EGR Tube

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the EGR tube on the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnection from the EGR valve and exhaust manifold.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• EGR tube assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• EGR tube gasket (valve end) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• EGR tube gasket (manifold end) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on fasteners
4. Apply penetrating oil to all EGR tube mounting bolts and allow to soak
5. Take photos of routing and connections for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake components
   Disconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body. Remove the air cleaner assembly by releasing the clips and lifting it away from the engine bay. This provides access to the EGR valve area.
2. 2

   Disconnect EGR valve electrical connector
   Locate the EGR valve on the intake manifold. Press the tab on the electrical connector and disconnect it from the EGR valve. Move the wiring harness aside to prevent damage during tube removal.
3. 3

   Remove upper EGR tube mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts connecting the EGR tube to the EGR valve. Use a 12mm socket with extension to remove both bolts. The bolts may be tight due to heat cycling. Note the position of any brackets or clips attached to these bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access exhaust manifold connection
   From underneath the vehicle or through the wheel well (turning wheels fully to one side), locate where the EGR tube connects to the exhaust manifold. You may need to remove the engine under cover for better access. Use a 14mm socket to access the flange bolts.
5. 5

   Remove heat shield if equipped
   If a heat shield is present around the EGR tube at the exhaust manifold connection, remove the retaining bolts using a 10mm socket. Carefully slide the heat shield away from the tube.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lower EGR tube flange bolts
   Remove the two flange bolts securing the EGR tube to the exhaust manifold using a 14mm socket. These bolts are exposed to extreme heat and corrosion. If bolts begin to strip or show signs of breaking, stop and apply additional penetrating oil and heat if necessary. Remove the old gasket from the manifold flange.
   ⚠Exhaust flange bolts are extremely prone to seizing. Work slowly and do not force if resistance is encountered.
   Torque spec

   Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove EGR tube assembly
   Carefully maneuver the EGR tube out of the engine bay. It may need to be rotated or angled to clear surrounding components. Remove and discard the old gasket from the EGR valve connection point.
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a wire brush and shop towels to thoroughly clean the gasket mating surfaces on both the EGR valve and exhaust manifold flange. Remove all carbon deposits, old gasket material, and corrosion. Inspect both flanges for warping or damage. The surfaces must be completely clean and flat for proper sealing.
   ℹ️Do not allow debris to fall into the EGR valve or exhaust manifold openings during cleaning.
9. 9

   Prepare new EGR tube
   Install new gaskets onto both ends of the new EGR tube. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of the flange bolts that will connect to the exhaust manifold. Do not apply anti-seize to the EGR valve mounting bolt threads.
10. 10

    Install EGR tube to exhaust manifold
    Position the new EGR tube with gasket against the exhaust manifold flange. Start both flange bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque of 47 Nm (35 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Exhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect EGR tube to EGR valve
    Route the upper end of the EGR tube to the EGR valve. Ensure the gasket is properly seated. Install both mounting bolts and any brackets that were removed. Tighten the mounting bolts to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall heat shield
    If a heat shield was removed, position it back around the EGR tube at the exhaust manifold connection. Install and tighten the heat shield bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical and reinstall components
    Reconnect the EGR valve electrical connector until it clicks into place. Reinstall the air cleaner assembly and connect the mass airflow sensor connector. Tighten the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body. Reinstall the engine cover and any under covers that were removed. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
3. Double-check that all mounting bolts are tightened to specification
4. Confirm air intake system is properly sealed with no loose connections

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 5 minutes, monitoring for any exhaust leaks at the EGR tube connections (listen for hissing sounds)
• Check for proper EGR valve operation by verifying no check engine light illuminates
• With engine at operating temperature, visually inspect both EGR tube connections for signs of exhaust gas leakage
• Use a scan tool to verify no EGR-related diagnostic trouble codes are present
• Test drive the vehicle and confirm smooth operation with no unusual odors from the engine bay

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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