Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Replace both rear coil springs on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4. This procedure requires suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
• Shock absorber bump stop (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on chassis reinforcement points
4. Remove both rear wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak 15-20 minutes
6. Verify spring compressor tools are in good condition with no damaged threads or bent components

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle/hub assembly on the first side you are working on. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and take load off the shock absorber. This simulates normal ride height and prevents components from hanging at full droop.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or knuckle. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the lower nut. Swing the end link out of the way or disconnect completely if needed for access.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower shock absorber bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that attaches the shock to the rear knuckle or lower control arm. Remove this bolt completely and swing the shock upward out of the way. The shock may remain attached at the top strut tower.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower the suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the knuckle assembly. The suspension will drop and the coil spring will extend. Lower until the spring is loose and no longer under any compression. You may need to use a pry bar to gently separate components if spring binding occurs.
   ⚠Lower the jack very slowly and watch for brake lines or ABS wiring that could become stretched. Stop if any lines become taut.
5. 5

   Remove the coil spring
   Once suspension is at full droop and spring is loose, remove the coil spring from its upper and lower seats. Note the orientation of any rubber isolators or positioning tabs on the spring seats. The spring may have a top and bottom orientation - mark or photograph before removal.
6. 6

   Inspect spring seats and isolators
   Examine the upper and lower spring seat areas for rust, damage, or worn rubber isolators. Wire brush any rust from the metal spring seats. Check the shock absorber bump stop for cracks or deterioration. Replace rubber components if damaged.
7. 7

   Install new coil spring
   Position the new coil spring into the lower spring seat, ensuring proper orientation. If the spring has a closer-wound end, this typically faces the top. Align any positioning tabs with corresponding notches in the spring seats. Ensure rubber isolators are properly seated.
   ℹ️New springs may be slightly taller than worn originals. This is normal and will settle after initial driving.
8. 8

   Raise suspension and compress spring
   Using the floor jack under the knuckle, slowly raise the suspension assembly. The spring will compress between the upper and lower seats. Continue raising until the suspension reaches normal ride height and you can align the lower shock mounting hole.
9. 9

   Reinstall lower shock absorber bolt
   Align the lower shock absorber eye with the mounting bracket on the knuckle or control arm. Insert the bolt and tighten to specification. Ensure the shock is not twisted and moves freely through its travel.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to its mounting point. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key and tighten the nut to specification. Do not allow the ball stud to spin during tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 on the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should always be replaced as a pair to maintain equal ride height and handling characteristics.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the suspension, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠If any control arm bolts were removed during your procedure, they MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension, not while suspended in the air.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be tightened to specified torque values using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Control arm fasteners, if disturbed, must be torqued at normal ride height with vehicle weight on suspension
3. Verify no brake lines, ABS wires, or parking brake cables are pinched or overstretched
4. Check that shock absorbers move freely through full suspension travel with no binding

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify normal suspension operation with no clunking or unusual noises
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side when parked on flat ground
• Verify steering returns to center normally and vehicle tracks straight
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within one week as spring replacement will alter suspension geometry

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