2016 Ford Focus - Trailing Arms

What are Trailing Arms?

Suspension trailing arms connect the vehicle's axle to its chassis and allow the axles to move up and down while also preventing side-to-side or forward and rearward movement to maintain vehicle alignment. Rear trailing arms do not feature any moving components, and are mounted to the front or rear axle in dependent suspension systems. The main purpose of a trailing arm is to allow for controlled, stable movement in response to driving and road conditions. A vehicle's trailing arms also help support the weight of the vehicle to improve stability and traction. Trailing arms work with other suspension components, such as shock absorbers, springs, and stabilizer bars, to create a balanced and more comfortable ride. The rubber bushings or ball and socket joints on the trailing arm ends may wear down over time, or the trailing arm may be damaged or bent, which can affect the vehicle's handling, alignment, and stability. This can result in clunking noises coming from the suspension or axle assembly, the vehicle pulling to one side, an unbalanced vehicle, or uneven tire wear. A bad trailing arm or trailing arm bushing can affect the quality of your vehicle's ride, and may also cause misalignment, leading to potential component damage and uneven, rapid tire wear. Inspecting the trailing arms and their bushings for signs of damage, looseness, or wear can help you determine if they have failed and need to be replaced. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries a full line of replacement suspension system parts, including trailing arms, bushings, and more for a complete repair.