fuel
Fuel Tank Strap
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.5 h
Tools
12
Steps
15
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the fuel tank support straps on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring fuel tank lowering and fuel system depressurization.
Warnings
⚠️FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD: Gasoline is extremely flammable. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with no ignition sources (no smoking, sparks, flames, or pilot lights) within 50 feet. Have a Class B fire extinguisher immediately accessible.
⚠️FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE: The fuel system remains pressurized even with the engine off. Failure to properly depressurize can cause fuel spray resulting in fire or serious injury.
⚠️CRUSHING HAZARD: The fuel tank weighs 100-150 lbs when empty, significantly more if fuel remains. Improper support can cause the tank to fall, causing severe injury. Never work under an unsupported fuel tank.
⚠Tank must be 1/4 full or less before attempting this repair. If tank is fuller, siphon or drive vehicle to reduce fuel level. Disposal of drained fuel must comply with local environmental regulations.
⚠Fuel tank straps are under tension when loaded. They may snap when released if not properly supported.
ℹ️This procedure requires working under the vehicle on jack stands. Professional lift access significantly improves safety and efficiency.
ℹ️If fuel tank straps show severe corrosion, inspect all fuel system components and mounting points for deterioration. Consider professional inspection if rust damage is extensive.
Tools required
Floor jack rated for fuel tank weight (minimum 150 lb capacity)Essential
Adjustable jack standsEssential
Wooden block or rubber fuel tank cushion for jackEssential
Metric socket set (10mm, 12mm, 14mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-40 Nm range)Essential
Fuel line disconnect tool setEssential
Drain pan (minimum 5 gallon capacity)Essential
Wire brush for cleaning strap mounting points
Penetrating oil
Safety glassesEssential
Nitrile glovesEssential
Fire extinguisher (Class B rated)Essential
Parts
- Fuel tank strap (left) × 1 — OEM 77254-06090 or equivalent
- Fuel tank strap (right) × 1 — OEM 77254-06100 or equivalent
- Fuel line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Fuel filler neck grommet × 1 — OEM 77361-06050 or equivalent - inspect and replace if damaged
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level, solid surface outdoors or in well-ventilated area away from all ignition sources
- Verify fuel level is 1/4 tank or less. If necessary, siphon fuel to reduce level following proper safety procedures
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven (minimum 2 hours)
- Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate terminal to prevent electrical sparks
- Chock front wheels securely
- Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at rear subframe jacking points (minimum 18 inches clearance recommended)
- Remove rear wheels for improved access (optional but recommended)
- Position floor jack with wooden block under center of fuel tank but do not lift yet
- Place drain pan under fuel filter and fuel line connection points
- Have fire extinguisher positioned within easy reach
Procedure
- 1Depressurize fuel systemRemove fuel pump relay (EFI fuse #25 in engine bay fuse box). Attempt to start engine and let it run until it stalls to depressurize fuel lines. Crank engine 2-3 additional times to ensure complete depressurization. Wait 5 minutes before proceeding to allow residual pressure to dissipate.⚠️Fuel will still drain from lines when disconnected. Have drain pan positioned and be prepared for fuel spillage.
- 2Remove fuel filler neck hose and vent linesFrom rear passenger side, loosen hose clamp securing fuel filler neck to tank using 10mm socket. Disconnect filler neck hose from tank inlet. Disconnect EVAP vent line from tank using fuel line disconnect tool. Cap or plug filler neck to prevent debris entry.⚠Fuel will drain from filler neck. Position drain pan to catch spillage.
- 3Disconnect fuel supply and return linesLocate fuel lines at front of tank. Using appropriate size fuel line disconnect tool, depress locking tabs and disconnect fuel supply line and return line from tank. Catch any fuel spillage in drain pan. Inspect O-rings and discard - new O-rings must be installed during reassembly.⚠️Even with system depressurized, residual fuel will spray out. Wear safety glasses and have drain pan positioned.
- 4Disconnect fuel tank electrical connectorsLocate fuel pump module electrical connector on top of tank (accessed from underneath). Press locking tab and disconnect connector. Disconnect any additional EVAP or sensor connectors present. Label connections if necessary for reassembly reference.
- 5Support fuel tank with floor jackPosition floor jack with wooden block under center of fuel tank. Raise jack just enough to contact tank and provide light support - do NOT lift tank yet. Tank should remain resting on straps but supported by jack. Verify jack is stable and centered to prevent tank from shifting.⚠️Jack must be stable and properly positioned. An unstable fuel tank can fall and cause severe crushing injury.
