Sway Bar - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnecting the sway bar links and removing the sway bar brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — 48815-06110 or aftermarket equivalent
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 2 — 48815-06100 or included with bar
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at factory jacking points
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under front subframe on both sides
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Insert a 5mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to prevent spinning. Using a 14mm socket, remove the lower nut that secures the link to the sway bar. Remove the washer and bushing, then separate the link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Use the 5mm Allen key to hold the link shaft while removing the lower 14mm nut. Remove washer and bushing, then separate the link from the sway bar. Allow both links to hang from the control arms.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar bracket bolted to the subframe on the driver side. Using a 14mm socket, remove both bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and note the orientation of the rubber bushing for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Using a 14mm socket, remove both bracket bolts securing the passenger side bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and bushing. Keep brackets and hardware organized by side.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, carefully maneuver the sway bar out from underneath the vehicle. The bar may need to be rotated or angled slightly to clear the subframe and steering components. Remove the rubber bushings from the bar and inspect for wear, cracking, or deterioration.
   ℹ️Note the orientation of the sway bar before removal. The bar has a specific left-to-right orientation and cannot be installed backwards.
6. 6

   Prepare new sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, transfer the rubber bushings to the new bar in the same orientation as the old bar. Ensure the split in each bushing faces toward the front of the vehicle. If reusing the bar, clean the mounting areas with a wire brush and install new bushings. Apply a light coat of soapy water to the inside of bushings to ease installation.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as this will cause premature deterioration.
7. 7

   Install sway bar into position
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar into position under the vehicle, ensuring the ends of the bar align with the sway bar link attachment points on both sides. The bushings should be positioned where the brackets will mount to the subframe. Verify correct left-to-right orientation.
   ℹ️Have an assistant help guide the bar into position if necessary, as it can be difficult to align both sides simultaneously.
8. 8

   Install driver side bracket
   Position the driver side bracket over the bushing, ensuring the bushing split faces forward. Align the bracket with the subframe mounting holes. Install both bracket bolts hand-tight first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install passenger side bracket
   Position the passenger side bracket over the bushing with the split facing forward. Install both bracket bolts hand-tight, then torque to specification. Verify both brackets are securely fastened and bushings are properly seated.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Align the sway bar link studs with the holes in the ends of the sway bar on both sides. Install the bushings, washers, and nuts onto the link studs. Hold each link shaft with a 5mm Allen key while tightening the nuts with a 14mm socket and torque wrench to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 110 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    ℹ️Final torque specification for wheel lug nuts is 110 Nm (80 lb-ft). Always use a star pattern when tightening.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Double-check that sway bar link Allen keys have been removed from link shafts
3. Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued
4. Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle to verify sway bar is properly connected and no rattling or knocking noises are present
• Perform a short test drive at low speed, making gentle turns to verify proper operation and no unusual noises
• After test drive, recheck all sway bar bracket bolts and link nuts for proper torque
• Inspect for any interference between sway bar and surrounding components during suspension travel

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