How to Change Struts on a Camry

The struts on your Toyota Camry absorb the bangs and bumps of the road and keep the ride smooth. Most Camrys use full struts on both the front and rear wheels, and you'll likely need to change both at one end together. Whether you're replacing the complete strut assembly (recommended for amateurs) or individual components like the coil spring, removing and installing a strut is a difficult task that requires at least two people. There can be some differences in the procedure depending on the year--particularly with the parts connected to the strut--so consult your owner's manual first.

Instructions

1

Raise the car's front or rear end and support it on jack stands, then remove the wheels with the tire iron. Raise a floor jack underneath the control arm (front end) or the axle carrier (rear end) to support it.

2

Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the strut by removing its upper nut with a flare nut wrench. Disconnect the brake hose and the speed sensor wiring from the strut using the same wrench on those bolts.

3

Remove the nuts and bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle--remove the strut's nuts with the wrench then drive out the strut's bolts with a punch and hammer. Detach the strut from the steering knuckle, making sure you don't let the steering knuckle fall.

4

Remove the nuts circling the top of the strut tower while your helper holds the strut then guide it out of the fenderwell. On a rear strut, lower the axle carrier with the jack and remove the bolts connecting it to the strut.

5

Guide the replacement strut up into the fenderwell and make sure its three mounting studs go through the holes in the tower, then apply the upper mounting nuts--don't tighten these all the way yet-- and the axle carrier nuts (for a rear strut).

6

Connect the steering knuckle to its flange on the strut, insert its bolts and tighten the nuts. Connect the brake hose, speed sensor wiring and stabilizer bar using their nuts/bolts.

7

Reconnect the wheel to the car and lower it off the jack stands, then tighten the upper mounting nuts at the top of the strut tower.