This procedure covers replacement of the front axle shaft seal on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, requiring removal of the axle shaft to access and replace the transaxle seal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front axle seal (driver or passenger side as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new) × 1 — 90178-06014 or equivalent
• New cotter pin (if applicable to VIN) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen the front axle nut using breaker bar while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove completely)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at the front subframe
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Place drain pan under transaxle to catch ATF

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Remove the previously loosened front axle nut completely. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove it first. Discard the old axle nut as a new one must be installed.
2. 2

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut from the lower control arm. Use a ball joint separator or apply outward pressure to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. This provides clearance to remove the axle shaft.
3. 3

   Remove axle shaft from hub
   Pull the knuckle assembly outward while pushing the axle shaft out of the hub. If stuck, use a brass drift or soft mallet to tap the end of the axle shaft. Support the axle shaft to prevent damage to the inner CV joint.
4. 4

   Remove axle shaft from transaxle
   Using a pry bar positioned between the transaxle case and the inner CV joint housing, carefully pry the axle shaft out of the transaxle. Apply steady pressure until the circlip releases. ATF will drain from the opening. Remove the axle shaft completely and set aside on a clean surface.
5. 5

   Remove old seal
   Using a seal puller or pick, carefully extract the old axle seal from the transaxle housing. Work carefully to avoid damaging the seal bore. Note the installation depth and orientation of the seal for reference.
6. 6

   Clean seal bore
   Clean the seal bore thoroughly with shop towels and a wire brush if needed. Remove all debris, old seal material, and ATF residue. Inspect the bore for damage or scoring that could cause the new seal to leak.
7. 7

   Install new seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with ATF. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the spring side facing inward toward the transmission. Using a seal driver or large socket that matches the outer diameter, tap the seal evenly into place until it is seated to the same depth as the original. Do not cock the seal during installation.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare axle shaft
   Inspect the axle shaft seal surface for wear, grooves, or damage. Clean the shaft thoroughly. Verify the circlip on the inner CV joint is present and properly seated in its groove. Apply a light coat of ATF to the seal contact area of the axle shaft.
9. 9

   Install axle shaft into transaxle
   Align the axle shaft with the transaxle opening and push firmly until the circlip engages with an audible click. Pull outward on the axle shaft to verify it is locked in place by the circlip. The shaft should not pull out.
10. 10

    Install axle shaft into hub
    Guide the outer end of the axle shaft through the hub bearing. Push the knuckle inward and align the splines. The shaft should slide through easily. If resistance is felt, verify spline alignment.
11. 11

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Position the lower ball joint into the knuckle and install the pinch bolt and nut. Torque the pinch bolt to specification per manufacturer requirements.
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Hand-tighten only at this stage. The final torque will be applied with the vehicle on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle completely.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque axle nut
    With the vehicle on the ground and brakes applied, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If equipped with a cotter pin hole, install a new cotter pin and bend the ends. If a stake-type nut is used, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill transaxle fluid
    Add approximately 1.5-2 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through the transaxle fill hole to replace fluid lost during seal replacement. Check the fluid level using the proper procedure (engine warm, in Park, fluid between hot marks on dipstick). Add fluid as necessary to reach proper level.

Reassembly

1. Ensure axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed and secured
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Double-check that the axle shaft is fully engaged in the transaxle and cannot be pulled out

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all gear ranges, then return to Park
• Check for ATF leaks around the new axle seal with the engine running
• Test drive the vehicle and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from the axle area
• Recheck ATF level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect the seal area again after 50-100 miles of driving to confirm no leaks have developed

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