This procedure covers removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring transmission removal to access the flexplate bolted to the crankshaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM Toyota flexplate for 2.5L 2AR-FE engine
• Flexplate bolts (if reusing not recommended) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter bolts × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission gasket/seal × 1 — Bell housing gasket if applicable
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt
• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove engine under covers and splash shields
5. Drain transmission fluid into appropriate container and note condition
6. Drain engine oil if it will interfere with transmission removal
7. Remove front wheels if additional clearance is needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines and electrical connections
   Locate and disconnect transmission cooler lines at the transmission. Use a line wrench to prevent rounding fittings. Plug open lines to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including range selector, speed sensors, and solenoid harness. Remove any wire harness brackets or clips securing harness to transmission.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove exhaust components and front subframe if necessary
   Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold and remove front exhaust section to provide clearance. On some models, front subframe may need to be lowered or removed for transmission clearance. Remove any heat shields blocking access to transmission bell housing.
3. 3

   Support engine and remove transmission mounting hardware
   Install engine support bar across engine bay or use floor jack with wood block under oil pan to support engine weight. Remove transmission crossmember and rear transmission mount. Remove left and right transmission mounts. Remove starter motor to access torque converter bolts later.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access and mark torque converter bolts
   Rotate crankshaft using 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt to access torque converter bolts through starter mounting opening. Mark torque converter position relative to flexplate with paint pen to maintain balance. Remove all six torque converter bolts while supporting converter. Push converter back into transmission pump to separate from flexplate.
   ⚠Ensure torque converter is pushed fully into transmission during removal and installation. It must engage three levels: pump drive, stator support, and input shaft.
   Torque spec

   Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission-to-engine bolts and lower transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan with secure contact. Remove all bell housing bolts connecting transmission to engine block. Note different bolt lengths and positions for reinstallation. Carefully slide transmission straight back away from engine to disengage input shaft from pilot bearing. Lower transmission on jack and remove from under vehicle.
   ⚠️Keep transmission level during removal to prevent torque converter from sliding out. If converter falls, transmission must be disassembled to verify pump engagement.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lock crankshaft and remove flexplate bolts
   Install flywheel holding tool or lock starter ring gear to prevent crankshaft rotation. Use breaker bar to loosen all eight flexplate bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Remove bolts completely and set aside. Note bolt type and condition - replacement is strongly recommended.
   ⚠Do not attempt to remove flexplate bolts without properly locking crankshaft rotation. Forced rotation can cause engine damage.
7. 7

   Remove and inspect flexplate
   Carefully remove flexplate from crankshaft flange. Inspect flexplate ring gear teeth for damage, cracks in flexplate body, and wear on torque converter mounting surface. Check crankshaft flange for burrs, cracks, or damage. Clean crankshaft flange thoroughly with solvent and allow to dry completely.
   ℹ️Flexplate replacement is typically required due to cracked ring gear, damaged starter teeth, or warping causing vibration. Verify failure cause before reassembly.
8. 8

   Install new flexplate
   Position new flexplate onto crankshaft flange, ensuring correct orientation (torque converter mounting side faces transmission). Flexplate is typically asymmetric with offset bolt holes for proper indexing. Install new flexplate bolts with medium-strength thread locker applied to threads. Hand-tighten all bolts first.
   ⚠Verify flexplate orientation is correct before tightening bolts. Incorrect installation will prevent torque converter mounting or cause severe vibration.
9. 9

   Torque flexplate bolts to specification
   With crankshaft still locked, torque flexplate bolts in a star pattern to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft). Follow manufacturer sequence if specified in service manual. Make multiple passes, tightening gradually to ensure even clamping force. Verify all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
   ⚠️Flexplate bolt torque is critical. Under-torquing can cause bolt failure and flexplate separation; over-torquing can stretch bolts or crack flexplate. Use calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Prepare transmission for installation
    Verify torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (should be recessed approximately 1 inch from bell housing face). Clean bell housing mating surface on engine and transmission. Install new gasket or apply sealant as specified. Rotate torque converter so bolt holes align with marks made during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Surface Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install transmission to engine
    Raise transmission into position using transmission jack. Align input shaft with pilot bearing and torque converter hub with crankshaft. Slide transmission forward carefully until bell housing mates flush with engine block - do not force. Install transmission-to-engine bolts in correct positions and hand-tighten. Torque bolts in sequence to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    ⚠Transmission should slide into place with minimal effort. If significant resistance is encountered, remove and verify torque converter engagement and input shaft alignment.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install torque converter bolts
    Rotate crankshaft to access each torque converter bolt hole through starter opening. Align torque converter holes with flexplate using marks made earlier. Install all six torque converter bolts and tighten in sequence to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Verify torque converter rotates freely with crankshaft after bolts are installed.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission mounts and supporting components
    Install transmission crossmember and rear mount, torquing mounting bolts to specification. Install left and right transmission mounts. Reinstall starter motor with proper torque. Remove engine support equipment. Reconnect all electrical connectors to transmission ensuring proper seating and locking clips engaged.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)

    Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete reassembly and refill fluids
    Reinstall exhaust components and any subframe components removed earlier. Reconnect transmission cooler lines with new sealing washers if applicable. Install engine under covers and splash shields. Refill transmission with Toyota WS ATF to proper level (approximately 10 quarts total capacity). Refill engine oil if drained. Reinstall wheels if removed and torque to specification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
2. Verify transmission shifter operation through all gear positions before test drive
3. Double-check all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Confirm no tools or parts are left in engine bay or under vehicle

Verification

• Reconnect negative battery cable and clear any diagnostic codes
• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from flexplate or transmission area
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature in Park position
• Verify no fluid leaks from transmission, cooler lines, or drain plug
• Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges, confirming smooth shifts and no vibration
• Listen for proper starter engagement without grinding or abnormal noise
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor for vibration at idle and during acceleration that could indicate flexplate imbalance

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