Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with a 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnecting the end links and removing the bar brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear stabilizer bar × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level 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, but do not remove
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands under the rear subframe or axle beam
6. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and inspect rear sway bar
   Locate the rear stabilizer bar running across the width of the vehicle beneath the rear suspension. Inspect the bar, bushings, and end links for visible damage, wear, or corrosion. Note the routing and orientation of the bar for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the bar to the suspension on the driver side. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft from the top to hold it stationary. Using a 14mm socket, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the suspension component. Note the order of washers and bushings.
3. 3

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the disconnection process on the passenger side. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key and remove the upper nut with a 14mm socket. If links are seized, apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak before attempting removal.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar mounting brackets
   Locate the two brackets securing the sway bar to the vehicle body or subframe. Each bracket is held by two bolts. Using a 14mm socket or wrench, remove all four bracket bolts. Support the sway bar as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar and bushings
   Carefully lower and remove the rear stabilizer bar from the vehicle by maneuvering it out from under the suspension. Remove the rubber bushings from the bar. Inspect bushings for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. Clean the bar with a wire brush if reusing.
6. 6

   Install new or cleaned sway bar
   Install new or cleaned rubber bushings onto the replacement or existing sway bar, ensuring the split in the bushing faces the correct direction (typically rearward). Position the bar under the vehicle in the correct orientation, with any identification marks or bends matching the original position.
7. 7

   Install sway bar brackets
   Position the brackets over the bushings and align with the mounting holes on the body or subframe. Install all four bracket bolts and tighten evenly by hand first. Once all bolts are started, torque the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect sway bar links
   Attach both sway bar links to the suspension components, ensuring washers and bushings are installed in the correct order. Hold each link shaft with a 6mm Allen key while installing and torquing the upper nuts to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification. Do not fully torque while vehicle is on jack stands.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, perform a final torque check on all wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bracket bolts and link nuts are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar bushings are properly seated in brackets with no gaps
3. Check that sway bar has free movement and is not binding on any suspension components

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over varied road surfaces and note any clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Perform figure-eight turns in an empty parking lot to verify sway bar function and listen for noise
• Perform visual inspection after test drive to ensure all fasteners remain tight and no components have shifted
• Verify improved handling response during cornering compared to pre-repair condition if replacing worn components

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