Replace worn rear control arm bushings on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate clunking or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing (front position) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear control arm bushing (rear position) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position floor jack under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to take load off the control arm without lifting the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents sudden dropping when control arm bolts are removed.
2. 2

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the rear control arm (lower suspension arm) connecting the rear knuckle to the subframe. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove the front and rear control arm mounting bolts. The front bolt connects to the subframe, the rear bolt connects to the knuckle. Support the control arm as you remove the final bolt.
3. 3

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Once both mounting bolts are removed, carefully lower the floor jack slightly if needed and remove the control arm from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for damage, deformation, or cracks. If the arm itself is damaged, replace the entire control arm assembly instead of just the bushings.
4. 4

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing removal tool, press out the old bushings from both the front and rear positions of the control arm. Note the orientation of the bushings before removal, particularly any offset or directional markings. The front and rear bushings may be different sizes. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
5. 5

   Press in new bushings
   Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushings (never use petroleum-based grease). Using the hydraulic press or bushing installation tool, carefully press the new bushings into the control arm bores. Ensure bushings are oriented correctly and pressed in straight until fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. The bushing should be centered in the bore.
6. 6

   Install control arm to vehicle
   Position the control arm back into place on the vehicle. Insert the front mounting bolt through the subframe bracket and control arm bushing. Insert the rear mounting bolt through the knuckle and control arm bushing. Thread both bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque these bolts yet.
7. 7

   Snug control arm bolts
   Using a 17mm socket and wrench, snug both control arm mounting bolts finger-tight plus 1/4 turn. The bolts should hold the arm in place but still allow slight movement. Do not apply final torque at this stage as the suspension is not at ride height.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount the rear wheels back onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench but do not torque yet.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle to ground
   Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the full weight is resting on all four wheels. The suspension should now be at normal ride height, which is critical for proper control arm bolt torque.
10. 10

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the ground and suspension at ride height, torque both rear control arm mounting bolts (front and rear positions) to specification. This ensures the bushings are torqued in their normal operating position, preventing binding and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque all rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Make multiple passes, gradually increasing torque until final specification is reached.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel well or under vehicle
3. If replacing bushings on opposite side, repeat entire procedure for other rear control arm

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and handling during gentle turns
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on control arm bolts and wheel lug nuts
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as bushing replacement affects suspension geometry

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