Q: How should the rear Trailing Arm be removed and installed on Toyota Highlander?
A: The paint marks on all suspension arms must face the rear of the vehicle; if no marks are visible, they should be marked for proper reinstallation. To begin removal, loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the rear wheel. For the number 1 suspension arm on 2WD models, remove the rear stabilizer bar, then the arm fasteners from the axle carrier and rear suspension cross member, followed by the arm itself. On 4WD models, lower the rear suspension cross member to access the inner bolt of the number 1 suspension arm, disconnect the strut rods from the axle carrier, and remove the exhaust center section and tailpipe, driveshaft and center bearing assembly, and both rear driveaxles. Detach the suspension arms from both axle carriers, position a floor jack under the center of the cross member, loosen and remove the cross-member-to-body fasteners, and carefully lower the rear suspension cross member until the suspension arm bolts are accessible, then remove the bolts. For the number 2 suspension arm, remove the rear stabilizer bar, mark the cam bolt to preserve the toe-in alignment angle, and depending on the model year, remove the arm fasteners from the axle carrier and suspension cross member or the coil spring before removing the arm. For the rear trailing arm on specific models, measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the rear suspension arm before raising the vehicle, then remove the rear suspension arm plastic shield fasteners, the rear wheel speed sensor bracket fastener, and the parking brake cable fasteners. Use a floor jack to raise the rear suspension arm slightly, then remove the fasteners from the front and rear of the trailing arm. During installation, loosely tighten all bolts, adjust the suspension to its normal ride-height angle, and then fully tighten the bolts, ensuring the factory paint marks face the rear of the vehicle. Finally, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, tighten the wheel lug nuts, and if applicable, tighten the driveaxle/hub nut, followed by having the rear wheel alignment checked.