This procedure covers the replacement of the front lower control arm (radius arm) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including removal and installation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm assembly × 1 — 48068-06260 or equivalent OEM
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bushing bolts (if not included with arm) × 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 at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at chassis reinforcement points
6. Remove front wheel completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak if vehicle is from rust-prone area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the lower ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. Remove and discard the cotter pin using pliers. Using a 21mm socket, loosen but do not fully remove the ball joint castle nut. Leave the nut threaded on a few turns to prevent the knuckle from dropping when the taper is broken.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, break the taper between the ball joint stud and the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then strike or compress to separate. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠Do not use a hammer directly on the ball joint stud threads as this will damage them. The castle nut left partially threaded protects the threads during separation.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link if equipped
   If the sway bar link connects to the control arm on your specific model configuration, hold the ball stud with a 6mm Allen key and remove the nut with a 17mm wrench. If the link connects to the strut, this step can be skipped.
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm bolt that connects to the subframe. This is typically a larger through-bolt with nut. Using a 19mm socket on the nut side and a 19mm wrench or socket on the bolt head, remove the rear mounting bolt completely. Support the control arm with your hand as you remove the bolt.
5. 5

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm bolt that connects to the subframe. Using the same technique as the rear bolt, remove the front mounting bolt. The control arm should now be free from the vehicle. Note the orientation and position of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Take photos of the control arm orientation and mounting bolt positions before complete removal for reference during installation.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   With the control arm removed, use a wire brush to clean the subframe mounting points and ball joint seat on the steering knuckle. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect the ball joint boot on the new control arm to ensure it is intact and not damaged.
7. 7

   Install new control arm to subframe
   Position the new control arm into the subframe mounting points. Install the front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only. Ensure any washers or spacers are in their correct positions as noted during removal. Do not torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension.
   ⚠Do NOT fully torque control arm bolts at this time. These must be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height to prevent bushing damage.
8. 8

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to align the knuckle if necessary. Insert the ball joint stud through the knuckle and thread on the new castle nut. Tighten the castle nut to specification.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pin
   Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the ball joint stud. If the slots do not align, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until alignment is achieved. Insert a new cotter pin through the stud hole and bend the ends to secure. Ensure the cotter pin is properly seated and will not come loose.
   ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten further if needed for alignment.
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link if applicable
    If the sway bar link was disconnected from the control arm in Step 3, reconnect it now. Hold the ball stud with a 6mm Allen key and tighten the nut to specification using a 17mm wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and thread on all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is supporting the vehicle weight but wheels are not quite touching the ground. Rock the vehicle side to side to settle the suspension.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height (suspension loaded but wheels still slightly off ground), torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical for proper bushing life and function.
    ⚠This step is critical. Torquing control arm bolts with suspension hanging will twist the bushings and cause premature failure.
    Torque spec

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

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Remove wheel chocks.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications
2. Verify new cotter pin is properly installed and secured
3. Double-check that control arm bolts were torqued at ride height, not with suspension hanging

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from front suspension
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all fasteners are secure and no components are loose
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as control arm replacement will affect camber and toe settings
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after driving 50-100 miles

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