Complete replacement of the electric power steering rack assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including removal of tie rod ends and steering components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering rack assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify front wheels are straight
3. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 90 seconds
4. Install steering wheel holding tool to prevent rotation during service
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands
6. Remove both front wheels
7. Mark tie rod end positions on tie rods with paint marker for alignment reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove the cotter pins from both tie rod end castle nuts and discard. Loosen but do not remove the castle nuts. Use tie rod end separator or pickle fork to separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Remove castle nuts completely and set tie rod ends aside.
2. 2

   Access intermediate shaft coupling
   From inside the vehicle, locate the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the steering column where it connects to the steering rack input shaft. This is accessed below the instrument panel on the driver's side. Remove the lower steering column cover panels if necessary for access.
3. 3

   Disconnect intermediate shaft
   Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and steering rack input shaft with paint marker for reassembly reference. Remove the coupling bolt completely. Carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the rack input shaft. Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate from this point forward.
   ⚠️Once disconnected, the steering wheel must not be turned or the clock spring will be damaged
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect steering rack electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the steering rack motor assembly. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness connector. Secure the harness away from the work area to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Remove front subframe brace (if equipped)
   Some models have a front subframe brace or under-cover that must be removed for rack access. Remove all fasteners securing any braces or covers below the steering rack and set aside with hardware organized.
6. 6

   Support subframe and rack assembly
   Position a transmission jack or suitable support under the front subframe to support the weight of the rack and subframe. This prevents stress on mounting points during removal.
7. 7

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Locate the steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front subframe or crossmember. There are typically two main mounting bolts. Remove both bolts while supporting the rack weight. The rack is heavy - be prepared to support it.
   ⚠Steering rack assembly is heavy and awkward - use proper lifting technique or get assistance
   Torque spec

   Rack Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove steering rack from vehicle
   With mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the steering rack assembly out from the driver's side of the vehicle. You may need to angle the rack and work it past other components. Lower the rack down and out of the vehicle. Keep tie rods protected from damage during removal.
9. 9

   Transfer tie rod ends to new rack
   If reusing tie rod ends, count and record the number of threads exposed beyond the tie rod jam nut on the old rack. Loosen jam nuts and remove tie rod ends from old rack. Install tie rod ends onto new rack to the same thread position marked earlier, using your paint marks as reference. Snug jam nuts but do not fully tighten - final adjustment will be made during alignment.
10. 10

    Install new steering rack
    Carefully maneuver the new steering rack assembly into position from the driver's side, routing it past all components. Align the rack mounting holes with the subframe or crossmember mounting points. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
11. 11

    Torque rack mounting bolts
    With rack properly positioned and both bolts started, torque the rack mounting bolts to specification in an alternating pattern. Ensure rack is seated properly against mounting surface before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Rack Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect steering rack electrical connector
    Route the wiring harness to the rack motor connector and push firmly until the connector clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Secure any wiring clips or retainers to prevent harness interference.
13. 13

    Reconnect intermediate shaft
    From inside the vehicle, verify the steering wheel has not moved and is still centered. Align the intermediate shaft with the rack input shaft using your previous alignment marks. Install the new coupling bolt and torque to specification. Verify the shaft connection is secure with no play.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Clean the tie rod end tapers and steering knuckle bores. Install tie rod ends into steering knuckles and install new castle nuts. Torque castle nuts to specification. Install new cotter pins through castle nut slots - if slots do not align, tighten nut slightly (never loosen) until pin can be installed. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any subframe braces or under-covers that were removed
2. Reinstall lower steering column cover panels inside vehicle
3. Remove steering wheel holding tool
4. Reconnect battery negative terminal
5. Verify steering wheel is still centered

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights related to power steering system
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary - verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check that steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area - verify steering feels normal and responsive
• Check for any unusual noises or vibrations during steering operation
• Have a professional wheel alignment performed immediately - tie rod positions are approximate and proper alignment is critical for tire wear and vehicle handling
• After alignment, verify all tie rod jam nuts are properly tightened

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