C2 Trailing Arms

[Mark P.]

I am looking at buying a 65 and have been told the trailing arms may need to be rebuilt.

Are there ways to inspect them to assess the condition of the trailing arms without taking them apart (i..e. put the car on jack stands and determine if there is any movement side to side ?)

Any sounds I should pay attention to when driving ?

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arms

Mark, there are three areas that I look for.

• The trailing arm itself should be of uniform thickness. Meaning the steel should be the same thickness all over. If you feel areas that are like lumps, these are areas that are probably swollen with rust. In this case they arm itself needs to be replaced. About $300 for a pair.
• The bearings in the bearing retainer could be bad. Jack up the car and turn the wheel and listen. If they are real bad you will hear it. Slightly bad you may hear nothing.
• With the wheels off the ground, grab the top and bottom of the tire and push in and pull out. Excessive play indicates a problem also.

If the T-arms are original just assume they need to be replaced or rebuilt. This is a pure safety issue as far as I can see.