Toyota Harrier: Rear Suspension Trailing Arm and Lateral Link Bush Collapse

The rear multi-link suspension on the MCU10/MCU15 Harrier uses multiple rubber bushes in the trailing arms and lateral links that deteriorate and collapse with age. New Zealand conditions — variable temperatures, UV exposure, and the age of these vehicles — accelerate rubber degradation. Collapsed bushes cause the rear wheels to develop excessive toe-out under load, producing rapid inside tyre wear and unstable cornering behaviour. The rear subframe mounting bushes are also susceptible and their collapse introduces additional compliance that amplifies the problem. Replacement requires a full four-wheel alignment after fitment to restore geometry within Toyota specification.

• Rapid or uneven wear on the inner edge of rear tyres
• Rear-end instability or wandering during cornering, especially under load
• Clunking or thudding from the rear suspension over road irregularities
• Four-wheel alignment printout showing rear toe outside Toyota specification

1. 1

   Look for the rubber sitting proud of the metal sleeve or showing full separation.

2. 2

   Grip each arm and apply lateral and vertical force to check for movement beyond the bush's design compliance.

3. 3

   Request a recent four-wheel alignment printout and check rear toe values — toe-out beyond specification confirms bush collapse.

4. 4

   Inspect the subframe mounting points for rubber extrusion.

5. 5

   If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, inspect all rear trailing arm and lateral link bushes visually for cracking, tearing, or deformation of the rubber element.

$600 to $1,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the rear suspension ever had bush replacements or been professionally inspected?”
• “Do you have a recent four-wheel alignment report showing the rear toe measurements?”
• “Have you noticed unusual rear tyre wear or instability at highway speed?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.