126 Trailering Arm Replacement (What else should be replaced??)

[Lance Allison]

As soon as the right rear trailering arm and bushings arrive, I am going to take in the SDL and have them installed. The car has close to 300k miles on the clock and the springs and shocks have about 45k miles on them.

Is there anything else I should be ordering since that part of car will be apart when the above items are being replaced? The tires are wearing evenly and prior to the trailering arm rusting through, the car didn't make any bizarre noises.

Thanks!

[kmaysob]

how are your cv boots?
why are you replacing the trailing arm?

[Lance Allison]

All the rubber parts SEEM to be okay at first glance. Even the trailering arm bushings appear to be in good shape. Lots of suspension work (including the LEFT rear trailering arm) were replaced within the last 3 or 4 years.

The end of the shock pushed through its mount on the trailering arm. It looks to have rusted from the inside out.

[md21722]

The trailing arms usually rust from the inside out. Have the rear subframe bushings or differential mount been replaced or at least their condition checked? Those would be common replacement items at this age & miles.

[grimgaunt]

if they are the same setup as the 123s (maybe not) also replace the brake struts that go from the arms to the brake discs (or at least the bushings there)

When I replaced this part on my 123 I also wire brushed the arm (top and bottom ) and sprayed 3-4 coats of rustoleum on it so I wouldnt have to do this again.

[kmaysob]

thats what i thought. that same thing happened to me. did u get the new one from a junk yard? i got mine for about $200

[Lance Allison]

I did get a used one from a California car. Hoepfully that one won't have rust issues. It was $125 shipped.

I also purchased new trailering arm bushings. I think they were around $30 shipped for the pair from FastLane (thanks, Phil!)

I was quoted $200 from a nearby shop...but I've heard the shop owners referred to as HACK AND SLASH! Not sure I'm comfortable with that. I got another quote from a known reputable shop in Pontiac, MI that I think I'm going to take the car to. Depending on whether or not I can drive the car that far.

At any rate, right now I'm waiting on the part. The bushings arrived Thursday and the trailering arm is due tomorrow.

[kmaysob]

do you have someplace to do the work yourself? its really easy once you get the bolts loose

[Lance Allison]

I do have a 3 car garage, but the lack of a lift makes a job like this tough. I wouldn't mind tackling it...but I really don't want to work with the car on jack stands.

[kmaysob]

i replaced mine with a floor jack and jackstands. it seems like it would be harder to do on a lift than to do on the ground. all you do is remove the springs,shocks,disconnect the axle,loosen the bolts for it, then you lower half of the subframe to change it. its a really easy job. i made a spring compressor so i could do my own work. the 6 ton jackstands lift it high enough to do the work.

[Alan Hamm]

Originally posted by kmaysob
why are you replacing the trailing arm?

Is this the same thing as the rear lower control arm?

Mine is going bad and I am told is rusting from the inside out and needs replacing.

[kmaysob]

yes its the same thing

[Alan Hamm]

What do you think I should budget for replacement cost at a good indy? I just do not have the space or facilities to do this type of repair.

Also, I think I need to replace a rear spring. This would be the time to do this, right?

[kmaysob]

i dont know about the price since i never go to shops but i would buy the spring and have them replace it when they do the trailing arm.