Note: Trailing arm bushings should always be replaced in pairs, i.e. on both sides of the vehicle.
The trailing arm bushings can be removed without removing the torsion beam/trailing arm assembly from the vehicle as follows.
Place chocks under the front wheels, then use a jack to lift the rear of the car and secure it to the stands under the axle. Remove the rear wheels.
On models with manual rear suspension level control, relieve pressure in the system by releasing air through the valve in the luggage compartment.
On station wagon and van models, disconnect the brake pressure control valve spring from the bracket on the torsion beam.
Release the clamps on the flexible hoses and the rear ends of the rigid brake pipes from the underside of the vehicle. Also disconnect the handbrake cables and the ABS sensor wire.
Using wooden blocks, place the jack under the center section of the torsion beam.
Loosen and remove the nuts and bolts securing the trailing arms to the bottom of the body.
Carefully lower the jack so that you have access to the trailing arm bushings, then secure the torsion beam to the struts. Try not to put any stress on the brake lines.
There is a special tool from the company for removing and installing bushings, or you can use an improvised tool: a long bolt, a nut, washers and a metal pipe of a certain length or a bushing.
Where required, before removing the bushing, cut the flange off the end of the bushing with a sharp knife (fig. 10.17).
Removal can be simplified by heating the housing where the bushing is located in the trailing arm to approximately 70°C. An open flame should not be used due to the proximity to the fuel tank.
Remove the bushing from the trailing arm using the tool as described above.
Lubricate the new bushing with soapy water, then insert it into position, making sure the narrow part of the bushing faces up.
Repeat the operation on the other trailing arm.
Raise the torsion beam with a jack and install the bolts and nuts that secure the front ends of the trailing arms to the underbody. Do not tighten the fasteners completely at this stage. Move the support legs away.
Clamp the rigid tubes and flexible hoses to the underbody.
Perform the penultimate operations indicated above in the section "Rear suspension torsion beam...", starting with the item "Install the road wheels...".
On station wagon and van models, connect the brake pressure regulating valve spring to the bracket on the torsion beam.
On station wagon and van models, check the adjustment of the valve that regulates the pressure in the brake system.
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