This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering (EPS) motor assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering fluid line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine under cover clips (if applicable) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota ATF Dexron III — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
4. Turn ignition off and remove key
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
6. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
7. Remove both front wheels
8. Remove engine under cover if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Lock steering wheel in center position
   Install a steering wheel holder or use a seatbelt to secure the steering wheel in the centered position. This prevents the clockspring from being damaged during the repair. Mark the steering shaft and intermediate shaft positions with paint or a marker for reference during reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   From inside the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft connection at the base of the steering column above the firewall. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Use a pry bar if needed to separate the connection. Do not allow the steering column to rotate.
   ⚠Do not turn the steering wheel or allow the column to rotate once disconnected, as this can damage the airbag clockspring.
3. 3

   Drain power steering fluid
   Locate the power steering fluid reservoir near the engine. Use a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to remove as much fluid as possible from the reservoir. Position a drain pan under the steering rack area to catch remaining fluid that will drain from the lines.
4. 4

   Disconnect EPS motor electrical connector
   From under the vehicle, locate the EPS motor mounted on the steering rack. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the EPS motor. Secure the connector away from the work area with a wire tie to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Remove power steering fluid lines
   Using a 14mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and remove the power steering fluid line fittings from the EPS motor assembly. Allow fluid to drain into the drain pan. Cap or plug the open lines to prevent contamination. Inspect the O-rings and discard them; new O-rings must be installed during reassembly.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding the fittings. Power steering fluid may be hot if the vehicle was recently driven.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove EPS motor mounting cover
   Remove the protective cover over the EPS motor mounting area if present. Remove the cover screws and set the cover aside. This will expose the EPS motor mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove EPS motor mounting bolts
   Locate the EPS motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the steering rack housing. Using a 12mm socket, remove all mounting bolts. Support the EPS motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove EPS motor assembly
   Carefully pull the EPS motor assembly away from the steering rack. There may be residual power steering fluid inside the motor housing, so be prepared to catch any spillage. Inspect the mating surface on the steering rack for debris or damage and clean if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new EPS motor assembly
   Install new O-rings on the power steering fluid line ports of the new EPS motor. Lightly lubricate the O-rings with clean ATF. Align the new EPS motor with the mounting holes on the steering rack and carefully slide it into position. Ensure the motor shaft engages properly with the steering rack.
   ⚠Do not force the EPS motor onto the rack. It should slide on smoothly with proper alignment. Forcing it can damage internal components.
10. 10

    Install EPS motor mounting bolts
    Hand-thread all mounting bolts to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a star pattern to the specified torque using a torque wrench. This ensures even clamping force on the motor housing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall mounting cover
    Position the protective cover over the EPS motor mounting area. Install and tighten the cover screws to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect power steering fluid lines
    Remove caps or plugs from the fluid lines. Install new O-rings on the line fittings if not already installed on the motor. Thread the fittings by hand first to ensure proper engagement, then tighten to the specified torque using a torque wrench and flare nut wrench.
    ⚠Do not overtighten the fittings as this can damage the O-rings and cause leaks. Always use new O-rings.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector and intermediate shaft
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the EPS motor, ensuring it clicks into place. Move to the interior of the vehicle and reconnect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column, aligning the marks made during disassembly. Install and tighten the pinch bolt.
14. 14

    Refill power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Toyota ATF Dexron III to the cold fill line. With the engine off and battery still disconnected, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to distribute fluid through the system. Check and top off the reservoir as needed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under cover if equipped
2. Reinstall front wheels and tighten lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle to the ground
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Remove steering wheel lock or restraint

Verification

• Start the engine and check for power steering fluid leaks around the EPS motor connections
• Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while monitoring for smooth operation and unusual noises
• Check power steering fluid level and top off if necessary; fluid should be at the hot fill line after operation
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal steering operation and no warning lights
• Recheck all connections and fluid level after test drive
• Some vehicles may require steering angle sensor calibration using a diagnostic scan tool; consult service manual if steering warning light remains illuminated

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