This procedure covers removal and replacement of the transmission output shaft bearing on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring transmission removal and disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission output shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission case cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Output shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ATF filter (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota WS ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove engine under covers and splash shields
5. Drain transmission fluid completely using drain plug and catch in appropriate container
6. Remove both front wheels to access subframe and drivetrain components
7. Mark drivetrain component positions with paint pen for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle shafts and disconnect linkages
   Remove both front axle shaft retaining nuts. Disconnect both axle shafts from the transmission using appropriate puller or pry tool. Support axle shafts with wire to prevent damage to CV boots. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket. Disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission (speed sensors, solenoids, range sensor).
2. 2

   Support engine and remove transmission mounts
   Position engine support fixture or secure engine from above with support beam. Place transmission jack under transmission oil pan with wood block to distribute load. Remove rear transmission mount and crossmember. Remove left engine mount bracket bolted to transmission case.
3. 3

   Disconnect torque converter and separate transmission
   Remove torque converter access cover. Mark torque converter to flexplate relationship with paint. Remove torque converter to flexplate bolts while rotating crankshaft with 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt. Remove all bell housing bolts securing transmission to engine block. Carefully pull transmission straight back to separate from engine, ensuring torque converter remains with transmission.
   Torque spec

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove transmission pan and valve body
   With transmission on sturdy bench, remove transmission pan bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Remove pan and gasket. Disconnect all electrical connectors from valve body. Note position of all bolts as they are different lengths. Remove valve body bolts and carefully lower valve body assembly, keeping separator plate and gaskets together.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission case covers
   Remove all case cover screws securing the rear case cover. Carefully separate rear case using appropriate pry points (not sealing surfaces). Remove any internal snap rings retaining the output shaft assembly. Note position of thrust washers and their orientation for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract output shaft assembly
   Carefully remove output shaft assembly from transmission case. Place output shaft in padded vise or support fixture. Remove output gear snap ring. Use bearing puller to remove output shaft bearing from shaft. Inspect shaft for wear, scoring, or discoloration in bearing journal area. Measure bearing journal with micrometer and compare to factory specifications (should be within 0.001 inch tolerance).
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare components
   Clean output shaft thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect bearing bore in transmission case for damage or scoring. Clean case bearing bore completely. Verify new bearing fits shaft journal with slight interference fit. Check new bearing outer race fit in case bore. Bearing should press in with moderate resistance but not excessive force.
8. 8

   Install new output shaft bearing
   Place output shaft in press with appropriate support fixtures. Align new bearing squarely on shaft journal with correct orientation (check service manual for directional markings). Press bearing onto shaft using press tube that contacts inner race only. Press until bearing seats fully against shaft shoulder. Do not contact outer race during pressing or bearing will be damaged.
9. 9

   Measure and verify bearing preload
   Install output shaft assembly into transmission case temporarily without sealing. Install outer snap ring. Using dial indicator, measure output shaft endplay by moving shaft up and down. Endplay should be 0.001-0.003 inches. If endplay is incorrect, select appropriate thickness thrust washer or bearing spacer. Verify bearing rotates smoothly without binding or rough spots.
10. 10

    Reassemble transmission case
    Apply thin coat of ATF to new case cover gasket. Install output shaft assembly with correct thrust washers in noted positions. Carefully install case cover, ensuring all internal components align correctly. Install case cover screws and tighten in criss-cross pattern to proper specification. Verify output shaft rotates freely after case assembly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall valve body and pan
    Position separator plate and gaskets in correct orientation. Carefully raise valve body into position and align all bolt holes. Install valve body bolts in correct positions (note different lengths) and tighten to specification in criss-cross pattern. Reconnect all electrical connectors. Install new pan gasket and pan. Tighten pan bolts in criss-cross pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install transmission to engine
    Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (measure setback approximately 1 inch from bell housing face). Apply thin layer of grease to torque converter pilot. Raise transmission into position with transmission jack. Align torque converter with flexplate using alignment marks. Install bell housing mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Rotate crankshaft to access torque converter bolt holes. Install torque converter bolts and tighten in star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall mounts and axle shafts
    Install transmission mounts and tighten to specification. Install crossmember. Remove transmission jack and engine support. Install both axle shafts into transmission, ensuring snap rings fully engage. Install axle shaft nuts. Reconnect shift cable and adjust per factory procedure. Reconnect all electrical connectors.
14. 14

    Fill transmission and perform initial checks
    Install new crush washer on transmission drain plug and install drain plug to specification. Add approximately 4 quarts of Toyota WS ATF through fill tube. Start engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear ranges while holding brake. Add additional ATF as needed. Check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature in Park position. Fill to proper level between hot marks on dipstick.
    Torque spec

    Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Install all engine under covers and splash shields
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

• With engine running, verify no ATF leaks from pan, drain plug, case covers, or axle shaft seals
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges
• Check for abnormal transmission noises during acceleration and deceleration
• Verify no check engine light or transmission fault codes
• Recheck ATF level after test drive with transmission at operating temperature
• Monitor ATF level and condition over next 100 miles of driving

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