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Ford Explorer Trailing Arms
Ford Explorer Trailing arms
Trailing arm replacements for your Ford Explorer start at $35.95, with 7 options in stock from Detroit Axle, Delphi, and Dorman. A trailing arm is a suspension link that connects the rear axle or wheel hub to the vehicle frame, controlling longitudinal wheel movement. When it cracks, bends, or has worn bushings, rear alignment shifts, tires wear unevenly, and handling becomes unpredictable.
Signs your Ford Explorer needs a trailing arm replacement
- Rear tires show uneven or feathered wear on one edge, indicating the wheel is no longer tracking at the correct angle
- Clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension when accelerating, braking, or hitting bumps
- Vehicle pulls or drifts to one side under braking, especially noticeable on smooth roads
- Rear end feels loose or wanders at highway speeds, requiring constant steering corrections
- Visible cracks, bends, or corrosion on the trailing arm itself during a visual inspection
- Rear wheel appears to sit at an unusual angle (toe or camber looks off) compared to the opposite side
Which trailing arm should you buy for your Ford Explorer?
The most important decision is whether to replace the complete trailing arm assembly or just the bushings. If the arm itself is bent, cracked, or heavily corroded, a complete arm is the correct fix — bushing replacement alone will not restore geometry. You should also confirm whether your Ford Explorer uses a separate upper and lower trailing arm or a single multi-link, as they are not interchangeable.
OE-Replacement Complete Arm
Best for
Bent, cracked, or heavily corroded arms where the metal is compromised
What you get
Direct bolt-on fit with pre-installed bushings; restores factory geometry with no additional parts needed
Complete Arm with Upgraded Bushings
Best for
High-mileage vehicles or those driven on rough roads where stock bushings wear quickly
What you get
Factory-style arm paired with stiffer, longer-lasting polyurethane or heavy-duty rubber bushings
Bushing-Only Kit
Best for
Arms that are straight and undamaged but have collapsed, cracked, or oil-soaked rubber bushings
What you get
Lower cost repair that reuses the existing arm; requires a press or specialty tool for installation
Adjustable Trailing Arm
Best for
Vehicles with modified ride height, track use, or alignment issues that cannot be corrected with a stock-length arm
What you get
Allows rear toe or camber adjustment beyond factory range; typically heavier-duty construction than OE
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| OE-Replacement Complete Arm | Bent, cracked, or heavily corroded arms where the metal is compromised | Direct bolt-on fit with pre-installed bushings; restores factory geometry with no additional parts needed |
| Complete Arm with Upgraded Bushings | High-mileage vehicles or those driven on rough roads where stock bushings wear quickly | Factory-style arm paired with stiffer, longer-lasting polyurethane or heavy-duty rubber bushings |
| Bushing-Only Kit | Arms that are straight and undamaged but have collapsed, cracked, or oil-soaked rubber bushings | Lower cost repair that reuses the existing arm; requires a press or specialty tool for installation |
| Adjustable Trailing Arm | Vehicles with modified ride height, track use, or alignment issues that cannot be corrected with a stock-length arm | Allows rear toe or camber adjustment beyond factory range; typically heavier-duty construction than OE |
Trailing arms brands we stock for your Ford Explorer
Detroit Axle
2 options · from $35.95
Delphi
1 option · from $68.95
Dorman
1 option · from $140.95
MOOG
1 option · from $50.95
Mevotech Original Grade
1 option · from $61.95
Mevotech Supreme
1 option · from $66.95
Replacing trailing arms on a Ford Explorer
Moderate⏱ 1.5–3 hours per sideFloor jack and jack standsBreaker bar and socket setTorque wrenchPenetrating oil (for seized hardware)Bushing press or hydraulic press (if replacing bushings separately)
Support the rear of your Ford Explorer securely on jack stands and allow the suspension to hang freely before unbolting the trailing arm from both its chassis mount and the wheel carrier or axle. New mounting hardware is recommended since trailing arm bolts are typically torqued to a specification that stretches the fastener. After installation, the vehicle must be taken to an alignment shop for a rear wheel alignment before being driven normally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace trailing arms on a Ford Explorer?
Parts alone start at $35.95 for a single trailing arm for your Ford Explorer. Labor typically adds one to two hours of shop time per side. If both sides are replaced simultaneously, shops often discount the labor since the vehicle is already lifted and aligned. Budget for a rear wheel alignment after any trailing arm replacement.
Can I drive my Ford Explorer with a bad trailing arm?
Driving with a damaged or failed trailing arm is not safe and should be avoided beyond moving the vehicle to a repair location. A compromised trailing arm can cause sudden, unpredictable changes in rear wheel alignment during braking or cornering. At minimum, severe tire wear will occur quickly; at worst, the arm can separate from the vehicle.
Do I need to replace trailing arms in pairs on my Ford Explorer?
Replacing in pairs is strongly recommended even if only one arm is visibly damaged. Both sides typically have similar mileage and wear, so the second arm is likely near failure as well. Replacing both at the same time also ensures balanced rear suspension geometry and saves labor costs compared to returning for a second repair shortly after.
Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing a trailing arm on my Ford Explorer?
Yes — a rear wheel alignment is required after any trailing arm replacement on your Ford Explorer. The trailing arm directly controls rear toe and, on some designs, camber. Even a new arm installed perfectly will have slightly different geometry than the worn one it replaced. Skipping the alignment will cause accelerated and uneven rear tire wear.
How long do trailing arms last on a Ford Explorer?
The steel arm itself can last the life of the vehicle under normal conditions, but the rubber bushings typically wear out well before that. Bushing lifespan varies widely depending on road conditions, climate, and driving style — roads with heavy salt exposure or frequent rough terrain shorten bushing life considerably. Inspect them during routine suspension checks.
What causes trailing arms to fail on a Ford Explorer?
The most common cause of trailing arm failure is bushing deterioration — rubber hardens, cracks, or collapses with age and exposure to heat and road salt. Physical damage from potholes, curb strikes, or off-road impacts can bend or crack the arm itself. Corrosion in high-salt climates can weaken the arm structure or seize the mounting hardware over time.