What does a trailing arm do?

A trailing arm is part of a vehicle’s trailing-arm suspension system. The trailing arm is the piece of the suspension system that connects the vehicle’s axle to its chassis. It’s job is to act as a pivot point and stop the rear axle or rear spindle from moving forward or rearward during operation of the vehicle.

In addition to the trailing arm itself are the trailing arm bushings. These are rubber or polyurethane components that act as cushions and reduce friction between the suspension parts.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer.

It is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance but has had connections with many other vehicle manufacturers throughout its history—as shareholders, part owners, and suppliers of parts and components.

How popular is Mitsubishi in the United Kingdom?

Mitsubishi celebrated 100 years of automotive manufacturing in 2017 and has created a solid position for itself in the UK market with around 350k vehicles on the roads today.

Making a mark in an SUV orientated market

The selection of Mitsubishi models does feature the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pickup, but the rest of the range is predominantly SUVs. Even the Mirage has strong SUV overtones.

And why not? They’re sturdy, versatile and roomy enough for families of all sizes, and the Outlander PHEV is perfect for company car drivers with its low fuel bills and plenty of interior space.

Outlander PHEV: The world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV

In 2013 Mitsubishi introduced the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. As a company that continues to make significant breakthroughs in driving technology, their work with renewable fuel types is establishing them as a leader in ecological systems.

The Mitsubishi Shogun: the beginnings of the SUV generation

The roots of the Shogun can be traced as far back as 1934 with a prototype for the Japanese Government, but it wasn’t until the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973 that Mitsubishi presented their first commercial prototype.

The Shogun was launched in 1982, and along with other 4x4 originals: predominantly by Land Rover, Jeep and the Toyota Land Cruiser, it helped boost the popularity of rugged go-anywhere motoring into the mainstream.

How often should a trailing arm need replacing?

A trailing arm should be replaced if it gets damaged or if the bushings become worn. Because the trailing arm bushings are made from rubber they will deteriorate over time and will eventually have to be replaced.

Because the arm and bushings form a crucial part of your vehicle’s suspension system, they should be replaced as soon as you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

The trailing arm and the bushes are important parts of the suspension. Wear to these bushes usually takes place slowly, often you only find out that you have worn bushes after an MOT test. Deteriorated bushes are in fact one of the most frequent MOT advisories.

Symptoms of worn suspension bushes include a bumpy ride and unstable feel to the car. It’s important to get an issue like this fixed fast to ensure the safety of your car for you and your passengers.

What happens when we do a trailing arm replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect your suspension system, including the trailing arm.

• If the trailing arm is cracked or damaged they will fit a replacement.

• They will advise if any related parts need to be replaced.

• They will check that all parts have been fitted correctly and test drive the car.

What causes a trailing arm to break?

A trailing arm will begin to fail if the bushes become worn out. The brushes act as cushions and reduce friction between the suspension parts, therefore if they’re cracked or worn the suspension system will not operate properly. Driving over large bumps or on uneven road surfaces often may also damage your suspension system over time.

When should a trailing arm be replaced?

A trailing arm should be replaced if it gets damaged or if the bushings become worn. Because the trailing arm bushings are made from rubber they will deteriorate over time and will eventually have to be replaced.

What are the signs of a bad trailing arm?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Clunking noises from the back of your car

• Vehicle won’t stay in a straight line or sways to one side when driving

• Your rear tyres are wearing unevenly and excessively

• Loose steering when turning corners

What happens during a trailing arm replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect your suspension system, including the trailing arm.

• If the trailing arm is cracked or damaged they will fit a replacement.

• They will advise if any related parts need to be replaced.

• They will check that all parts have been fitted correctly and test drive the car.

Can you drive with a broken trailing arm?

You should not drive with a bad trailing arm. Failing to repair a broken or cracked trailing arm could lead to separation of that side of the axle. Continuing to drive is dangerous for you, your passengers and other road users as it’s only a matter of time before further, more serious damage occurs.

What happens if you don't change a bad trailing arm?

Failing to repair a broken or cracked trailing arm could lead to separation of that side of the axle. It could also result in other parts of your vehicle’s suspension system becoming more damaged meaning more costly repairs down the line.