This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including strut disassembly and proper spring compression techniques.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Toyota OEM 48131-06690 or equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Toyota OEM 48131-06691 or equivalent
• Spring seat pad (lower) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Spring bumper (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points on rear subframe
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut bolts, strut tower nuts, and lower mounting points if corrosion is visible
8. Have a helper available for safe strut removal if possible

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the strut mounting point. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and take the load off the strut assembly. This relieves tension on the mounting bolts. Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line and ABS sensor wire clips attached to the strut body. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the retaining clips. Gently separate the brake line and sensor wire from the strut, being careful not to damage or kink the brake line. Do not disconnect the brake line itself.
3. 3

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle/axle carrier. These are horizontal bolts through the strut bracket. Use a socket and breaker bar to remove both bolts completely. Support the strut assembly with one hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The strut assembly will become free once these bolts are removed. Ensure the floor jack is supporting the lower control arm to prevent sudden movement.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the trunk and remove the trunk trim panel covering the strut tower if necessary. On the 2012-2017 Camry, you may need to pull back the trunk carpet to access the strut tower. Locate the three mounting nuts on top of the strut tower (they will be in a triangular pattern).
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut assembly
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with the floor jack or by hand, remove all three strut tower nuts using a socket wrench. Once all nuts are removed, carefully lower and maneuver the strut assembly out from the wheel well. The assembly may need to be angled to clear the body panels.
   ⚠Strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Use proper lifting technique and have assistance if needed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly on a clean, stable work surface. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coils at least 2-3 coils down from each end. Verify the compressor is aligned straight and the hooks are fully engaged before proceeding.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor is properly installed per manufacturer instructions. Hooks must be fully seated in the coil. Never stand directly in line with compressed spring.
7. 7

   Compress the spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the spring by alternating between the two compressor tools. Tighten each side a few turns at a time to keep the spring evenly compressed. Continue until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper or lower spring seat (approximately 1/2 inch of clearance). The spring should be loose enough that you can rotate it slightly by hand.
   ⚠️Compress spring gradually and evenly. If spring begins to cant or shift, stop immediately and reposition compressor. Keep hands and body clear of spring ends.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Locate the large nut on top of the strut shaft at the center of the upper mount. Use a socket wrench while holding the strut shaft from rotating (there is typically a hex section or use locking pliers on the shaft). Remove the nut completely and set aside. Note the order and orientation of any washers or bushings.
   ⚠Spring must be fully compressed before removing this nut. If spring is still under tension, compression is insufficient.
9. 9

   Disassemble strut components
   Remove the upper strut mount assembly, upper spring seat, spring bumper, and dust boot. Carefully remove the compressed spring from the strut shaft. Keep all components organized and inspect each part for wear, cracks, or damage. Pay special attention to the upper mount for torn rubber or bearing damage, and check the spring seats for compression damage.
10. 10

    Install new spring on strut
    With the spring still in the compressor, inspect the new spring to confirm it matches the old spring specifications. Install the lower spring seat/pad on the strut body if removed. Position the compressed new spring onto the strut shaft, ensuring the end of the spring coil seats properly in the lower spring seat recess. The spring end must be aligned with the positioning tab or mark on the seat.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut components
    Install the dust boot, spring bumper (tapered end down), upper spring seat, and upper mount assembly in reverse order of removal. Ensure the spring end is properly seated in the upper spring seat recess. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten while holding the shaft from rotating. Torque to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) per strut tower specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Release spring tension
    Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides. As you release tension, verify the spring seats properly into both upper and lower spring seats. Once the spring is fully seated and taking the load, completely remove the compressor tools. Visually confirm the spring is properly positioned and the upper mount rotates freely.
    ⚠Release compressor slowly and evenly. Stop if spring appears misaligned and re-compress to correct position.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into the wheel well, guiding the upper studs through the strut tower holes. Install all three strut tower nuts and tighten by hand initially. Then torque to specification. Align the lower strut bracket with the knuckle/axle carrier mounting holes.
    Torque spec

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

    Install lower strut mounting bolts
    Use the floor jack under the lower control arm to raise the knuckle/axle carrier into alignment with the strut bracket holes. Insert both lower strut mounting bolts and install nuts. Tighten bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect brake line and sensor
    Reattach the brake line and ABS sensor wire to their clips on the strut body. Ensure clips are fully seated and lines are not kinked, twisted, or under tension. Verify there is adequate slack for suspension travel.
16. 16

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Lower vehicle to ground, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear springs (recommended)
2. Reinstall any trunk trim panels or carpet removed to access strut towers
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to final specification in star pattern with vehicle on ground
5. Bounce each rear corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension components

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, clunks, or vibrations from rear suspension
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side and rear ride height appears correct
• Verify no brake line or ABS sensor wire interference during full suspension travel by turning wheel lock-to-lock while stationary
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have alignment checked by professional shop, as spring replacement can affect rear alignment angles

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