Replace the front coil springs on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, requiring complete strut assembly removal and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Front coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (optional but recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumper and dust boot (if deteriorated) × 2 — Inspect before ordering

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and strut tower nuts if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the strut tower on the driver side. Remove the plastic strut tower cap if equipped. Identify the three 14mm nuts securing the strut mount to the tower. Do not remove these nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut. Use a 6mm Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft while loosening the upper nut with appropriate socket. Remove nut completely and separate the link from the strut. If ball joint spins, use locking pliers on the shaft above the boot.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the strut bracket and steering knuckle for camber reference. Remove the two 18mm bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the knuckle slightly after removing bolts. Support the strut assembly as you work.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the three 14mm nuts from the strut tower. Carefully lower the entire strut assembly out of the wheel well. Set on clean work surface.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly vertically in a vise or stable position. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring compressor hooks engage at least 3 full coils. Verify the compressors are properly seated and aligned. Begin compressing the spring evenly, alternating between compressors frequently to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Check compressor engagement after every few turns. If compressors slip or spring shifts, stop immediately and reposition.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Continue compressing spring until there is visible gap between spring seat and strut mount (spring is no longer under tension against mount). Use 6mm Allen key inserted into top of strut shaft to prevent rotation while removing the 17mm strut shaft nut with a wrench. Remove the nut, washer, and upper strut mount assembly.
   ⚠Verify spring is fully decompressed from mount before removing shaft nut. Mount should move freely if spring tension is released.
7. 7

   Disassemble strut components
   Remove the upper mount bearing, spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop from the strut shaft. Carefully release spring compressor tension and remove the old coil spring. Inspect all components for wear, paying special attention to the strut mount bearing (should rotate smoothly without binding), bump stop condition, and dust boot integrity.
8. 8

   Install new coil spring
   Place new coil spring in the compressor tools with the spring's end orientation matching the original (note which direction the coil end faced). Compress the new spring evenly until it can be installed over the strut shaft. Ensure the bottom coil end seats properly in the lower spring seat groove on the strut body.
   ⚠Spring end must locate in the proper position in lower seat. Incorrect positioning can cause spring to dislodge during operation.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut components
   Install bump stop and dust boot onto strut shaft. Install spring upper seat with proper orientation (alignment tab if equipped). Install strut mount bearing (new recommended) and upper mount assembly. Align all components so spring end locates in upper seat groove. Ensure mount stud positions align with original orientation for tower mounting.
10. 10

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Thread strut shaft nut onto shaft by hand. Hold strut shaft with 6mm Allen key while tightening the 17mm nut. While factory torque spec is typically 47 Nm (35 lb-ft) for this component, this critical fastener is not in the provided torque database - consult factory service manual for exact specification. Tighten until mount is firmly secured and does not rotate.
    ⚠Do not fully release spring compressors until shaft nut is fully tightened and verified secure.
11. 11

    Release spring compressors
    Slowly and evenly release tension on both spring compressors, alternating between them. Verify spring seats properly in both upper and lower seats as tension is released. Once spring is fully seated and carrying load, completely remove compressor tools.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly to tower
    Lift strut assembly into wheel well and align the three mounting studs with tower holes. Thread on the three 14mm nuts by hand. While supporting assembly, torque nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the strut bracket with the steering knuckle using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and start nuts. Torque both bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position sway bar link ball stud into strut mounting hole. Install nut and torque while holding shaft with 6mm Allen key.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-14 for the passenger side strut assembly, using the same careful spring compression techniques and torque specifications.
16. 16

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts
2. Verify nothing was left disconnected or loose in the wheel well area
3. Reinstall any strut tower caps or covers that were removed

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, listening for any unusual noises from front suspension
• Verify vehicle drives straight without pulling to either side
• Check for any clunking or rattling from front suspension over bumps
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 50 miles - spring replacement affects camber and alignment settings
• After first 50 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and lug nuts to specification

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