Camry Forums - Toyota Camry Forum

Toyota Camry 2007-2011: How to Replace Struts

Does your car have a rough ride? That sounds like your struts are causing the issues, but don't worry we got you covered!

By Neftali Medina - August 11, 2015
Contributors: Thai Dara

This article applies to the 6th generation Toyota Camry (2007-2011).

The struts on your Toyota Camry are responsible for absorbing any vibrations felt from the road before they get to the cabin. Struts are comprised of a piston that moves up and down inside a gas and fluid-filled shock body, according to the surface of the road. A coil also sits on top of the strut to help alleviate some of the weight. When struts fail, they lose their ability to decompress and rebound properly, often resulting in a very uncomfortable ride. You can quickly test the wear on your struts by pushing down on either the front or rear of your car. If it squeaks, creaks, or is excessively bouncy, then the struts are close to failing. You have the option of either replacing the entire strut and coil assembly, or just the shocks themselves. However, the base price on complete assemblies versus struts and coils are relatively the same; so if you have the opportunity to include a new coil on, it is suggested to go for it! Here's how to replace your Toyota Camry's struts.

Materials Needed

  • Metric socket set up to 22mm
  • 22mm open-ended wrench
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Allen key set

Step 1 – Raise and support the car

It's best for you to loosen the lug nuts while the car is on the ground, and then proceed to raise the side of the vehicle you want to work on. In this article, we start at the front and then proceed to the rear struts. Once the car is in the air, place jack stands underneath it to support its weight.

Figure 1. Place a jack stand to support the car.

Step 2 – Remove the front struts

  • Remove the brake line bolt.
  • Use an Allen key to hold the nut in place while using a wrench to remove the stabilizer bolt.
  • Loosen the two 22mm mounting bolts from the strut.
  • Remove the upper nuts that hold the strut in place.
  • Remove the old struts.
  • Figure 2. Remove the brake line bolt.
  • Figure 3. Remove the stabilizer bolt.
  • Figure 4. Remove the 22mm strut bolts.
  • Figure 5. Remove the upper nuts.

Step 3 – Install the new front struts

Installing the struts is slightly more difficult because you will need to support the complete strut assembly with one arm, while threading the top mount nuts from the engine bay. Once you have it in place, keep the nuts snug, but do not tighten them yet! Otherwise, you will not be able re-install the rest of the strut hardware.

  • Slide in the two 22mm bolts.
  • Tighten the 22mm bolts.
  • Install the brake line.
  • Install the stabilizer bolt.
  • Tighten the upper mounting bolts for the strut assembly.
  • Install the wheels, remove the jack stands, and lower the car. Then, proceed to the rear struts.
  • Figure 6. Install the new strut assembly.
  • Figure 7. Thread the top mount bolts in, so you can easily install the rest of the hardware.

Featured Video: How to Replace Front Struts

Step 4 – Access and remove the rear struts

The top mounts for the rear struts are actually hidden. So you'll have to remove the rear seats to access them.

  • Loosen the rear seat bolt and remove the cushion.
  • Once the top mount's bolts are visible, loosen the lug nuts for the rear wheels.
  • Raise the rear of the car, and place jack stands under to support it.
  • Loosen the hardware for the brake line and stabilizer link.
  • Remove the two 22mm strut bolts.
  • Loosen and remove the strut top mount nuts.
  • Figure 8. Loosen the rear seat bolt.
  • Figure 9. Lift and remove the rear cushion to reveal the top-mount location.
  • Figure 10. Visible top mount bolt.
  • Figure 11. Top mount's location.
  • Figure 12. Remove the old strut assembly.

Step 5 – Install the new rear struts

  • Slide in the new strut, and thread it into the top mounts.
  • Install the 22mm bottom bolts.
  • Install the brake line and stabilizer link.
  • Mount the wheels and install the lug nuts.
  • Tighten the nuts on the strut top mounts.
  • Install the rear seats.
  • Remove the jack stands and lower the rear of the vehicle. That is it, you are done.
Figure 13. Install the rear struts.

Featured Videos: How to Replace Rear Struts

Related Discussions