This procedure covers the replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L I4 engine, requiring disassembly of suspension components and precise torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-designated lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the lower control arm. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the lower sway bar link nut using a 14mm wrench. Separate the sway bar link from the control arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the ball joint connecting the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Using needle nose pliers, straighten and remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Discard the old cotter pin. Remove the ball joint nut using a 17mm socket while supporting the control arm.
   ℹ️Do not reuse the old cotter pin. Always install a new cotter pin during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the ball joint taper from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the control arm and knuckle, avoiding contact with the ball joint boot. Apply firm pressure until the taper releases with an audible pop.
   ⚠Support the control arm as the ball joint separates to prevent sudden dropping which could cause injury or damage.
4. 4

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two control arm mounting bolts securing the control arm to the subframe (one front, one rear). Mark the position of any alignment shims or washers. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove both control arm bolts while supporting the control arm weight. Lower the control arm from the vehicle.
   ℹ️Note the orientation and position of the control arm and any alignment components for proper reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect control arm and bushings
   With the control arm removed, thoroughly inspect it for cracks, bends, or damage. Examine the old bushings for wear patterns, cracking, or separation from the metal sleeve. Clean the control arm mounting areas with a wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing removal tool, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Position the control arm on a press bed with proper support around the bushing housing. Apply steady pressure to push the bushing and inner sleeve through the control arm bore. Repeat for both front and rear bushings.
   ⚠Ensure the control arm is properly supported during pressing to prevent distortion or cracking of the arm.
7. 7

   Clean bushing bores
   Thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the control arm using a wire brush and degreaser. Remove all old rubber residue, corrosion, and debris. Inspect the bores for damage or wear. The bores should be smooth and round without gouges or deformation.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushings and the control arm bores. Position the new bushing square to the bore opening, ensuring correct orientation per manufacturer markings. Using a hydraulic press or bushing installation tool, press the new bushings into the control arm until fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Verify bushings are centered and properly seated.
   ⚠Press bushings in straight and evenly to avoid cocking or damage. Do not use lubricants containing petroleum products as they can degrade rubber bushings.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the subframe mounting locations. Insert both control arm bolts (front and rear) and thread them by hand. Replace any alignment shims or washers in their original positions. Thread bolts finger-tight only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
   ⚠️Control arm bolts must NOT be torqued until vehicle weight is on the wheels. Torquing in a no-load condition will preload bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure.
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Lift the control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle taper. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure it in place.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the control arm mounting point. Install the sway bar link nut while holding the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the tires just contact the ground but the vehicle weight is still primarily on the jack stands. This allows the suspension to settle into its normal loaded position.
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on wheels
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels (tires touching ground, suspension loaded), torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical for proper bushing alignment and longevity. Use a torque wrench and ensure full specification is achieved.
    ⚠️This step is critical. Control arm bolts must be torqued with suspension loaded to prevent bushing binding and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Perform a final verification that all fasteners are properly tightened.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if replacing both control arm bushings
2. Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Ensure new cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent removal

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering feel and response without binding or looseness
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all control arm bolts and wheel lug nuts to specification
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as control arm removal will affect alignment settings

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