This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front coil springs on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, requiring disassembly of the strut assembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring × 2 — OEM 48131-06480 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — OEM 48609-06080 or equivalent
• Strut bumper and dust boot (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points on frame
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and stabilizer link nuts if corrosion is present
7. Open hood and locate strut tower nuts under hood (three nuts per side visible from engine bay)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   Locate the stabilizer bar link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft of the link bolt to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. The link can remain attached to the sway bar.
2. 2

   Remove brake line bracket
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut body. Using a 14mm socket, remove the bolt securing the brake line bracket to the strut. Carefully separate the bracket from the strut without putting tension on the brake line. Do not disconnect the brake line itself.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are 19mm bolts with nuts on the backside. Support the strut assembly with one hand. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. If bolts are seized, use penetrating oil and allow to soak, or use an impact wrench.
4. 4

   Support and separate strut from knuckle
   With an assistant or floor jack supporting the strut assembly weight, carefully separate the strut from the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or tap the knuckle with a rubber mallet to break the connection. Ensure the knuckle assembly is supported and does not drop.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and may drop suddenly when separated. Ensure proper support is in place.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts
   From inside the engine bay, locate the three 17mm nuts on top of the strut tower. While supporting the strut assembly from below (use an assistant or position floor jack under strut), remove all three strut tower nuts. Carefully lower the complete strut assembly out of the vehicle through the wheel well.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable work surface. Install the coil spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least 3-4 coils and are positioned 180 degrees opposite each other. Verify the compressor is properly seated before proceeding.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor is rated for automotive coil springs and is properly installed per manufacturer instructions. Improper installation can result in catastrophic failure.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the coil spring by alternating between the two sides of the compressor. Compress until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount (approximately 1-2 inches of free play). The spring should no longer be under tension against the strut mount. Stop and recheck compressor engagement if any binding or unusual sounds occur.
   ⚠️Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly seated in the coils.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted into the top of the shaft. Using a 19mm socket or wrench, remove the strut shaft nut at the center of the upper mount. Remove the nut, washer, and upper mounting plate. Carefully lift off the upper mount, bearing, spring seat, and dust boot, noting the orientation of each component for reassembly.
9. 9

   Remove old coil spring
   With the spring still compressed, carefully remove it from the strut assembly. Keep the spring compressor installed and set the old spring aside in a safe location. Inspect the strut bumper, dust boot, and upper mount bearing for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new coil spring
    Install the coil spring compressor on the new coil spring, ensuring proper engagement. Compress the new spring to the same dimension as the old spring was compressed. Place the compressed spring onto the strut assembly, ensuring the end of the spring seats properly in the lower spring seat groove. Verify correct spring orientation (end coil positioning matches original).
    ⚠Ensure the spring end is properly seated in the lower spring seat pocket before proceeding.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut mount components
    Install components in reverse order of removal: dust boot, spring seat, bearing, and upper mount. Ensure the bearing is properly seated and rotates freely. Align the upper mount studs with the correct orientation for installation (note the offset stud pattern). Install the washer and strut shaft nut finger-tight.
12. 12

    Torque strut shaft nut and release spring
    Hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key and torque the strut shaft nut to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb). Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating sides to ensure even decompression. Verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats. Once fully decompressed and verified, remove the spring compressor completely.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring is properly seated before completely removing compressor.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the complete strut assembly into position through the wheel well. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. From inside the engine bay, install the three strut tower nuts and torque to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb). Guide the lower portion of the strut into position on the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the strut mounting bracket with the steering knuckle. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front side. Install nuts on the backside and torque both fasteners to 115 Nm (85 ft-lb). Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut mounting bracket.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect brake line bracket and stabilizer link
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the strut body and torque the mounting bolt to 27 Nm (20 ft-lb). Reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the strut assembly. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 ft-lb).
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but still allows wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 ft-lb) in a star pattern. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side of the vehicle
2. After completing both sides, bounce the front end several times to settle the suspension
3. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation and listen for unusual noises

Verification

• Visually inspect that all components are properly connected and no tools or parts are left in the engine bay or wheel wells
• Verify proper ride height by comparing to pre-repair measurements or manufacturer specifications
• Check that the vehicle sits level side-to-side
• Test steering operation for full range of motion without binding or unusual noises
• Schedule front end alignment within 100 miles of completing this repair
• Monitor vehicle for the first several days for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling characteristics

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