How To Replace Rear Struts On Toyota Camry?

Are you having problems with the rear struts of your Toyota Camry?

The rear struts may have passed their expected lifetime and started to wear out. So, you have got to replace the back support.

Do you know how to replace the rear struts on Toyota Camry?

We’re guessing you don’t.

Do you know what tools you need for the replacement of rear struts?

Well, there are a few tools that can make your job way more manageable. So, please take a few steps with us, and we’re going to find out how to replace rear struts on Toyota Camry and more.

How to replace rear struts on Toyota Camry?

Any strut assembly usually wears down with time. The typical driving distance for Toyota Camry is 60000 miles. Sometimes, the struts deteriorate before that. That’s why you should look for some common symptoms to detect if the amount needs to be replaced. For example, if your car bottoms out whenever passengers are on the rear seat or the trunk is half-filled, bad rear struts most probably cause it. Also, if you notice fluid leaking down the side of the brace, the mount is perhaps worn out. You may also see you’re having a hard time controlling the vehicle on bumpy roads or curves.

Once you’re aware of the strut assembly malfunctions, you should go for replacements as soon as possible.

We are recommending using a few essential tools to replace the struts easily.

1. Floor stand,

2. Jack stand,

3. Torque wrench,

4. Breaker bar,

5. Flathead screwdriver,

6. Allen key,

7. Wrench (14mm, 22mm),

8. Socket (10mm, 12mm, 21mm, 22mm),

9. Socket Extensions,

10. Rachet,

11. Hex Wrench,

12. Hammer.

As soon as you manage the toolsets, let’s jump into the process step by step:

1. Remove the C-pillar covering

• Find the cable attached to the battery terminal. It’s usually marked blue or black or with a negative sign. Disconnect the battery cable with a wrench.
• Next, remove the rear wheel of your car. You want to place wood or a piece of brick in that place so that your car won’t fall.
• Now go inside the car and bring the rear seats down. Take off the seat belt tensioner and remove the c-pillar covering.

2. Remove Shock’s bolts

• First, remove the nuts of the stabilizer bar links. Now, find the supporting arm at the lower end of the strut and put a jack stand under it.
• Next, Raise your car a little and remove the rear wheel. Next, find the front brake lines and go to the rear strut.
• Separate the mounting bracket and the ABS wire from brake lines. Remove any other brackets or sensors as well.
• Finally, disconnect the two bolts that join the Shock to the knuckle. Look into the bottom of the strut where the bolts are usually placed.
• You might want to place the bolts in a safe place as they are tiny, and losing them will be a hassle for you.

3. Remove The Sway Bar

• Next, disconnect the sway bar. Utilize an Allen key and a 14mm box wrench to do so.
• Hold the nut with the wrench loosen it with the Allen key. Now, remove the bar from its place.

4. Remove The Strut

• To remove the strut, you first need to take off the upper mounting nuts. You will find them under the hoods. Loosen them and remove them from the top of the strut tower.
• Now, remove the old strut and compress the spring. Also, remove the nut that is in the centre. Finally, take out the support, coil spring, insulator, bumper any other parts that seem worn out.

5. Insert the new strut

• Reassemble the new strut back and replace any other worn parts. Put the three nuts back on the top of the new strut tower. Torque the assembly to 29-foot lb.
• Attach the strut to the arm and make sure to tighten the support to hold the braces in place.
• Insert mounting strut and sway bar
• Connect the link nuts to the strut and put any sensors or brackets back that were removed.
• Align the mounting holes with knuckle holes. You can use a screwdriver.
• Now insert the bolts and thread the nuts on.
• Tighten them enough to stabilize the strut.
• Put the sway bar back in its place and tighten the bar connection.

6. Reinstalling

• Place the wheels and let your car come back to the ground. Then, bounce it a bit to check the stability of the suspension.
• Now, connect the negative cable to the battery.
• Put the C-pillar’s cover back and place the seat belt tensioner and the seats as before.

Conclusion:

Regular health checks and replacing damaged struts are essential. It not only prevents any unwanted wear down but also ensures safe driving. If you are worried about the pricing, here’s the good news for the Camry users. You can always find some ‘not so fancy’ sets, and a complete one won’t cost you more than $550. Once you have new struts on your car, make sure to drive at least a few times to avoid premature wear out.