1999 Civic EX rear trailing arm bushings

LAZUKAP

MEMBER
1999 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
129,000 MILES

Hello Car Pros,

I took my car into the shop the other day and the mechanics told me I needed to replace the rear trailing arm bushings on my 1999 Honda Civic. I asked how much it would cost to replace and I was quoted $550. I asked how much the bushings were and I was quoted $35 per bushing. Well, somehow the math doesn't work out right so I thought I would try replacing the bushings myself, but have I have no idea how to proceed and in what steps.

I took a look under the car and I am familiar with the part, but am unsure if the entire arm has to be removed or if the bushing can be replaced while the arm is still attached. Could you provide me with the steps, diagrams, and tools needed to complete the job?

Grazie,
Patrick

1 Reply

F4I_GUY

MECHANIC
3,302 POSTS

Honestly. This is not a job you want to attempt. You need a press for this job and a lot of the times, every bolt/bushing on the trailing arm is seized.

If you do not have oxy-acetylene torches and a hydraulic press, I would not attempt this job.

However, if the you live down south where car rust is kept to a minimal you may be lucky.

You can remove the two trailing arm bushing bolts to the body, remove the toe-arm bolt, lower the trailing arm and use a bushing press tool to remove and press the bushing in. If the bushing will not move with this tool, you will need to remove the entire trailing arm and press it out with a hydraulic press.

Keep in mind, these bushings are 'clocked' in. They have arrows to show what way they are installed.

You will also need an alignment after.