This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front steering knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnection from the strut, lower control arm, and wheel hub components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front steering knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if cotter pin damaged
• Axle nut (32mm) × 1 — Single-use fastener - must replace
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Standard size for ball joint
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — For brake caliper bracket threads

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. With vehicle on ground and brake applied, use breaker bar to crack loose the 32mm axle nut (do not remove completely)
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified points
6. Remove front wheel
7. Apply rust penetrant to ball joint nut, strut bolts, and brake caliper bracket bolts; allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket mounting bolts using a 17mm socket. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly. Support the caliper with wire or bungee cord from the strut spring - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub (tap with brass hammer if stuck).
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the knuckle. Remove the 10mm mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore. Secure it out of the way. Do not allow the sensor to hang unsupported or impact other components.
3. 3

   Disconnect tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the outer tie rod end. Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle steering arm. Strike the tool sharply to break the taper free. Remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut and disconnect CV axle
   Completely remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened. Push the CV axle shaft back through the wheel hub. If the axle is stuck in the hub, use a brass punch from the back side to tap it free. Do not strike the threaded end directly. Once free, push the axle fully into the hub area to provide clearance during knuckle removal.
   ℹ️The axle nut is a single-use fastener and must be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect sway bar link (if required)
   If the sway bar link interferes with knuckle removal, disconnect it from the strut. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while removing the upper nut with a 14mm wrench or socket. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, remove the ball joint nut. Install a ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and the knuckle. Tighten the separator or strike it sharply to break the taper free. The knuckle will separate from the ball joint stud.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will become free at this point. Support it to prevent it from falling or damaging the CV axle boot.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle (located through the strut bracket). Support the knuckle assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts using a 17mm socket and wrench. Note the orientation of any alignment cams or eccentric washers if present.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove knuckle assembly
   Carefully maneuver the knuckle assembly off the strut bracket and away from the CV axle. Guide the CV axle shaft fully through the hub bore as you remove the knuckle. Pull the knuckle assembly out of the wheel well. Inspect the CV axle boot for any damage that may have occurred during removal.
   ⚠Do not allow the CV axle to hang unsupported or fully extend from the transmission. Support it or secure it to prevent inner joint damage.
9. 9

   Prepare new knuckle assembly
   If transferring components from old knuckle (wheel hub, dust shield, etc.), perform those transfers now following manufacturer procedures. Clean all mating surfaces on the strut bracket, ball joint stud, and tie rod taper. Apply anti-seize to brake caliper bracket bolt threads. Inspect the ball joint boot and CV axle boots for damage.
10. 10

    Install knuckle to strut
    Guide the CV axle shaft through the hub bore of the new knuckle. Position the knuckle onto the strut bracket, aligning the bolt holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts with any alignment cams in their original orientation. Hand-tighten the bolts but do not torque yet - the suspension must settle first.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect lower ball joint
    Lift the knuckle and align the lower ball joint stud hole. You may need to use a pry bar to compress the suspension slightly. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle. Install a new castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect remaining components
    Pull the CV axle shaft fully into the hub and install a new 32mm axle nut - hand tighten only at this stage. Reinstall the tie rod end into the knuckle taper, install castle nut and torque to specification (typically 36 ft-lb), then install cotter pin. If removed, reconnect the sway bar link to the strut using the specified torque while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Reinstall the ABS wheel speed sensor into the knuckle bore and secure with the mounting bolt.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake components
    Clean the hub face and rotor mating surface. Install the brake rotor onto the hub (secure with a lug nut temporarily if needed). Position the brake caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Apply anti-seize to the caliper bracket bolt threads and install both bolts. Torque the caliper bracket bolts to 79 ft-lb (107 Nm). Remove temporary lug nut if used.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and perform initial torque
    Install the wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to seat the wheel. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Torque the axle nut to 217 ft-lb (294 Nm) while applying the brakes to prevent rotation.
    ℹ️The axle nut requires very high torque. Use a breaker bar or impact wrench and ensure the socket is fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque with weight on suspension
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground with full weight on the suspension. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Rock the vehicle side-to-side to settle the suspension. If control arm bolts were disturbed during this procedure, they must be torqued to specification with vehicle weight on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the proper sequence
2. Verify the axle nut is torqued to 217 ft-lb (294 Nm) with vehicle on ground
3. Confirm all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to secure castle nuts
4. Check that ABS sensor is fully seated and wire routing is secure

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises from the suspension
• Verify steering operates smoothly with no binding or unusual feedback
• Check for proper brake operation - brake pedal should feel firm with no pulsation
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around the CV axle area
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately - suspension geometry has been disturbed and improper alignment will cause premature tire wear
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify axle nut remains tight

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