This procedure covers the replacement of the front air spring (air bag/suspension bladder) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring strut assembly partial disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front air spring/suspension bladder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage 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 and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut mounting nuts and bolts if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connected to the strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the strut assembly and secure it out of the way with wire or zip tie.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut assembly to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut. These are typically 17mm or 19mm bolts. Support the knuckle with a jack or jack stand to prevent it from dropping. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely.
   ⚠Support the knuckle and lower control arm before removing these bolts to prevent damage to brake lines and ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine bay on the side being serviced. Remove any covers or plastic trim pieces covering the top strut mount. You should see three mounting nuts at the top of the strut tower.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts. Carefully lower and extract the complete strut assembly from the vehicle through the wheel well. Place the strut assembly on a clean work surface.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have a helper support it or use a jack during removal to prevent damage or injury.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Compress coil spring
   Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, following the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Compress the spring evenly, alternating between compressors, until tension is removed from the top strut mount. The spring should be compressed enough that the top mount can move freely.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly seated and engaged on the spring coils. Uneven compression or slipping compressors can cause serious injury.
6. 6

   Remove top strut mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the top shaft nut (typically 14mm or 17mm). Carefully remove the top strut mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and any isolators. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove old air spring/bladder
   With the spring still compressed, carefully slide the coil spring and air bladder off the strut body. Inspect the air bladder for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Remove the old air bladder from the spring, noting its position and orientation.
8. 8

   Install new air spring/bladder
   Clean the spring and strut body with a wire brush to remove dirt and rust. Position the new air bladder/spring assembly onto the spring coils in the same orientation as the original. Ensure the bladder is properly seated and not twisted or pinched.
   ℹ️Some air bladders have alignment marks or tabs. Verify proper positioning before reassembly.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut components
   Slide the spring and air bladder assembly onto the strut body, ensuring the bottom of the spring seats correctly in the lower spring perch. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and top mount in the correct order. Thread the top shaft nut onto the strut shaft hand-tight while holding the shaft from rotating.
10. 10

    Torque top mount and decompress spring
    Hold the strut shaft and torque the top shaft nut to specification (refer to service manual for this specific fastener, typically 41-65 Nm). Slowly and evenly decompress the spring compressor tools, alternating sides to release tension gradually. Remove the spring compressors once the spring is fully seated.
    ⚠Release spring compressor tension gradually and evenly. Sudden release can damage components or cause injury.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the top mount studs through the strut tower holes. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Align the bottom of the strut with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
12. 12

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Support the knuckle and align it with the strut mounting holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten them to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the knuckle is properly seated against the strut bracket.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From the engine bay, torque the three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern. Reinstall any covers or trim pieces that were removed.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link back onto the strut mounting point. Install the sway bar link nut, holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After torquing all fasteners, verify all electrical connectors and brake lines are properly routed and secured
2. Perform a visual inspection of all work to ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or engine bay
3. If replacing both front air springs, repeat procedure on opposite side for even ride height

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises from the suspension
• Perform a visual inspection after test drive to ensure all fasteners remain tight and no leaks are present
• Check wheel alignment as suspension work can affect alignment settings
• Verify ride height is correct and even side-to-side when vehicle is on level ground
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle