This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the upper ball joint on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine. The upper ball joint connects the upper control arm to the steering knuckle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper ball joint × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Cotter pin × 1 — Standard size for ball joint nut
• Pinch bolt (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly
5. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut and control arm mounting bolts, allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cotter pin and ball joint nut
   Using pliers, straighten and remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut. Do not fully remove yet if ball joint taper is still seated in knuckle.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from steering knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, separate the ball joint taper from the steering knuckle. Insert the separator between the knuckle and control arm, then apply pressure to break the taper fit. The ball joint stud should pop free from the knuckle. Remove the castle nut completely if not already removed.
   ⚠The ball joint may release suddenly under pressure. Keep hands and body clear of pinch points.
3. 3

   Access upper control arm mounting
   If necessary for clearance, disconnect the sway bar link from the lower control arm or strut using a 14mm socket while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Support the steering knuckle assembly with a jack or secure it to prevent excessive drooping which could damage the brake hose or ABS sensor wire.
4. 4

   Remove upper control arm bolts (if replacing entire assembly)
   If replacing the entire upper control arm with integrated ball joint, locate the control arm mounting bolts in the wheel well. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the control arm mounting bolts. Note the position of any alignment shims or cams for reassembly. If only replacing the ball joint itself, proceed to step 5.
   ℹ️Mark or photograph the position of alignment cams before removal to maintain approximate alignment.
5. 5

   Remove ball joint from control arm
   If the ball joint is serviceable (separate from control arm), use a ball joint press to remove the old ball joint from the control arm. Position the press appropriately to push the ball joint out of its bore. Clean the ball joint mounting bore in the control arm with a wire brush, removing any rust or debris.
6. 6

   Install new ball joint
   If installing a press-fit ball joint, use the ball joint press to install the new ball joint into the control arm bore. Ensure the ball joint is fully seated and oriented correctly with the grease fitting (if equipped) positioned for accessibility. If installing a complete control arm assembly, skip this step.
7. 7

   Install control arm to chassis
   If the control arm was removed, position it back to the chassis mounting points. Install the control arm bolts finger-tight. Return any alignment shims or cams to their original positions. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels.
8. 8

   Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
   Position the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The castle nut must align with the cotter pin hole - if necessary, tighten (never loosen) the nut up to the next castle slot to align the hole.
   ⚠Never loosen the ball joint nut to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten to next castle slot if needed.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pin
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud. Bend the ends of the cotter pin outward to secure it in place. Ensure the cotter pin is properly seated and will not come loose.
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the lower control arm or strut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading, then snug them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on wheels
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels (still supported by jack but tires on ground and suspension at normal ride height), torque the upper control arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures proper bushing alignment and prevents premature bushing wear.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at normal ride height to prevent bushing damage and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Using a torque wrench, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured
3. Check that control arm bolts were torqued with vehicle weight on suspension

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from suspension
• Check for proper steering feel and response
• Inspect ball joint area for any signs of movement or looseness
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted as necessary - ball joint replacement affects suspension geometry

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