suspension

Strut Assembly - Rear

for 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear strut assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnecting the sway bar link and strut-to-knuckle mounting.

Warnings

⚠️SAFETY-CRITICAL: Suspension components are under load and support vehicle weight. Improper installation or torque specifications can cause loss of vehicle control, wheel separation, or catastrophic failure resulting in serious injury or death.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight and place them on proper lifting points.

⚠️All torque specifications marked [CRITICAL] MUST be followed exactly. Use a calibrated torque wrench. Over or under-torquing can result in component failure.

⚠If any suspension components show damage, excessive corrosion, or wear during inspection, they must be replaced before returning vehicle to service.

⚠If you are uncertain about any step in this procedure, stop and consult a professional technician. Errors in suspension work can be fatal.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential

Torque wrench (30-200 Nm range)Essential

19mm socket for lug nutsEssential

14mm socket and wrenchEssential

17mm socket and wrenchEssential

18mm socket and wrenchEssential

21mm socketEssential

Breaker bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Pry bar

Allen key set (for sway bar link)Essential

Parts

Rear strut assembly (complete) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Chock front wheels securely
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift point
Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at chassis lift points per owner's manual
Remove rear wheel completely and set aside
Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak 10-15 minutes
Visually inspect strut, mounting points, and surrounding suspension components for damage or excessive corrosion

Procedure

1
Disconnect sway bar link from strut
Locate the sway bar link connecting to the rear strut assembly. Using an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating, remove the upper sway bar link nut with a 14mm wrench. Separate the link from the strut mounting bracket. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2
Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle. These are horizontal bolts passing through the strut bracket and knuckle. Support the knuckle with your hand or a jack to prevent it from dropping. Remove both 18mm strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will now be free to move downward.
⚠The knuckle and brake assembly will drop when bolts are removed. Support the knuckle to prevent stress on brake hose and ABS wiring.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
3
Access rear strut tower mounting
Open the trunk and locate the rear strut tower access. Remove the trunk side trim panel by pulling back the carpet and removing any retaining clips. You should see three nuts on the strut tower mounting studs protruding through the chassis. Clean any dirt or debris from around the mounting area.
4
Remove strut tower mounting nuts
Using a 14mm socket or wrench, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts from inside the trunk. Hold the strut from underneath to prevent it from falling. Note the position of any washers or insulators on the mounting studs.
⚠The strut assembly will be free once the third nut is removed. Ensure someone is supporting the strut from below or it is adequately supported to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5
Remove strut assembly from vehicle
With all mounting points disconnected, carefully maneuver the strut assembly down and out from the wheel well. You may need to rotate or angle the strut to clear the knuckle and body. Remove the assembly completely from the vehicle and set aside.
6
Prepare new strut assembly
Unpack new strut assembly and verify it matches the old unit. Check that all mounting brackets and hardware are in correct position. If installing a bare strut rather than complete assembly, transfer any necessary brackets or mounting hardware from old strut. Inspect mounting studs for damage.
7
Install strut into vehicle
Guide the new strut assembly up into position from below, feeding the upper mounting studs through the strut tower holes. Align the lower strut bracket with the mounting holes in the knuckle. You may need to raise or adjust the knuckle position to align bolt holes.
8
Install strut tower mounting nuts
From inside the trunk, thread the three strut tower mounting nuts onto the studs by hand. Ensure any washers or insulators are in correct position. Torque all three nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
9
Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
Position the knuckle to align with the lower strut bracket holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front side and thread nuts onto the rear. Ensure bolt heads are fully seated. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the knuckle is firmly attached with no play.
⚠️These bolts are critical to wheel retention and vehicle control. Both bolts must be torqued to exact specification. Verify both are tight before proceeding.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
10
Reconnect sway bar link
Position the sway bar link into the strut mounting bracket, ensuring washers and bushings are correctly oriented. Thread the nut onto the link shaft. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and torque the nut to specification using a torque wrench.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
11
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush. Install all lug nuts by hand and tighten in a star pattern to snug. Lower the vehicle until tire just touches ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using torque wrench. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again on ground to verify.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Reinstall trunk trim panel and carpet in reverse order of removal
Verify all tools and parts have been removed from work area and trunk
Double-check all fasteners have been tightened to specification

Verification

Before driving, bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify strut is functioning and no unusual noises are present
Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all bolts are installed and nothing is loose or hanging
Test drive at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling, no pulling, and no unusual noises from rear suspension
Check for any fluid leaks from strut after test drive
MANDATORY: Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a professional shop immediately after strut replacement. Improper alignment causes tire wear and handling issues
Re-torque all critical fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving