This procedure addresses a common misunderstanding: the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry uses electric power steering with a rack-and-pinion system and does not have a pitman arm, which is only found on recirculating ball steering systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at designated frame lift points
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Verify you are working on the correct component - inspect steering system to confirm rack-and-pinion configuration with tie rod ends, not pitman arm

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify steering system configuration
   Inspect the steering system from underneath the vehicle. The 2018-2024 Camry has a steering rack mounted transversely behind the engine with tie rods extending to each front wheel. There is no steering box or pitman arm. If you need to replace a steering linkage component, you are likely replacing an outer tie rod end or inner tie rod. Verify which component is worn before proceeding.
2. 2

   Mark tie rod position (if replacing tie rod end)
   If replacing an outer tie rod end, measure and record the exposed thread length between the tie rod end jam nut and the inner tie rod. Use a paint marker to mark the position of the tie rod end on the threads. This ensures approximate alignment retention and reduces the need for extensive alignment adjustments.
3. 3

   Remove cotter pin from tie rod end nut
   Locate the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use needle nose pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin. If the cotter pin is corroded, cut it with diagonal cutters. Discard the old cotter pin - a new one must be installed during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove tie rod end castle nut
   Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Do not fully remove the nut initially - leave it threaded on a few turns to protect the threads and prevent the tie rod from falling when separated.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Use a tie rod end puller or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Position the puller jaws around the tie rod end housing and tighten to apply pressure. Strike the knuckle boss with a hammer if necessary to break the taper free. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely destroy the tie rod end boot. Only use this method if you are replacing the tie rod end.
6. 6

   Remove tie rod end from inner tie rod
   Loosen the jam nut on the tie rod end using two wrenches - one to hold the inner tie rod and one to turn the jam nut. Count and record the number of turns required to unthread the tie rod end completely from the inner tie rod. This count helps achieve approximate alignment when installing the replacement.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect inner tie rod threads
   Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the threads on the inner tie rod. Inspect for damage, corrosion, or cross-threading. Check the inner tie rod boot for tears or damage. If the boot is damaged or the inner tie rod shows excessive play, inner tie rod replacement is required (more extensive procedure).
8. 8

   Install new tie rod end
   Thread the new tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal, or align with the paint mark made earlier. Do not tighten the jam nut yet - final adjustment occurs after alignment check. Ensure the tie rod end threads smoothly without resistance.
9. 9

   Install tie rod end to steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Start the castle nut by hand and tighten to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Ensure the stud seats fully in the taper before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new cotter pin
    Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the tie rod end stud. If necessary, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) to align the slots. Insert a new cotter pin through the hole and bend the ends to secure. The pin should fit snugly and prevent the nut from rotating.
    ⚠Never loosen a castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten within 1/6 turn to achieve alignment.
11. 11

    Tighten tie rod jam nut
    While holding the tie rod end with one wrench to prevent rotation, tighten the jam nut against the tie rod end body using a second wrench. Ensure the tie rod end does not rotate during this process to maintain the alignment reference established earlier.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque check
    Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts with the vehicle weight on the suspension. Rock the vehicle side to side to settle the suspension before the final check.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tie rod end castle nuts are properly torqued and secured with new cotter pins
2. Verify jam nuts are tight and tie rod ends cannot rotate on the inner tie rod threads
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after vehicle is lowered

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock to lock while stationary - listen for unusual noises or binding
• Perform a slow test drive in a safe area and verify steering response is normal with no pulling or wandering
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible - front toe will be affected by tie rod end replacement
• After 50-100 miles, re-check tie rod end castle nut torque and cotter pin security
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around steering components (though this vehicle uses electric steering with no fluid)

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