This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering (EPS) gear box assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering gear box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft coupling bolt × 1 — 90116-10115 or equivalent
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — 2mm diameter
• Steering rack mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification if not reusing

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are pointed straight ahead
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
4. Remove front wheels using proper jacking procedure and support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Install steering wheel holding tool or secure steering wheel with seat belt to prevent rotation
6. Mark the tie rod end position on both sides by measuring from the inner tie rod boot to the center of the tie rod end ball stud. Record these measurements
7. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end castle nuts, intermediate shaft coupling bolt, and rack mounting bolts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod ends from knuckles
   Remove the cotter pins from both tie rod end castle nuts and discard. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end nuts. Use a tie rod end separator tool to break the taper connection between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the nuts completely and separate the tie rod ends from the knuckles.
   ⚠Support the tie rod end when separating to prevent damage to the boot or ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access intermediate steering shaft
   From inside the vehicle, remove the lower dash panel or steering column cover to access the intermediate steering shaft coupling at the base of the steering column. You may need to remove multiple plastic clips and fasteners. Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and the steering rack input shaft with paint or a scribe mark for proper reassembly alignment.
3. 3

   Disconnect intermediate shaft
   Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt that connects the steering column to the steering rack input shaft. Carefully slide the intermediate shaft upward off the rack pinion shaft. Verify the steering wheel remains locked in the centered position.
   ⚠️Do not rotate the steering wheel or intermediate shaft after disconnection. Clockspring damage will occur if the steering wheel is turned more than 2.5 turns in either direction.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect wiring and sensors
   Locate and disconnect the electrical connector for the electric power steering motor on the steering rack assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector away from the rack. If equipped with additional sensors or connectors on the rack assembly, disconnect those as well. Secure wiring harnesses away from the work area.
5. 5

   Remove rack mounting hardware
   Locate the two steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front subframe. These bolts pass through the rack mounting brackets and thread into the subframe. Support the steering rack with a suitable support or have an assistant hold it, as it will be free once the bolts are removed. Remove both rack mounting bolts completely.
   ⚠The steering rack assembly weighs approximately 25-30 lbs. Ensure proper support before removing final mounting bolt.
   Torque spec

   Rack Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove steering rack assembly
   Carefully maneuver the steering rack assembly out through the driver side wheel well area. You may need to angle and rotate the assembly to clear the subframe and suspension components. Guide the tie rod ends through their respective openings as you remove the rack. Place the old rack on a clean work surface.
7. 7

   Prepare new steering rack
   Unpack the new steering rack assembly and verify it matches the removed unit. Ensure the rack input shaft is in the center position by counting turns lock-to-lock and centering. Transfer any necessary brackets or hardware from the old rack if not included with the new unit. Inspect the rack boot seals for damage and ensure the EPS motor connector is clean and free of debris.
8. 8

   Install new steering rack
   Carefully guide the new steering rack assembly into position through the driver side wheel well. Feed the tie rod ends through their respective openings and align the rack mounting brackets with the subframe mounting holes. Ensure the rack input shaft is positioned to align with the intermediate shaft. Do not fully tighten mounting bolts yet.
9. 9

   Secure rack mounting bolts
   Install both rack mounting bolts through the mounting brackets into the subframe. Hand-tighten both bolts first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both bolts are started, torque them to specification in a cross pattern. Verify the rack sits flush against the subframe with no gaps.
   Torque spec

   Rack Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect intermediate shaft
    Align the splines of the intermediate shaft with the rack input shaft, ensuring your alignment marks from disassembly match. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the rack pinion shaft fully. Install the new coupling bolt and torque to specification. Verify the steering wheel remains centered and locked.
    ⚠Misalignment of the intermediate shaft will cause steering wheel off-center condition. Verify marks align before tightening coupling bolt.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Connect the electric power steering motor electrical connector to the rack assembly. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Reconnect any additional sensors or wiring that were disconnected. Verify all wiring is properly routed and secured away from moving components and heat sources.
12. 12

    Install tie rod ends
    Thread both tie rod ends onto their respective inner tie rods to the measurements recorded during disassembly. Insert the tie rod end ball studs into the steering knuckles. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and bend the ends to secure. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns.
    ℹ️Final wheel alignment will be required after this repair, but preserving tie rod position minimizes initial misalignment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and interior components
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Inside the vehicle, reinstall the lower dash panel or steering column covers that were removed for intermediate shaft access.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Remove steering wheel holding tool or restraint
3. Start engine and verify no warning lights related to power steering system
4. With engine running, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 2-3 times to initialize the EPS system

Verification

• Start engine and verify electric power steering operates smoothly with no unusual noises or resistance
• Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to steering or EPS system
• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering operation and responsiveness
• Check that steering returns to center properly after turns
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible to verify toe settings and adjust as necessary
• Inspect all mounting bolts and connections for proper torque after test drive

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