This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber - left × 1 — 48530-06560 or equivalent
• Rear shock absorber - right × 1 — 48530-06560 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Open trunk and remove spare tire and cargo mat to access upper shock mounting points

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove trunk interior trim panels
   Carefully pry out the plastic trim panels on both sides of the trunk interior to expose the upper shock tower nuts. These panels are typically held by plastic clips. Remove the clips carefully to avoid breakage and set panels aside.
2. 2

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or designated rear jacking point. Once raised, place jack stands under the rear subframe on both sides. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. The rear suspension should hang freely with wheels off the ground.
3. 3

   Remove rear wheels
   Remove the loosened lug nuts completely and remove both rear wheels. Set wheels aside in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm on the side you're working on first. Raise jack just enough to take slight tension off the shock absorber, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed.
5. 5

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the rear lower control arm or knuckle. Remove the 14mm bolt completely. The shock will now be free at the bottom but supported by the upper mounting.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove upper shock tower nuts
   From inside the trunk, locate the upper shock mounting nuts at the shock tower. There are typically two or three nuts holding the upper mount. Use a 12mm socket to remove all upper mounting nuts. Support the shock from below as you remove the final nut.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove shock absorber
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. Guide the shock absorber down and out through the lower suspension area. Remove the shock from the vehicle. Inspect the upper mounting bushing and hardware for wear or damage.
8. 8

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock absorber into place, inserting the upper mounting studs through the shock tower from below. You may need to raise the floor jack slightly under the control arm to align the lower mounting hole. Install upper mounting nuts hand-tight first.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install lower shock mounting bolt
   Align the lower shock eye with the mounting point on the control arm or knuckle. Install the lower mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the shock is seated properly before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque upper shock tower nuts
    From inside the trunk, torque all upper shock mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern if there are multiple nuts. This ensures even loading on the upper mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Lower the floor jack from under the first side. Reposition the jack under the opposite side's lower control arm and repeat steps 4 through 10 for the second shock absorber.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench, but do not torque fully yet.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Once vehicle weight is on all four wheels, torque the rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall trunk trim
    Replace the trunk interior trim panels and press plastic clips firmly into place. Reinstall cargo mat and spare tire. Close trunk.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trunk trim panels are securely clipped back into position
2. Verify no tools or parts have been left in the trunk or wheel wells
3. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over small bumps to verify proper shock operation and no rattling noises
• Verify no fluid leaks from new shock absorbers after driving
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50 miles of driving
• Listen for any unusual clunking or rattling from rear suspension that might indicate loose mounting hardware

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