This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnection of all mounting points and reattachment with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Hub and bearing assembly (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Locate the two brake caliper mounting bolts on the back side of the knuckle. Remove both bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire hook or bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line unless necessary.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   If the rotor has retaining screws, remove them with a Phillips or JIS screwdriver. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it gently from behind. Some models may have threaded holes for removal bolts.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the knuckle or trailing up to the wheel well. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle to avoid damage. Note the routing of the sensor wire for reassembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or knuckle. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the nut connecting the sway bar link. If the ball joint spins, use penetrating oil and carefully apply heat if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle. These are typically large bolts with nuts on the back side. Support the knuckle with one hand or a jack. Remove both bolts completely. The knuckle will now have limited support, so be prepared for its weight.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing the final strut bolt to prevent it from falling suddenly.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect lower control arm ball joint
   Locate the ball joint nut connecting the lower control arm to the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin by straightening the ends and pulling it out with pliers. Remove the castle nut. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper connection between the ball joint and knuckle. Strike the separator tool sharply with a hammer until the joint releases.
   ⚠Do not use a pickle fork style separator if reusing the ball joint boot, as it will likely damage the boot. Use a proper ball joint separator or puller.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rear knuckle assembly
   With all connections disconnected, carefully maneuver the knuckle assembly away from the vehicle. You may need to angle it to clear the suspension components. Inspect the mounting surfaces for damage, corrosion, or wear. Clean all mating surfaces with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
8. 8

   Prepare new knuckle assembly
   Compare the new knuckle to the old unit to verify correct part. Transfer the hub and bearing assembly if it is separate and in good condition (most 2018-2024 Camry knuckles have integrated bearings). Clean all mounting surfaces on the new knuckle. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to threaded areas and ball joint tapers.
9. 9

   Install knuckle to lower control arm
   Position the new knuckle assembly into place. Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the ball joint stud and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
   ℹ️If the castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole at the specified torque, tighten further up to 1/6 turn (60 degrees) to achieve alignment. Never loosen to align.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the knuckle mounting holes with the strut bracket. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to position the knuckle correctly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front side with nuts on the rear. Tighten both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link ball stud into the mounting hole on the knuckle or control arm. Install the nut and tighten while holding the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor
    Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into the knuckle bore. Ensure the sensor is fully seated and the mounting hole aligns. Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector and ensure the wire is routed correctly and secured with any clips.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. If equipped with retaining screws, install them. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and align the mounting holes. Install both caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to restore proper caliper piston position.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque verification with vehicle weight
    With the vehicle weight fully on the wheels, verify or perform final torque on any control arm bolts if applicable to your specific model year. Some suspension fasteners require final torque at ride height. Refer to the control arm bolt specification if these were disturbed during the procedure.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts should only be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height (weight on wheels). This prevents bushing bind and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners for proper torque specification
2. Verify the new cotter pin is properly installed and bent
3. Ensure the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and wire is properly routed
4. Confirm the brake caliper is secure and brake pedal is firm before moving vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper brake operation and absence of vibration
• Perform a visual inspection of all connections to ensure nothing is loose or misaligned
• Have a professional alignment performed as soon as possible, as knuckle replacement affects rear suspension geometry
• Monitor the ABS warning light to ensure the wheel speed sensor is functioning correctly

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