This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Spring isolator/seat (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under rear subframe or chassis rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on suspension fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Inspect spring compressor for damage and ensure it is appropriate for automotive coil springs

Procedure

1. 1

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

   Disconnect the sway bar end link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link connecting to the lower control arm or strut. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper or lower nut (whichever provides access to the spring). Disconnect the end link from the mounting point.
   ℹ️On some Camry variants, disconnecting the sway bar link may not be necessary for spring access, but it provides additional working room.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the rear strut to the rear knuckle assembly at the bottom of the strut. These are large bolts typically 17mm or 19mm. Support the knuckle with the jack, then remove both bolts completely. Carefully lower the jack to allow the knuckle to swing downward, creating space to access the spring.
   ⚠Do not allow the knuckle assembly to drop suddenly or hang unsupported, as this can damage the brake hose or ABS sensor wiring.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower the suspension to relieve spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm/knuckle assembly. Lower it sufficiently to create slack in the coil spring. The spring should become loose between the upper strut mount and lower spring seat. Do not force anything; if resistance is felt, the suspension is not lowered enough.
   ⚠Lower the jack very slowly and watch for any binding. Ensure brake lines and ABS wiring have sufficient slack and are not stretched or damaged.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   With the spring now accessible and unloaded, install the coil spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer's instructions. Position compressor hooks or jaws on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring they engage at least 2-3 full coils. Verify the compressor is seated securely and evenly on both sides before tightening.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully seated in the coil grooves and cannot slip. An improperly installed compressor can release violently during compression.
6. 6

   Compress the spring
   Tighten the spring compressor gradually and evenly, alternating between sides if using a two-piece compressor. Compress the spring until it is completely free from its upper and lower seats and can be removed. The spring should compress enough that there is visible clearance between the spring and both mounting surfaces.
   ⚠️Tighten the compressor slowly and evenly. Never stand directly in line with the ends of the spring during compression. Wear safety glasses and keep hands clear of the spring path.
7. 7

   Remove the compressed spring assembly
   Carefully remove the now-compressed spring from the vehicle, along with any upper and lower spring isolators or rubber seats. Note the orientation of the spring and isolators for correct reinstallation. Inspect the isolators for cracks, deterioration, or compression damage and replace if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new spring with compressor
   Install the spring isolators/seats on the new coil spring in the same orientation as removed. Install the spring compressor on the new spring and compress it to the same length as the old spring was when removed. Ensure isolators are correctly positioned on the spring before compression.
   ℹ️New springs will be taller than old springs. Compress them sufficiently to fit between the upper strut mount and lower spring seat with clearance for installation.
9. 9

   Position the new spring in the vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the compressed spring assembly into position between the upper strut mount and lower spring seat. Align the spring ends with their locating tabs or indentations in the upper and lower seats. Ensure the spring isolators are correctly seated against their mounting surfaces.
10. 10

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor, allowing the spring to expand into its seats. Monitor alignment as the spring expands to ensure it seats properly in both upper and lower positions. Once the spring is fully seated and supporting itself, carefully remove the spring compressor.
    ⚠Release the compressor very slowly and watch for proper seating. If the spring or isolators shift out of position, re-compress and realign before continuing.
11. 11

    Reconnect strut to knuckle
    Use the floor jack to raise the rear knuckle assembly back up to align with the strut mounting holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and hand-tighten the nuts. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    If the sway bar end link was disconnected, reconnect it to its mounting point. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key and install the nut, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-12 for the opposite rear spring. Always replace springs in pairs to maintain balanced suspension height and handling characteristics.
14. 14

    Install wheels and perform final torquing
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight now on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    ℹ️If any control arm bolts were loosened during this procedure, they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the wheels per manufacturer specifications.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification
2. Check that no tools or parts were left in the suspension area
3. Verify brake hoses and ABS sensor wiring are properly routed and not stretched or kinked
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper suspension operation and no unusual noises
• Check for even ride height side-to-side by measuring from ground to fender on both sides
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately, as spring replacement affects suspension geometry and tire wear

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