This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the transmission output shaft bearing on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring transmission removal and partial disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission output shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission output shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Toyota Genuine or equivalent
• Transmission case cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels for access to drivetrain components
5. Install engine support fixture or bar across engine compartment to support engine weight
6. Allow transmission to cool completely if vehicle was recently operated
7. Place large drain pan under transmission
8. Clean exterior of transmission and surrounding area to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Remove the transmission drain plug and allow all fluid to drain completely into a suitable container. Remove the transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern and lower the pan carefully. Remove the transmission filter if equipped. Clean the pan and magnet thoroughly, inspecting for excessive metal debris which may indicate other internal damage.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove drivetrain components
   Remove both front axle shaft nuts. Disconnect the front axle shafts from the transmission by prying carefully at the inner CV joints - use caution not to damage the differential side gears. Support axle shafts out of the way. Remove the engine under covers and splash shields for access.
   ⚠Axle shafts are under spring tension from circlips. Pull firmly and evenly to release.
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission external connections
   Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connectors including vehicle speed sensor, solenoid connectors, and any temperature sensors. Label all connections for reassembly. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines and cap or plug openings to prevent contamination. Remove the shift cable from the transmission by releasing the cable clip and disconnecting at the lever.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect the starter motor electrical connections. Remove the starter mounting bolts and extract the starter motor from the bell housing. This provides access to lower bell housing bolts and reduces weight for transmission removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support and remove transmission
   Position a transmission jack under the transmission oil pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Secure the transmission to the jack with a safety strap or chain. Remove the transmission mount bolts and the transmission-to-engine bell housing bolts. Note bolt lengths and locations as they vary. Carefully separate the transmission from the engine by pulling straight back, ensuring the torque converter remains with the transmission. Lower the transmission on the jack and move to a clean work surface.
   ⚠️Ensure transmission is securely strapped to jack. Have an assistant guide the transmission during removal to prevent tipping.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove transmission case cover
   Place transmission on a sturdy workbench. Remove the valve body cover bolts if necessary for access. Remove the transmission case cover bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Carefully separate the case cover from the main case using a soft mallet to tap on bosses - do not pry between sealing surfaces. Remove the case cover and gasket, keeping track of any shims or thrust washers.
   ℹ️Keep all shims, thrust washers, and snaprings organized by location. Take photos during disassembly for reference.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Access output shaft bearing
   Remove the output shaft snapring using snapring pliers. Carefully slide the output shaft assembly forward while noting the position of all gears, thrust washers, and bearings. The output shaft bearing is pressed onto the shaft and seated in the transmission case. Mark the orientation of the bearing before removal for proper installation direction.
   ⚠Do not allow gears or shafts to drop or impact hard surfaces. Transmission components are precision machined and easily damaged.
8. 8

   Remove old output shaft bearing
   Using a bearing puller or press, carefully remove the old bearing from the output shaft. If the bearing inner race remains on the shaft, use a bearing splitter and puller to remove it. Inspect the output shaft journal for scoring, wear, or damage. If shaft damage is present, the shaft must be replaced. Remove the bearing outer race from the transmission case using a slide hammer with bearing race puller attachment or by driving it out from the opposite side with a brass drift.
   ⚠Apply force evenly when pressing or pulling bearing. Cocked bearings can damage the shaft journal or case bore.
9. 9

   Measure and prepare for installation
   Clean the output shaft journal and transmission case bearing bore thoroughly with solvent. Inspect for any damage or excessive wear. Measure the bearing bore in the case and the shaft journal with a micrometer to verify they are within service limits per Toyota specifications. Check that the new bearing fits properly on the shaft with light press fit and in the case bore. Place the new bearing in a freezer for 30 minutes before installation to ease fitting.
   ℹ️Output shaft endplay must be checked after bearing installation. Incorrect endplay will cause premature failure.
10. 10

    Install new output shaft bearing
    Using a press with the correct size bearing driver or installation sleeve, press the new bearing outer race into the transmission case bore. Ensure the race is pressed fully to its seat and is square in the bore. Press the bearing inner race onto the output shaft using a bearing installation tool that contacts only the inner race. Press until the bearing seats against the shaft shoulder. Do not press on the outer race when installing on the shaft, and do not press on the inner race when installing in the case.
    ⚠️Never press on both bearing races simultaneously or through the rolling elements. This will destroy the bearing.
11. 11

    Verify bearing installation and endplay
    Install the output shaft assembly back into the transmission case with all thrust washers and gears in their original positions. Install the output shaft snapring. Mount a dial indicator with the plunger on the end of the output shaft. Push and pull the shaft to measure endplay - it should be within 0.10-0.30mm (0.004-0.012 inches) per Toyota specifications. If endplay is incorrect, select appropriate thrust washers to bring within specification. Ensure the bearing rotates smoothly without binding or rough spots.
    ⚠Incorrect endplay will cause noise, premature wear, or bearing failure. Verify measurements carefully.
12. 12

    Reassemble transmission case
    Apply a thin bead of RTV silicone to the transmission case mating surface per Toyota specifications, or install a new case cover gasket if equipped. Carefully position the case cover onto the main case, ensuring all alignment dowels are seated. Install the case cover bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern to draw the cover down evenly.
    ℹ️If using RTV, allow it to cure for the time specified by the manufacturer before adding fluid. Typically 30-60 minutes.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install new output shaft seal
    Clean the seal bore in the transmission case. Using a seal driver of the appropriate size, drive the new output shaft seal into the case until it seats flush. Lubricate the seal lip with clean ATF before installation of the axle shafts.
    ℹ️Ensure seal is not cocked during installation. A cocked seal will leak immediately.
14. 14

    Reinstall transmission in vehicle
    Position the transmission on the transmission jack and raise it into position. Ensure the torque converter is fully seated in the transmission (verify 3 engagement clicks) before mating to the engine. Align the transmission to the engine and push forward, installing all bell housing bolts and transmission mount bolts finger tight first, then torque in sequence.
    ⚠️Verify torque converter is fully seated before bolting transmission to engine. Measure from converter pilot to bell housing face - should be at least 10mm gap.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect components and refill transmission
    Reinstall the starter motor and connect electrical connections. Reconnect all transmission wiring harness connectors, shift cable, and cooler lines. Install new axle shaft clips and insert both axle shafts into the transmission until the circlips engage with a click. Install axle shaft nuts finger tight. Clean and install the transmission pan with a new gasket, torquing pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Install the drain plug with a new crush washer. Fill the transmission with the specified quantity of Toyota WS ATF through the fill tube.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Torque front axle shaft nuts to specification (216 Nm / 159 lb-ft)
3. Remove engine support fixture
4. Lower vehicle to ground
5. Reconnect negative battery cable
6. Start engine and check for leaks around transmission pan, case cover, and output seal
7. Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature using dipstick or fill plug per Toyota procedure
8. Add fluid as necessary to bring to proper level

Verification

• With engine running and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear ranges and verify smooth engagement
• Test drive vehicle and verify all gears engage properly without slipping, noise, or vibration
• Check for leaks around output shaft seal, transmission pan, and case cover after test drive
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct at operating temperature
• Scan for any transmission-related diagnostic trouble codes
• Listen for any abnormal bearing noise from the transmission during operation in all gears
• Verify no vibration is present that would indicate axle shaft installation issues

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