Replace the rear strut mount assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, restoring proper suspension function and eliminating clunking or rattling noises from worn mounts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification (Toyota 48609-33280 or equivalent)
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Toyota 90948-02062 or equivalent
• Strut shaft nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts if vehicle is rusty or high mileage
6. Open trunk and remove interior trim panel or access cover to expose strut tower nuts (typically located behind rear seat area)

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Place a floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the suspension weight. Raise just enough to take load off the strut but do not lift the vehicle higher. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Remove the two bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle assembly using a 17mm socket. These bolts pass through the strut bracket and knuckle. Support the strut while removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut tower nuts
   From inside the trunk, remove the three 14mm nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Hold the strut from below while removing the final nut. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have a helper support it from below or use a floor jack to control descent.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Install spring compressors
   With the strut assembly on a workbench, install coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart). Tighten compressors evenly and alternately, checking alignment frequently. Compress the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and upper mount, and the strut shaft can move freely.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly seated in spring coils and tightened per tool manufacturer instructions. Uneven compression can cause spring to slip off compressor with potentially fatal results.
5. 5

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the strut shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove the strut shaft nut. Keep all components in order as you disassemble: nut, washer, upper mount, bearing (if separate), upper spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop.
6. 6

   Remove old strut mount and components
   Lift off the old strut mount assembly, noting the orientation of all components. Remove the bearing, upper spring seat, and inspect the condition of the dust boot and bump stop. If the bump stop or boot is damaged, replace them now. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Install new strut mount assembly
   Install the bump stop and dust boot onto the strut shaft if they were removed. Place the upper spring seat onto the compressed spring, ensuring it is properly oriented with the spring end seated in the pocket. Install the new bearing (if separate from mount), then the new strut mount. Verify alignment of all components before proceeding.
   ⚠The strut mount has a specific orientation. The mount studs must align with the holes in the strut tower when reinstalled. Note the alignment marks or orientation before assembly.
8. 8

   Install and torque strut shaft nut
   Install the washer and new strut shaft nut. Hold the strut shaft with the 6mm Allen key and tighten the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify that the upper mount seats properly and all components are aligned correctly.
   Torque spec

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

   Release spring compressors
   Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressors, alternating between sides. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper mount and lower spring seat as pressure is released. Once fully released and verified to be seated correctly, remove the spring compressors completely.
   ⚠️Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Watch for any signs of improper seating. If the spring begins to shift or misalign, re-compress and correct the issue before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well. Guide the three mounting studs through the holes in the strut tower. From inside the trunk, start all three 14mm nuts by hand to hold the assembly in place. Do not fully tighten yet.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Raise the floor jack under the knuckle to align the strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and start the nuts by hand. Verify proper alignment before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners
    Torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft). Use a torque wrench for all fasteners to ensure proper clamping force.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall trunk interior trim panel or access cover over strut tower
2. If working on both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite rear strut mount
3. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle and trunk area

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each rear corner several times and verify no clunking, rattling, or unusual noises from strut mount area
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any suspension noises over bumps
• Verify steering returns to center properly and there is no pulling to either side
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment after strut mount replacement to ensure proper suspension geometry
• Re-check all fastener torque values after 50-100 miles of driving

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