- 6Remove heat shield (if equipped)If vehicle is equipped with fuel tank heat shield, remove mounting bolts using 10mm socket. Heat shield is located between exhaust and tank. Carefully lower heat shield and set aside for reinstallation.
- 7Remove fuel tank strap mounting boltsLocate the two fuel tank straps running across bottom of tank from front to rear. Each strap has one mounting bolt at the rear mounting bracket. Using 14mm socket, remove both strap mounting bolts while supporting straps. Straps are under tension and will release when bolts are removed.⚠Straps are under tension. Control the strap as bolt is removed to prevent it from snapping down.
- 8Lower fuel tank partiallySlowly lower floor jack 4-6 inches to allow straps to swing down. Tank will pivot at front mounting points. Lower only enough to access and remove straps - do not fully lower tank unless additional service is required. Verify all connections are disconnected before lowering.⚠️Lower tank slowly and verify no wires or hoses are still connected that could tear or bind.
- 9Remove damaged fuel tank strapsWith tank lowered, remove both fuel tank straps completely. Straps hook over front mounting points on tank and bolt at rear. Note orientation and routing of straps for reinstallation. Inspect strap mounting brackets on chassis for damage or corrosion. Clean mounting bolt threads with wire brush and apply penetrating oil if corroded.
- 10Install new fuel tank strapsPosition new fuel tank straps over front tank mounting hooks. Verify straps are correctly oriented (strap should follow natural curve of tank bottom). Route straps to rear mounting brackets. Ensure straps are not twisted and are properly seated in mounting points.
- 11Raise tank and secure strapsRaise floor jack to lift tank into proper position. Align strap ends with rear mounting brackets. Install strap mounting bolts finger-tight first to verify proper alignment. Once both sides are aligned, torque strap mounting bolts using specified torque value. Verify tank is properly seated and both straps are evenly tensioned.ℹ️Torque specification for strap mounting bolts is 27 Nm (20 lb-ft). This is critical for proper tank support.
- 12Reinstall heat shieldIf heat shield was removed, position heat shield between exhaust and fuel tank. Install and tighten mounting bolts. Verify heat shield does not contact exhaust or fuel tank and has proper clearance.
- 13Reconnect fuel lines with new O-ringsInstall new O-rings on all fuel line connections - never reuse old O-rings. Lightly lubricate new O-rings with clean gasoline. Connect fuel supply and return lines to tank fittings, pushing firmly until locking tabs click into place. Tug on lines to verify secure connection. If lines have threaded fittings, torque to specification.⚠️Fuel line connections are CRITICAL safety items. Improper connection will cause fuel leaks and fire hazard. Verify positive locking engagement.
- 14Reconnect filler neck and electrical connectionsReconnect fuel filler neck hose to tank inlet. Install hose clamp and torque to specification. Reconnect EVAP vent line until it clicks. Reconnect fuel pump electrical connector and any other disconnected sensor connectors. Verify all connections are secure.
- 15Remove jack and reinstall fuel pump relayCarefully lower and remove floor jack from under fuel tank. Reinstall fuel pump relay (EFI fuse #25) in engine bay fuse box. Reconnect negative battery cable.
Reassembly
- Reinstall rear wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to 110 Nm (80 lb-ft) in star pattern
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Double-check that all fuel line connections are secure and properly locked
- Verify heat shield clearance to exhaust if equipped
- Inspect ground under vehicle for any dropped fasteners or tools before starting engine
Verification
- With vehicle outdoors or in well-ventilated area, turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and listen for fuel pump priming (2-3 second hum). Repeat 3-4 times to build fuel pressure
- Inspect all fuel line connections, filler neck, and tank seams for any fuel leakage while fuel system is pressurized
- Start engine and let idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for fuel odor or visible leaks underneath vehicle
- With engine running, inspect fuel tank straps from underneath to verify tank is properly supported and not sagging
- Turn off engine and perform final inspection of all connection points with flashlight, looking for any wetness or fuel seepage
- Test drive vehicle and monitor fuel gauge for proper operation. Re-inspect all connections after test drive
- If ANY fuel odor or leakage is detected, DO NOT drive vehicle. Shut off engine immediately and re-inspect all connections. Fuel leaks are a critical safety hazard