Replace the front strut mounts (upper strut bearing assemblies) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper steering return and suspension damping.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount upper bearing × 2 — Often included with mount assembly
• Upper spring seat isolator × 2 — Inspect and replace if damaged
• Strut bumper and dust boot × 2 — Inspect and replace if torn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts approximately 1 turn while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front jack point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at proper front jacking points per owner's manual
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is visible
8. Allow 15-30 minutes for penetrating oil to work if applied
9. Verify vehicle is stable on jack stands before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting to the strut assembly. Hold the ball stud shaft with a 6mm Allen key inserted from the back to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm socket, remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the strut. The link will remain attached to the sway bar. If the ball joint spins, apply upward pressure on the control arm while loosening.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut body. Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolt securing the brake line bracket to the strut. Carefully position the brake line away from the work area without kinking or stressing the line. Do not allow the brake caliper to hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Do not kink, twist, or put stress on the brake line. Damage to brake lines can cause brake system failure.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the lower part of the strut to the steering knuckle (these are large 19mm bolts passing through the bottom of the strut body). Support the strut assembly with one hand or a bungee cord from above. Using a 19mm socket and breaker bar, remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Note the orientation of any alignment cams or washers for reinstallation. The knuckle assembly will now be free to pivot outward slightly.
   ⚠Support the strut assembly before removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage to brake components.
   Torque spec

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

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood fully and secure it. Locate the strut tower in the engine bay directly above where the strut assembly is positioned. Remove any plastic covers or trim panels covering the strut tower mounting area (usually secured with plastic clips). You will see three 14mm nuts arranged in a triangular pattern around the top of the strut shaft. Do not remove these nuts yet.
   ℹ️On some models, you may need to remove the windshield wiper cowl or plastic engine covers for access to the passenger side strut tower.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with one hand, use a 14mm socket to remove the three nuts from the top of the strut tower. Remove the nuts but leave any washers in place for reference. Carefully lower the strut assembly downward and maneuver it out through the wheel well opening. The strut should come free once the upper nuts are removed and the lower bolts were removed in step 3.
   ⚠Strut assemblies are heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique and consider having an assistant support the assembly during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a clean workbench. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), positioning the hooks at least 2-3 coils down from the top. Tighten the spring compressors evenly, alternating between both sides in small increments. Compress the spring until all tension is released from the upper mount (you should be able to wiggle the mount freely). Verify the spring is securely captured before proceeding.
   ⚠️COMPRESSED SPRING HAZARD: Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged and rated for the spring load. Uneven compression or compressor failure can cause violent spring release resulting in severe injury or death. Compress gradually and evenly.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble strut mount
   With the spring fully compressed, locate the 17mm nut on the top center of the strut shaft. Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a 6mm Allen key inserted into the center of the shaft. Using a 17mm socket, remove the strut shaft nut completely. Carefully remove the upper strut mount assembly, bearing, upper spring seat, spring isolator pad, bump stop, and dust boot. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly. Inspect the spring for damage or cracks.
8. 8

   Install new strut mount and bearing
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Inspect the dust boot and bump stop; replace if torn or deteriorated. Install components onto the strut shaft in the following order: dust boot, bump stop, coil spring (ensuring spring ends seat properly in lower spring seat), upper spring isolator pad, upper spring seat, new strut bearing, new strut mount. Ensure the alignment marks or notches on the mount align with the strut body orientation for proper installation in the vehicle.
   ⚠Verify spring end seats properly in both upper and lower spring seat pockets. Misaligned spring ends can cause spring to dislodge during compression release.
9. 9

   Install strut shaft nut
   Thread the strut shaft nut onto the cleaned threads. Hold the strut shaft from rotating with a 6mm Allen key and torque the 17mm nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Apply a small amount of thread locker to the threads if desired. Verify the strut mount sits flush and all components are properly seated.
   Torque spec

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

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on both spring compressors, alternating between sides in small increments. As the spring expands, verify that it seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats. Continue releasing until the spring is fully uncompressed and seated. Remove the spring compressor tools completely. Verify the assembly is solid with no play in the mount.
    ⚠️Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Watch for proper spring seating. If spring begins to unseat or bind, immediately stop and re-compress to correct alignment.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly up through the wheel well and align the three upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three 14mm nuts onto the strut tower studs hand-tight. Do not fully torque these nuts yet. Position the lower part of the strut into the steering knuckle bracket, aligning the bolt holes. You may need to use a pry bar to align the knuckle with the strut mounting holes.
    ℹ️Having an assistant support the strut assembly from below while you install the upper nuts makes this step easier.
12. 12

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Insert both 19mm strut-to-knuckle bolts through the knuckle and strut assembly. Ensure any alignment cams or washers are positioned exactly as noted during disassembly. Thread the nuts onto the bolts hand-tight initially. Using a 19mm socket and torque wrench, torque both bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft). Verify bolts are fully seated and torqued properly.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque strut tower mounting nuts
    From the engine bay, use a 14mm socket and torque wrench to torque all three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Reinstall any plastic covers or trim panels that were removed from the strut tower area.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect brake line bracket and sway bar link
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut using the 10mm bolt. Position the sway bar end link ball stud into the mounting hole on the strut. Install the nut and hold the ball stud with a 6mm Allen key while torquing the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) with a 14mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, ensuring the mounting surface is clean. Thread all lug nuts on by hand. Using a 21mm socket, snug all lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet. Repeat steps 1-15 for the opposite side strut mount. Once both sides are complete, carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on all four wheels, torque all front wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been installed and torqued to specification
2. Verify brake lines are properly secured and not contacting any moving components
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or wheel wells
4. Reinstall all plastic covers, cowls, or trim panels removed during the procedure

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering returns to center properly
• Listen for clunking or rattling noises over bumps that would indicate loose components
• Verify no unusual tire wear patterns develop after 100-200 miles of driving
• Have a professional wheel alignment performed within 50 miles of completing this repair, as removing strut-to-knuckle bolts affects alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all lug nuts to specification and verify strut tower nuts remain tight

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