This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Shock absorber mounting hardware kit (if not included with shocks) × 1 — OEM hardware recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Locate rear shock access points - upper mounts are accessible from trunk area behind interior trim panels
4. If applicable, fold down rear seats and remove trunk floor panels to access shock tower nuts
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated rear jacking point. Once raised to working height, place jack stands under the rear subframe or designated support points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Remove both rear wheels completely.
2. 2

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or suspension knuckle on the side being serviced. Raise the jack just enough to take up slack and slightly support the suspension, but do not compress it fully. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed.
3. 3

   Access upper shock mount
   From inside the trunk, locate the upper shock tower access. On the Camry, this is typically accessible by removing or pulling back the interior trunk trim panel. Identify the upper shock mounting nuts at the top of the shock tower. There are typically two or three nuts holding the upper mount.
4. 4

   Remove upper shock mounting nuts
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the upper shock tower mounting nuts. Hold the shock shaft with an Allen key or wrench if necessary to prevent rotation. Keep all hardware organized for reassembly or replacement.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the rear suspension knuckle or lower control arm. Using a 14mm or appropriate socket, remove the lower mounting bolt and nut. Support the shock as you remove the last fastener to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove shock absorber
   Carefully lower and remove the shock absorber from the vehicle. Pull it downward and out from the wheel well area. Inspect the mounting locations for any damage, corrosion, or wear that should be addressed before installing new parts.
7. 7

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock absorber into place, inserting the upper mount studs through the shock tower first. Ensure any rubber isolators or bushings are properly seated. Align the lower mounting point with the suspension knuckle or control arm bracket.
8. 8

   Install lower shock mounting bolt
   Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and thread the nut hand-tight. Do not fully torque at this time. Ensure the shock is properly aligned and seated in its mounting bracket.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install upper shock mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, install the upper shock tower mounting nuts. Thread them hand-tight initially. Torque the upper mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Hold the shock shaft if necessary to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque lower shock bolt
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the lower shock mounting bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Ensure the suspension is in a neutral position when torquing, not fully extended or compressed.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 2 through 10 for the opposite rear shock absorber. Ensure both sides are installed symmetrically with all fasteners properly torqued.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the wheels just touch the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove all jacks and stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any trunk trim panels or interior pieces that were removed for shock tower access
2. Ensure all tools and old parts are removed from under and around the vehicle
3. Double-check that all fasteners are torqued to specification

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speeds and verify smooth operation over bumps with no clunking or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm no loose hardware or leaking shock fluid
• Verify proper ride height and that the vehicle sits level from side to side
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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