This procedure covers the replacement of both front sway bar links (stabilizer links) on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link - left × 1 — 48820-06050 or equivalent
• Front sway bar link - right × 1 — 48820-06050 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare sway bar links
   Visually inspect the sway bar links for damage, torn boots, or excessive play. Apply penetrating oil to the upper and lower nuts on both sides if corrosion is present. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration.
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper link nut
   Locate the upper connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the strut assembly. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and remove the upper nut while holding the Allen key to prevent the shaft from spinning.
   ⚠If the shaft spins freely and cannot be held with the Allen key, the ball joint is worn and the link must be cut or the stud gripped with locking pliers.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower link nut
   Locate the lower connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the sway bar itself. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link shaft. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and remove the lower nut while holding the Allen key. Remove the driver side sway bar link completely.
4. 4

   Clean mounting surfaces - driver side
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads and mounting surfaces on both the strut assembly and sway bar where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or old thread locker compound to ensure proper torque values during installation.
5. 5

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link with the longer stud facing upward toward the strut. Install the lower nut finger-tight onto the sway bar connection first, then align the upper stud with the strut mounting point and install the upper nut finger-tight. Ensure the link is properly seated and not cross-threaded.
6. 6

   Torque driver side sway bar link nuts
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Torque the upper nut to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Repeat the process for the lower nut, holding the shaft with the Allen key from the bottom while torquing the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove passenger side upper link nut
   Move to the passenger side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and remove the upper nut while holding the Allen key to prevent the shaft from spinning.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side lower link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the link shaft. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and remove the lower nut while holding the Allen key. Remove the passenger side sway bar link completely.
9. 9

   Clean mounting surfaces - passenger side
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads and mounting surfaces on both the strut assembly and sway bar where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris to ensure proper installation.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side sway bar link
    Position the new sway bar link with the longer stud facing upward toward the strut. Install the lower nut finger-tight onto the sway bar connection first, then align the upper stud with the strut mounting point and install the upper nut finger-tight.
11. 11

    Torque passenger side sway bar link nuts
    Insert the 6mm Allen key into the top of the link shaft to hold it stationary. Torque the upper nut to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. Repeat the process for the lower nut, holding the shaft with the Allen key from the bottom while torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 110 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern with the vehicle weight on the wheels.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar link nuts are torqued to specification with the shaft held by an Allen key
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells
3. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle and listen for clunking noises that would indicate loose sway bar links
• Take a test drive over moderate bumps and through corners to verify no rattling or handling issues
• Visually inspect both sway bar links after test drive to confirm nuts remain tight and properly seated
• Check for even tire wear patterns after 100 miles to ensure proper alignment was maintained

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