This procedure covers the replacement of the front upper control arm bushings on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring removal of the upper control arm assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front upper control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — 90179-04127 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove front wheels completely
5. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the upper ball joint at the steering knuckle. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut using needle-nose pliers or side cutters. Using a 14mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Note the nut orientation for reassembly.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the upper ball joint taper from the steering knuckle. Strike the tool firmly but avoid damaging the knuckle or ball joint boot. Once separated, support the knuckle to prevent strain on brake hose and ABS wiring.
   ⚠Apply separation force gradually. Sudden release can cause injury or damage to surrounding components.
3. 3

   Remove front control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two control arm mounting bolts that secure the control arm to the frame rail. These are horizontal bolts passing through the control arm bushings. Using a 17mm socket and breaker bar if needed, remove both bolts completely. The control arm may need to be pried slightly to relieve binding.
4. 4

   Remove upper control arm assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully extract the upper control arm from the vehicle. Note the orientation and position of any shims or washers present at the mounting points. Inspect the ball joint for wear or damage while the arm is removed.
5. 5

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press kit with appropriately sized adapters, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Support the arm properly on the press bed and ensure the receiving cup is aligned with the bushing bore. Press evenly to avoid cocking the bushing in the bore.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses during pressing operations. Ensure control arm is stable and properly supported before applying press force.
6. 6

   Clean control arm bushing bores
   Thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the control arm using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect bores for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. The bores must be clean and smooth for proper bushing installation.
7. 7

   Press in new bushings
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or assembly lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushings (do not use petroleum-based lubricants). Align the bushing carefully with the bore, ensuring proper orientation per manufacturer instructions. Press the bushing in slowly and evenly until fully seated and flush with the control arm. Repeat for second bushing.
8. 8

   Reinstall control arm to frame
   Position the control arm back into the mounting points on the frame rail, ensuring any shims or washers are replaced in their original positions. Insert both control arm mounting bolts finger-tight only at this stage. Do not torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued at normal ride height.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to position the knuckle properly. Install the ball joint castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but keep the jack in place for support.
11. 11

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight now on the suspension at normal ride height, torque the two control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing these bolts with the suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure. Use a torque wrench and verify both bolts are properly tightened.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. This is the most critical step for bushing longevity.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Using a torque wrench, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side if replacing both front upper control arm bushings
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification before driving
3. Check that new cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent loosening

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from the front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and wheel alignment - schedule alignment if vehicle pulls to one side
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque control arm bolts to specification to account for bushing settling
• Visually inspect all fasteners for proper torque and cotter pin installation

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