for several reasons and when they are damaged or worn out, several common signs will be displayed that will alert the driver that it is time to replace them.

What is a trailing arm bushing?

The trailing arm bushings are connected to the axle and pivot point on the vehicle body. They are part of your car's trailing arm suspension. The front trailing arm consists of a set of bushings attached to a bolt that passes through these bushings and holds the trailing arm to the vehicle's chassis. The trailing arm bushings are designed to cushion the movement of the suspension by keeping the wheel on the correct axle.

The bushings absorb minor vibrations, bumps and road noise for a smoother ride. The trailing arm bushings do not require much maintenance, but can wear out due to overuse, frequent driving on bumpy roads, or due to elements that the vehicle often drives into. There are several common causes of trailing arm bushing wear, including:

• If your bushings are made of rubber, the heat can cause them to crack and harden over time.
• If the bushings allow excessive roll on your vehicle, this can cause them to twist and eventually break. This can cause the vehicle's steering to become less responsive and you may lose control of the vehicle.
• Another problem with trailing arm bushings is transmission coolant or gasoline leaking from the bushings. Both will lead to deterioration of the bushings and their potential failure.

Trailing arm bushings are subject to frequent wear on many vehicles on the roads we drive on a daily basis, for the reasons listed above, as well as a number of others. When they wear out, there are some symptoms and warning signs on the trailing arm bushings that indicate they should be replaced by a professional mechanic. Below are some of these common warning signs and symptoms to be aware of.

1. Knocking when accelerating or braking.

The bushing's job is to provide cushioning and a pivot point for the metal arms and support joints. When the bushings wear out, the metal tends to "clunk" against other metal parts; which can cause a "clunking" sound from under the car. This sound is usually heard when you pass speed bumps or enter the roadway. Knocking can also be a sign of other bushings in the front suspension system, such as the steering system, universal joints, or anti-roll bar. Because of this, it is recommended that you have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic if you hear this type of sound before repairing it.

2. Excessive tire wear

The trailing arm is part of the vehicle's suspension system. When these components wear or become damaged, the suspension shifts, which can cause the weight distribution of the tires to shift to the inside or outside edges. If this happens, the tire will generate more heat at the inside or outside edge of the tire due to suspension misalignment. Worn trailing arm bushings are known to lead to suspension imbalance and premature tire wear on the inside or outside edge.

If you visit a tire shop or oil change and the mechanic tells you that the tires are wearing more on the inside or outside of the tire, on one or both sides of the car, have a professional mechanic have your car inspected for a trailing arm bushing problem. When the bushings are replaced, you will have to readjust the suspension again to align it properly.

3. Steering backlash when cornering

The steering and suspension systems work together to distribute weight between the body and chassis of the car when cornering. However, as the trailing arm bushings wear, weight shift is affected; sometimes delayed. This can result in loose steering when turning left or right, especially during slow, high angle turns (such as entering a parking lot or turning 90 degrees).

Trailing arm bushings are important parts of your vehicle's suspension. If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your local ASE certified mechanic to inspect and replace the trailing arm bushings if necessary.