This procedure replaces both front coil springs on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine by removing the strut assemblies, compressing and swapping the springs, and reinstalling the struts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - driver side × 1 — Toyota OEM or equivalent (e.g., KYB RH4778)
• Front coil spring - passenger side × 1 — Toyota OEM or equivalent (e.g., KYB RH4779)
• Strut mount bearings (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut bumpers (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for ball joints × 2 — Standard automotive cotter pins

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-designated lift points on chassis rails
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Photograph or mark the orientation of strut components before disassembly for reference during reassembly
6. Inspect spring compressor tools to ensure all threads are clean and components are in good working order

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end links
   Locate the sway bar end link connection at the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft from rotating while removing the upper nut with a wrench. Disconnect the end link from the strut on both sides. If the ball stud spins freely, use locking pliers on the shaft.
   ℹ️Mark or photograph sway bar link orientation for correct reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large bolts that pass horizontally through the strut bracket and knuckle. Remove both bolts completely. You may need to support the knuckle with a floor jack to relieve binding pressure. If bolts are seized, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly with a jack or wire to prevent stress on the brake line and ABS sensor wire once strut is disconnected.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate strut from knuckle
   Carefully pry or pull the steering knuckle away from the strut bracket. The knuckle will remain connected to the control arm and tie rod. Support the knuckle assembly with a bungee cord or wire tied to the chassis to prevent strain on brake lines and ABS sensor wiring. Do not allow the knuckle to hang freely.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts accessible from the engine bay. They are visible at the top of the strut tower under a plastic cap or cover (remove cover if present). Hold the strut assembly from below to prevent it from falling, then remove all three nuts. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (15-20 lbs) - maintain control as you remove the final nut to prevent the assembly from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly on a stable workbench. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least 3 full coils. Position compressors away from the end coils. Verify both compressors are properly seated and aligned before proceeding.
   ⚠️CRITICAL STEP - Verify compressor hooks are fully engaged with spring coils and tools are properly aligned. Improper installation can cause catastrophic failure during compression.
6. 6

   Compress spring
   Alternately tighten each spring compressor in small increments (2-3 turns at a time) to compress the spring evenly. Continue until the spring is compressed enough that there is visible gap between the spring and the upper strut mount (approximately 1-2 inches of free play). The spring should not be pressing against the mount plates. Verify compressors remain properly seated throughout compression.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly - rapid or uneven compression can cause spring to slip from compressor. Never lean over or place body parts near compressed spring.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a strut rod socket, deep socket with hex key, or locking pliers on the shaft flat. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Once nut is removed, carefully lift off the upper strut mount assembly, bearing, and spring seat. Keep all components in order for reassembly.
   ⚠The strut shaft is under slight tension - control all parts as you disassemble. Note the orientation of the upper mount for correct reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove old spring and transfer components
   With the spring still compressed, carefully remove it from the strut shaft along with the compressor tools. Remove the lower spring isolator/seat from the strut body. Inspect the strut bumper, dust boot, upper mount bearing, and spring seats - replace if worn, cracked, or damaged. Transfer the lower spring seat to the new spring, ensuring correct orientation.
9. 9

   Install new spring on strut
   Install spring compressors on the new coil spring in the same manner as removal, compressing it to the same degree. Position the compressed new spring onto the strut body, ensuring the lower spring end seats properly in the lower spring seat pocket. Verify the spring end aligns with the positioning tab or mark on the lower seat.
   ℹ️The spring must be oriented correctly - the last coil should align with the positioning feature on the spring seat. Incorrect orientation affects alignment and handling.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut mount
    Install the upper spring seat, bearing (if replacing), and upper strut mount onto the strut shaft, ensuring components are oriented correctly as noted during disassembly. The mount alignment marks (if present) should face the correct direction for the vehicle side. Thread the strut shaft nut and hold the shaft while torquing the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) as specified for strut tower nuts.
    ℹ️Upper mount orientation is critical for proper camber and caster - verify alignment marks or mounting stud positions match original configuration.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Release spring compression
    Slowly and evenly loosen both spring compressors in small increments, alternating between tools. Allow the spring to expand gradually and seat fully into the upper and lower spring seats. Once spring is fully seated and bearing full load, completely remove the compressor tools. Verify spring ends are properly seated in both upper and lower seat pockets.
    ⚠Release compression slowly and evenly - rapid release can cause spring to shift out of position. Verify proper seating before removing compressors completely.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly
    Lift the assembled strut into position, inserting the upper mounting studs through the strut tower holes. From the engine bay, install the three upper mounting nuts finger-tight. Guide the lower strut bracket into alignment with the steering knuckle. You may need to use a floor jack under the control arm to raise the knuckle to meet the strut bracket.
13. 13

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the steering knuckle with the strut bracket and insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Ensure bolts pass through completely. Install nuts on the backside and torque both bolts to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Use a breaker bar or impact wrench for proper torque on these critical fasteners.
    ⚠CRITICAL TORQUE - These bolts secure the strut to knuckle and directly affect steering control. Verify proper torque with calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar end link and finalize upper mounts
    Connect the sway bar end link to the strut bracket. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). From the engine bay, torque all three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Reinstall any strut tower caps or covers.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-14 for the opposite side front strut assembly, following identical procedures. Maintain consistency in component orientation and torque specifications.
16. 16

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on suspension. Torque wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fastener torque values, especially strut-to-knuckle bolts, strut tower nuts, and wheel lug nuts
2. Verify sway bar end links are properly connected on both sides
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or engine bay
4. Check that brake lines and ABS sensor wiring are properly routed and not pinched or stretched

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions - listen for any unusual noises or binding
• Perform a visual inspection of both strut assemblies to verify springs are properly seated
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area - verify steering response is normal and no pulling occurs
• MANDATORY: Have vehicle alignment checked by a professional alignment shop immediately after spring replacement - alignment will be affected by this service
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all wheel lug nuts to specification
• Listen for any creaking, popping, or rattling noises from front suspension during initial driving

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