Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear sway bar links on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring wheel removal and basic hand tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — 48830-06050 or equivalent
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — 48830-06050 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved jacking points on rear subframe
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at reinforced pinch welds or frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Visually inspect the sway bar link for torn boots, excessive play, or damage. Grasp the link and attempt to move it by hand - excessive free play indicates wear. Check both upper and lower ball joint boots for cracks or tears.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on both the upper nut (sway bar end) and lower nut (suspension arm end) of the sway bar link. Allow 5-10 minutes for penetration if fasteners show corrosion. This step is optional but recommended for ease of removal.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Locate the upper connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the rear sway bar. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the ball stud shaft to prevent it from spinning. Using a 17mm socket, remove the upper nut while holding the Allen key steady. Remove the upper portion of the link from the sway bar.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Locate the lower connection point where the sway bar link attaches to the rear suspension arm or strut assembly. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the ball stud shaft. Using a 17mm socket, remove the lower nut while holding the shaft with the Allen key. If the ball stud spins despite holding with Allen key, use locking pliers on the boot area as a last resort.
5. 5

   Remove sway bar link
   Once both nuts are removed, pull the sway bar link assembly free from the vehicle. The link should slide out of both mounting points. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar mounting point and the suspension arm mounting point. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris from the threaded areas and contact surfaces to ensure proper seating of the new link.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and suspension arm. Insert the upper ball stud through the sway bar mounting hole and the lower ball stud through the suspension arm hole. Ensure the link is oriented correctly with ball studs fully seated in their respective mounting points.
8. 8

   Install and torque lower nut
   Thread the lower nut onto the ball stud by hand until finger-tight. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the ball stud shaft to prevent rotation. Using a torque wrench with 17mm socket, torque the lower nut to specification while holding the shaft steady with the Allen key.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install and torque upper nut
   Thread the upper nut onto the ball stud by hand until finger-tight. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the ball stud shaft to prevent rotation. Using a torque wrench with 17mm socket, torque the upper nut to specification while holding the shaft steady with the Allen key.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    If replacing both rear sway bar links, repeat steps 1-9 for the opposite side of the vehicle. Both links should be replaced as a pair for balanced suspension performance.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Place the rear wheels back onto the wheel hubs, aligning the holes with the studs. Thread lug nuts by hand until snug. Lower the vehicle partially so the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded.
12. 12

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Complete multiple passes, gradually increasing torque until final specification is reached.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final check
    Remove jack stands and fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Rock the vehicle side to side several times to settle the suspension. Perform a final visual inspection of both sway bar link installations to verify proper seating and torque.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both upper and lower nuts are torqued to specification with the Allen key holding the ball stud
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern after vehicle is on the ground
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension
• Drive over small bumps and perform gentle lane changes to verify sway bar links are functioning properly
• Perform a visual inspection after test drive to ensure nuts remain tight and no leaks are present
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as a precautionary measure

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