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Autopapyrus · Kaiyi E5
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/kaiyi/e5/rear-control-arm-and-link-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Kaiyi E5: Rear Control Arm and Link Replacement

The Kaiyi E5 has a rear multi-link independent suspension. Replace the rear arms when the bushings are worn (clunking over bumps, vehicle pulling), or when an arm is bent or cracked. The procedure includes lifting the rear axle, removing the arm fasteners at the subframe and the steering knuckle, and installing the new parts. Final tightening is done with the suspension loaded.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2-3 hours Steps: 12 Tools: Lift or jack with jack stands, 15/17/19 mm wrenches, 17/19 mm sockets, ratchet with extension, pry bar, torque wrench, ball joint puller (optional), WD-40

Part

  • 🔩 Rear left trailing arm 202000830AA, rear right trailing arm 202000831AA, upper rear control arm 202000062AA (check the price with your supplier). If you are replacing only the bushings, you can press new bushings into the old arms

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Raise the rear of the vehicle on a lift, or on jacks on both sides, and secure it with jack stands under the rocker panels (sills). Remove the rear wheel on the side you are working on.
  2. Apply WD-40 to the arm threaded connections 10-15 minutes before you start. The bolts often seize to the bushings.
  3. Place a jack under the rear steering knuckle (hub) so the suspension is slightly loaded. This makes it easier to remove the arm bolts.
  4. Remove the bolt that secures the trailing arm to the subframe (the front point of the arm) with a 17 or 19 mm wrench. If the bolt won't turn, use a ratchet with an extension.
  5. Remove the bolt that secures the trailing arm to the steering knuckle (the rear point) with the same socket. Take the arm out of its mounting points.
  6. For the upper arm: remove the two mounting bolts (to the subframe and to the knuckle). If the sway bar gets in the way, disconnect it to gain access.
  7. Inspect the mounting points on the subframe and knuckle. Clean off rust and dirt with a wire brush.
  8. Install the new arm in reverse order: first fit it into the mounting points, then thread the bolts in by hand, but DO NOT fully tighten them.
  9. Lower the jack so the suspension is close to its normal loaded position. You can also install the wheel and lower the car to the ground, leaving a small gap.
  10. Tighten the arm bolts with a torque wrench. Typical torques for multi-link suspensions on Chinese vehicles are 80-100 N·m (59-74 lb-ft) for the subframe mounting and 70-90 N·m (52-66 lb-ft) for the knuckle mounting. For the exact Kaiyi E5 values, check the manufacturer's service manual. Tightening under load is mandatory, otherwise the bushings will wear out prematurely.
  11. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and check the lug bolt torque at 110-120 N·m (81-89 lb-ft).
  12. Get a wheel alignment after the replacement, because the rear wheel alignment angles may change.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • It is CRITICAL to tighten the arm bolts ONLY with the suspension loaded (the car standing on its wheels, or the suspension compressed with a jack to its working position). Tightening with the suspension hanging will preload the bushings, and they will tear within 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles). The arm mounting bolts may be single-use (serrated). Inspect the threads before reuse, and replace the bolts with new ones if they are deformed. After replacing the arms, a rear-axle alignment (camber and toe) is mandatory.
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