Replace the rear strut mount assembly, which connects the strut to the chassis and provides vibration isolation and bearing rotation for suspension movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM Toyota or equivalent (includes bearing, insulator, and hardware)
• Strut mount upper nut × 1 — Usually included with strut mount kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-designated points on chassis/frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely and set aside
7. Verify vehicle is stable before proceeding with work

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear strut tower in trunk
   Open trunk and locate the rear strut tower access point. Remove the trunk side trim panel or cover on the working side to expose the upper strut mount nuts. On some 2018-2024 Camry models, you may need to pull back carpet or remove a plastic service cover. The strut tower will have 3 or 4 nuts visible at the top of the strut shaft.
2. 2

   Mark strut orientation for alignment reference
   Before loosening anything, use a marker or center punch to mark the relationship between the strut mounting bracket and the strut tower, and note the position of the strut-to-knuckle bolts. This helps maintain approximate alignment during reassembly, though a professional alignment is still recommended after this repair.
3. 3

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the weight of the suspension assembly. Raise the jack just enough to take slight tension off the strut, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut mount is loosened.
4. 4

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   From inside the trunk, locate the upper strut mount nuts (typically 3 nuts surrounding the center shaft nut). Hold the strut shaft center with a wrench or Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper mount nuts. Note the orientation and order of any washers or spacers. Do not remove the center shaft nut at this time, as this holds the spring assembly together.
   ⚠Do NOT remove the center strut shaft nut unless you are disassembling the entire strut assembly with a spring compressor. Removing this nut without proper spring compression can cause violent spring release and serious injury.
5. 5

   Disconnect strut from knuckle
   Locate the two strut-to-knuckle bolts at the bottom of the strut where it connects to the rear knuckle. These are large bolts that pass through the strut bracket. Remove both bolts completely. You may need to support the knuckle with the jack while removing these bolts. The strut assembly will now be free.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the jack supporting the knuckle slightly to create clearance. Guide the strut assembly downward and out from the wheel well, passing the upper shaft through the strut tower opening in the trunk. The complete strut assembly can now be removed from the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the strut shaft threads or ABS sensor wiring if present.
7. 7

   Replace strut mount on workbench
   With the strut assembly on a clean workbench, you can now access the upper mount. If replacing only the mount (and the mount is separable without spring disassembly on your specific strut design), carefully remove the old mount assembly and install the new mount, ensuring proper orientation. Most 2018-2024 Camry rear struts require full disassembly with a spring compressor to replace the mount. If this is the case, install spring compressors evenly on opposite sides, compress the spring sufficiently to unload the mount, remove the center shaft nut, then replace the mount components.
   ⚠️If using spring compressors, compress evenly and ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged before loosening the center shaft nut. Uneven compression or compressor failure can cause serious injury.
8. 8

   Inspect strut components
   While the strut is disassembled, inspect the strut body for leaks (oil seepage indicates failed damper), check the spring for cracks or damage, and verify the bump stop and dust boot are intact. Replace any worn or damaged components now to avoid repeating this job. Ensure the new mount bearing rotates smoothly without binding.
9. 9

   Reinstall strut assembly into vehicle
   Carefully guide the strut assembly back into the wheel well, threading the upper shaft through the strut tower opening. Align the strut-to-knuckle mounting points. Use the jack to support and position the knuckle as needed. Install the upper strut mount nuts from inside the trunk finger-tight initially, ensuring proper alignment with your reference marks.
   Torque spec

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

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes, using the jack to adjust position as needed. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and start nuts finger-tight. Ensure bolts are properly seated through both the strut bracket and knuckle. Do not fully torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque upper strut mount nuts
    From inside the trunk, hold the strut shaft center with a wrench or Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque the upper strut mount nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star or crossing pattern to ensure even seating of the mount. Verify the mount is properly seated against the strut tower.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft). These are critical fasteners that must be torqued to specification. Verify both bolts are properly tightened.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially to avoid cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall trunk trim and verify installation
    Replace any trunk trim panels, carpet, or service covers that were removed for access to the strut tower. Ensure all fasteners are secure. Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify there are no unusual noises from the strut mount area.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trunk trim panels are properly reinstalled and secured
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the trunk or wheel well
3. Double-check that all fasteners are torqued to specification before driving

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify suspension operates smoothly without clunking or binding
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension, particularly over bumps
• Verify steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to one side
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment within the next few days, as suspension work can affect alignment angles
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on strut-to-knuckle bolts and wheel lug nuts to ensure they have not loosened

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