This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear lower control arm on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnection of the ball joint and control arm mounting bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-approved jacking points on chassis
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint nut where the lower control arm connects to the rear knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using needle nose pliers. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be installed.
2. 2

   Loosen ball joint nut
   Using a 22mm socket, loosen the ball joint nut but do not remove it completely yet. Leave the nut threaded on a few turns to protect the threads during separation.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position ball joint separator tool between the control arm and knuckle, taking care not to damage the ball joint boot. Strike the tool with a hammer or use a pickle fork to break the taper. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠The control arm may drop suddenly when the ball joint separates. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
4. 4

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Use a jack or secure support to hold the rear knuckle and hub assembly in position to prevent strain on the brake hose and ABS wiring. Do not allow the assembly to hang by the brake components.
5. 5

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the front subframe bracket. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the rear subframe bracket. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. The control arm can now be removed from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and clean
   Inspect the ball joint taper seat on the knuckle for damage or excessive wear. Check subframe mounting points for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush to ensure proper seating of the new control arm.
8. 8

   Install new control arm to subframe
   Position the new control arm into the subframe brackets. Install the front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only. Ensure any washers or spacers are in their correct positions. Do NOT torque these bolts yet as they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels.
   ⚠Do not fully torque control arm bolts at this stage. Final torque must be performed with vehicle weight on suspension.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the rear knuckle. Push the stud through and install the ball joint nut. Tighten the nut to the specified torque of 88 Nm (65 lb-ft).
   Torque spec

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

    Install new cotter pin
    Install a new cotter pin through the ball joint stud castle nut. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until the next slot aligns. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure properly.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded yet.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on wheels
    With the vehicle lowered so that the suspension is at normal ride height (wheels supporting vehicle weight), torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This is critical for proper bushing alignment and longevity.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts at ride height will cause premature bushing failure and handling problems.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final wheel torque
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify the new cotter pin is properly installed and secured
3. Check that no tools or parts have been left in the wheel well
4. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper wheel alignment - a professional alignment is recommended after control arm replacement
• Verify no pulling or abnormal handling during straight driving and turns
• Re-check control arm bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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