suspension

Air Spring/Air Bag

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of the front strut air spring (air bag) on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Compressed coil springs store tremendous energy. Improper use of spring compressors can cause serious injury or death. Ensure spring compressor is properly seated before loosening strut shaft nut.

⚠Do not disconnect steering knuckle from strut assembly for this repair. Air spring can be replaced with strut installed on vehicle using partial disassembly method.

⚠Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential

Combination wrench setEssential

Spring compressor toolEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Front strut air spring (air bag) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Strut mount bearing (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Strut dust boot (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
Remove front wheel on side being serviced
Clean strut tower area in engine bay to prevent debris from falling into assembly

Procedure

1
Access strut tower mounting nuts
Open hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts under the strut tower cover. Remove the plastic strut tower cover if equipped by pulling upward to release clips. The three nuts are visible at the top of the strut assembly.
2
Support strut assembly from below
Place a floor jack with a block of wood under the lower control arm to support the suspension at ride height. Raise jack just enough to take weight off strut but not lift vehicle off jack stands. This prevents strut from falling when tower nuts are removed.
3
Remove strut tower mounting nuts
Using a socket wrench, remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Do not remove the center shaft nut at this time. Keep nuts in a safe location for reinstallation.
4
Lower strut assembly for access
Slowly lower the floor jack to allow the strut assembly to drop down approximately 6-8 inches. This provides clearance to access the upper strut mount while keeping the strut connected to the steering knuckle. The brake line and ABS sensor wire will remain attached.
5
Install spring compressor
Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in spring coils and engage at least three coils. Tighten compressors evenly and alternately until spring tension is relieved from upper mount. Spring should be compressed enough that upper mount can move freely.
6
Remove strut shaft nut
Hold the strut shaft with a wrench on the flat sections to prevent rotation. Use a socket to remove the upper strut shaft nut. Once nut is removed, carefully remove the upper mount, bearing, spring seat, and note the orientation of all components for reassembly.
7
Remove air spring and inspect components
Remove the air spring (air bag) from the strut assembly. Inspect the strut mount bearing for wear, roughness, or binding. Inspect dust boot and bump stop for damage. Replace any worn components. Clean strut shaft with wire brush to remove dirt and rust.
8
Install new air spring
Place new air spring onto strut shaft in same orientation as original. Ensure spring seats properly in lower spring seat. Install bump stop and dust boot if replaced. Position spring so end coil aligns correctly with lower spring seat.
9
Reassemble strut mount assembly
Install spring seat, bearing (if replaced), and upper strut mount in reverse order of removal. Ensure all components are oriented correctly as noted during disassembly. Thread strut shaft nut onto shaft by hand to prevent cross-threading.
10
Torque strut shaft nut and release spring
Hold strut shaft with wrench and torque the shaft nut to specification (typically 35-45 lb-ft, but verify with service manual as this value was not provided in torque database). Once secure, carefully and evenly loosen spring compressor tools to transfer spring load to upper mount. Remove spring compressors completely.
11
Raise and install strut tower nuts
Using floor jack under control arm, raise strut assembly back up into strut tower. Align mounting studs with holes in strut tower. Install three strut tower nuts and torque to specification in a star pattern.
12
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Remove floor jack from under control arm. Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.

Reassembly

Reinstall strut tower plastic cover if equipped
Verify all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
Ensure no tools or parts were left in engine bay or wheel well

Verification

Test drive vehicle and listen for unusual noises from front suspension
Verify smooth operation over bumps with no clunking or rattling
Check for proper steering response and alignment (alignment check recommended after suspension work)
Visually inspect strut tower area for proper seating of mount