This procedure replaces the pitman arm on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4. Note: This vehicle uses rack and pinion steering and does not have a pitman arm.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end (if worn) × 1 — 45046-09541 or equivalent
• Cotter pin for tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify the part you need to replace - this vehicle has rack and pinion steering with tie rod ends, not a pitman arm
2. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
6. Remove front wheels
7. Mark the position of the tie rod end on the threads for approximate alignment reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the tie rod end
   Turn the steering wheel to gain better access to the tie rod end you are replacing. If replacing the right side, turn wheel to the left, and vice versa. Spray penetrating oil on the tie rod end nut and threads, allowing it to soak for several minutes.
2. 2

   Remove the tie rod end castle nut
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using pliers or side cutters. Using the appropriate socket, loosen and remove the tie rod end castle nut. Do not fully remove the nut yet - back it off until it is flush with the end of the stud to protect threads during separation.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle
   Use a tie rod end puller or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Position the tool properly and apply steady pressure. Once the taper breaks free, remove the castle nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
   ⚠Do not hammer directly on the tie rod end stud as this can damage the threads and steering knuckle.
4. 4

   Count and remove the old tie rod end
   Count the number of exposed threads or measure from the inner tie rod boot to the center of the tie rod end ball stud for reference. Loosen the tie rod end jam nut. Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning it counterclockwise. Count the number of turns for installation reference.
5. 5

   Prepare and install new tie rod end
   Clean the threads on the inner tie rod with a wire brush. Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns you counted during removal, or until the measurement matches. Do not tighten the jam nut yet - this allows for final alignment adjustment.
6. 6

   Install tie rod end to steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle bore. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The castellations must align with the cotter pin hole. If necessary, tighten (never loosen) the nut slightly to align the nearest castellation with the hole.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Secure with cotter pin
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod stud. Bend the legs of the cotter pin around the nut to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin cannot fall out or interfere with other components.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final tightening and lower vehicle
   Completely lower the vehicle to the ground. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure proper seating.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured
3. Check that the tie rod end jam nut is snug but not final-torqued to allow alignment adjustment

Verification

• Check for proper tie rod end installation with no excessive play
• Turn steering wheel full lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately - toe settings will be incorrect
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify steering response before normal operation
• After alignment, verify jam nut is properly tightened to secure the adjustment

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