Replace the front strut bearing (upper mount bearing) to eliminate clunking or binding noises during steering and suspension travel on 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing (upper mount bearing) × 2 — Toyota OEM 48609-06180 or equivalent
• Strut mount assembly (if bearing not sold separately) × 2 — Toyota OEM 48609-06181 or equivalent
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under the front subframe
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts, ball joint nut, and sway bar link nuts; allow to soak 15 minutes
7. Take photos of strut orientation and component positioning for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the top of the link shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 17mm socket, remove the upper sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the strut bracket. If the ball joint spins, use penetrating oil and hold firmly with the Allen key.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut body (usually 10mm bolt). Remove the bolt and carefully move the brake line aside. Do not disconnect the brake line or allow tension on the rubber hose. Secure the brake line with wire or zip tie if needed to prevent strain.
3. 3

   Mark and remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   The strut attaches to the steering knuckle with two large bolts. Before removal, mark the position of the strut relative to the knuckle using a paint pen or scribe to aid alignment during reassembly. Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Support the knuckle with your other hand as you remove the second bolt.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will become loose after removing these bolts. Ensure it does not drop or hang on the CV axle or brake components.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support lower control arm
   Place a floor jack under the lower control arm to support the suspension weight. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the strut but not lift the vehicle. This prevents the control arm from dropping when the strut is removed.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts from engine bay
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts on top of the strut tower (accessible from engine bay). Use a 14mm socket to remove all three nuts. Have a helper support the strut from below, or be prepared to catch it as you remove the final nut. The strut assembly can now be lowered and removed from under the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure you have secure footing and a clear path before lowering it from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Compress coil spring safely
   Place the strut assembly in a vise or secure it on a workbench. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Alternate tightening each compressor gradually and evenly, never more than 2-3 turns at a time per side. Continue until the spring is compressed enough that visible gap exists between the spring and upper mount, and tension is removed from the strut shaft nut. Verify compressors are securely engaged in spring coils.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly seated in the coils and tightened evenly. Uneven compression or inadequate engagement can cause the compressor or spring to slip violently. Stand to the side, never in line with the spring axis.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key or appropriate tool to prevent rotation. Using a 17mm or 19mm socket (verify size for your specific strut), remove the strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop in order. Note the orientation and sequence of all components with photos. The coil spring will remain compressed by the compressor tools.
   ⚠Keep all components in order of removal. Incorrect reassembly sequence will cause noise, premature wear, or failure.
8. 8

   Inspect and replace strut bearing
   Examine the strut bearing within the upper mount. Rotate it by hand to feel for roughness, binding, or notchiness. Check for cracks in the rubber mount or visible bearing damage. If the bearing is pressed into the mount, you may need to replace the entire upper mount assembly. Clean all components with a wire brush. Install the new strut bearing or complete mount assembly, ensuring proper orientation with the alignment marks or notches.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut components
   Reinstall components onto the strut shaft in reverse order: bump stop, dust boot, spring seat (note orientation), coil spring (ensure proper seating in lower spring pocket), new bearing/upper mount (align with spring seat position), and any washers. Thread on the strut shaft nut but do not fully torque yet. Ensure the spring ends are properly seated in the upper and lower spring seat pockets.
10. 10

    Torque strut shaft nut and release spring
    Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key and torque the shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 50-70 Nm, verify with FSM). Gradually and evenly loosen the spring compressor tools, alternating sides. As tension releases, verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower pockets. Remove compressor tools completely once spring is fully extended and seated.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Listen and watch for any abnormal sounds or shifting that might indicate improper seating.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position from below, aligning the studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight from the engine bay. Align the strut with the steering knuckle, using your reference marks from disassembly. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and start the nuts finger-tight. Ensure proper alignment before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Torque the three strut tower nuts in the engine bay to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb) in a star pattern. Torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to 122 Nm (90 ft-lb). Ensure the alignment marks you made during disassembly are properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect brake line and sway bar link
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the strut body and tighten securely. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 ft-lb).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and start all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 ft-lb) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack and jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-14 for the opposite front strut assembly. Work carefully and verify all torque specifications are met. Both sides should be replaced simultaneously for even performance and handling.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are installed and properly torqued per specifications
2. Confirm brake lines are securely mounted with no tension or rubbing
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or engine bay
4. Verify wheels are torqued in proper star pattern after vehicle is on ground

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speeds, turning the steering wheel fully left and right while listening for clunking, binding, or abnormal noises
• Drive over small bumps and listen for any rattling or knocking from the front suspension
• Verify steering returns to center smoothly without binding
• Check for any fluid leaks around the strut area after test drive
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - improper alignment will cause rapid tire wear and handling problems
• After 50 miles, re-torque all strut fasteners to specification and verify nothing has loosened
• Monitor tire wear patterns over the next 500 miles to confirm proper alignment was achieved

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