This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely with jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners that will be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Set aside in a clean area to prevent damage.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with wire or a bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line. Remove the caliper bracket mounting bolts and remove bracket. Slide the brake rotor off the hub.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link connection at the lower control arm or knuckle. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft stationary while removing the nut with a wrench. Disconnect the sway bar link from the mounting point.
   ℹ️The sway bar link shaft may spin. Use an Allen key in the center of the shaft to prevent rotation while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut assembly to the rear knuckle. These are large bolts located at the top of the knuckle. Use a breaker bar if necessary to loosen these bolts. Remove both bolts completely and note their orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing the final strut bolt to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Locate the lower ball joint nut connecting the lower control arm to the bottom of the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped. Remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Apply force gradually to avoid damaging the control arm or boot.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely destroy the ball joint boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if you plan to reuse the control arm without replacing the ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rear hub assembly from knuckle
   If the hub bearing assembly is integrated with the knuckle and you are replacing the entire assembly, skip this step. If the hub is separate, remove the four bolts on the back of the knuckle securing the hub bearing assembly. Pull the hub assembly out from the knuckle.
7. 7

   Remove knuckle assembly
   With all connections disconnected, carefully maneuver the knuckle assembly away from the vehicle. Check that no brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components are still attached. Remove the knuckle completely from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Prepare new knuckle for installation
   Clean all mounting surfaces on the control arm, strut, and surrounding areas with a wire brush. Compare new knuckle to old unit to verify correct part. If installing a separate hub bearing assembly, install it to the new knuckle with the mounting bolts. Apply anti-seize to strut bolt threads.
9. 9

   Install knuckle to ball joint
   Position the new knuckle assembly into place. Insert the lower control arm ball joint stud into the bottom of the knuckle. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install new cotter pin if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect knuckle to strut
    Align the knuckle mounting bracket with the strut assembly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts through the strut and knuckle. Install nuts on the opposite side and tighten to specification. Ensure proper alignment of the strut to the knuckle.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the rear sway bar end link to the mounting point on the knuckle or control arm. Install the nut and use an Allen key to hold the shaft while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install ABS wheel speed sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor mounting hole in the knuckle. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the sensing tip). Insert the sensor into the knuckle and install the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake components
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Install the caliper bracket and torque mounting bolts per brake system specifications. Install the brake caliper over the rotor and torque caliper bolts to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pressure.
14. 14

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but suspension is still unloaded. Torque control arm bolts to specification with vehicle weight on wheels. Fully lower vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels to prevent premature bushing failure and incorrect suspension geometry.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order listed
2. Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels
3. Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Verify brake pedal feels firm and brakes operate normally
• Check that ABS warning light is not illuminated
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around brake components
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension geometry has been altered

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