Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Replace both rear coil springs on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4. This procedure requires separating suspension components and safely compressing/removing coil springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Toyota OEM 48231-06610 or equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Toyota OEM 48231-06620 or equivalent
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Install jack stands under rear subframe or designated support points
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes to soak
8. Inspect both rear coil springs and suspension components for damage or excessive corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the spring seat on the side you will work on first. Raise jack just enough to support the weight of the suspension but not lift the vehicle. This maintains suspension geometry and prevents components from dropping when disconnected.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout spring removal to control suspension movement. Never allow suspension to hang freely with spring removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or knuckle. Use an Allen key or wrench to hold the ball joint shaft while loosening the upper nut with a 14mm socket. Remove the nut completely and separate the sway bar link from the mounting point. This provides clearance for spring removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove shock absorber lower bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting the shock to the rear axle beam or lower control arm. Use a 17mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt completely. Support the shock to prevent it from dropping. This allows increased suspension droop for spring access.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. Monitor the coil spring as the suspension drops. Lower the jack until the spring is loose enough to be removed but suspension is still controlled. You may need to lower 4-6 inches depending on spring tension.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and maintain control. If the spring binds or resists, stop immediately and reassess. Never force components.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   Install external coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in the coil grooves with at least 3 coils between the upper and lower compressor attachments. Follow all spring compressor manufacturer instructions precisely. Tighten compressors evenly, alternating sides to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️Improperly installed spring compressors can slip off under load, causing violent spring release. Verify both compressors are fully engaged before applying any compression force.
6. 6

   Compress and remove old spring
   Compress the spring evenly by tightening both compressor tools alternately in small increments. Compress until spring tension is completely relieved from the upper and lower seats. Carefully maneuver the compressed spring assembly out of the suspension, tilting as needed to clear the shock absorber and control arm. Remove upper and lower spring isolator pads and inspect for damage.
   ⚠Keep hands and body clear of the compressed spring path. Even when compressed, springs contain significant stored energy.
7. 7

   Prepare new spring
   Clean the upper and lower spring seats on the vehicle with a wire brush. Inspect seats for rust, damage, or deformation. Install new or reusable spring isolator pads on the upper and lower seats of the new coil spring. Ensure isolator pads are properly oriented according to their shape and any alignment marks.
   ℹ️New springs may have a protective coating. This is normal and will wear off during use.
8. 8

   Install spring compressors on new spring
   Install the spring compressors on the new coil spring in the same manner as removal: opposite sides, fully seated in coil grooves, minimum 3 coils between attachments. Compress the new spring evenly until it is approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was when removed. Verify compressors are secure before handling.
   ⚠️New springs have full tension and store more energy than used springs. Exercise extreme caution during compression.
9. 9

   Install new spring into suspension
   Carefully maneuver the compressed spring assembly into position between the upper and lower spring seats. Ensure the spring end tabs align with the positioning notches or stops in both the upper and lower spring seats. The spring must be oriented correctly or it will not seat properly when released.
   ⚠Verify spring orientation before releasing compression. Incorrect orientation can cause spring to pop out when loaded.
10. 10

    Raise suspension and release spring compression
    Use the floor jack to slowly raise the lower control arm, compressing the suspension and loading the new spring into its seats. Raise until the spring is fully seated in both upper and lower positions. Verify proper seating, then slowly and evenly release tension on both spring compressor tools. Once all tension is released, carefully remove the compressor tools from the spring.
    ⚠If the spring does not seat properly or makes unusual sounds, stop and re-evaluate orientation and seating.
11. 11

    Reinstall shock absorber lower bolt
    Raise the suspension with the floor jack until the shock absorber lower mounting holes align. Install the lower shock bolt and tighten to the specified torque of 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with its mounting point on the control arm or knuckle. Install the mounting nut and hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key while tightening the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) with a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Lower the floor jack from the first side. Move the jack to support the opposite side's lower control arm. Repeat steps 2 through 12 for the second rear coil spring. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification on both sides.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on all four wheels, torque the lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been reinstalled and torqued to specification
2. Confirm no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
3. Remove wheel chocks from front wheels

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speeds and verify normal handling and no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are secure and springs are properly seated
• Schedule a professional 4-wheel alignment within 100 miles, as spring replacement affects suspension geometry and alignment
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on all suspension fasteners to verify they have not loosened

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