Repair or replace rear trailing arm?
 

Hi, I have a '97 Active with 148,000 miles. The metal tab on the left rear trailing arm to which the stabilizer link is attached has broken off of the trailing arm. Is it possible to weld that tab back onto the trailing arm or should the trailing arm be replaced? Pelican parts lists trailing arms for $958 each!

How many hours of labor is involved in replacing a trailing arm? If one trailing arm needs to be replaced, is it advisable to replace both trailing arms at the same time?

Thanks!

Trailing arm at Pick n Pull with the hub is about$40-50. I'd replace bushings on both if I was working on one for sure.


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i have welded loads on mine no problem, re welding the arb bracket on should be easy and replacing the arm can be a pita, when i did mine i had to do the bushes, bearings, disks, pads, shoes and cables.
i don't use the arb on mine

When I replaced my rear trailing arm bushings, I removed the rear end, as I also replaced the subframe bushings. I'm not sure if the fasteners that hold the trailing arm are accessible without dropping the rear end. Another reason to weld.

Definitely repair. This is a common issue and no reason to junk a complete trailing arm. Repair and reinforce it with these...

http://bimmerbum.com/products/akg-re...ement-brackets

When my Clubsport went back together it was fitted with these brackets. I know from experience that 22mm Dinan rear sway bars will eventually cause damage to mounting points that are not reinforced.

You can remove the trailing arm with the subframe and differential in place. That said, I agree with you, leave the arm in place and weld in some reinforcements.

An easy and inexpensive ($169) weld repair did it. Thanks all!