How to Replace Front Struts 97-01 Toyota Camry
Difficulty: Moderate · About 120 min · Toyota Camry
Replace both front struts on a 1997–2001 Camry with complete spring-and-strut assemblies, so there is no need to compress the springs. Shown on a 1998 Camry 2.2L.
Tools you will need
- 12mm socket
- 14mm socket
- 15mm socket
- 21mm socket
- 22mm socket
- 22mm wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- Ratchet
- Socket extensions
- Torque wrench
- Locking pliers (vice grips)
- Hammer
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
Parts and supplies
- Complete strut and spring assemblies
Steps
- Loosen the lug nuts on the ground
Break the lug nuts loose while the wheels are still on the ground, using the 21mm socket and breaker bar.
- Jack up the car and set it on stands
Jack at the pinch weld, place stands on the unibody frame rail, and give the car a shake to check it is secure. Do both sides so the car sits level.
- Remove the wheel
With the weight on the stands, take the lug nuts off the rest of the way and remove the wheel.
- Disconnect the sway bar link
Hold the link stud with locking pliers so it cannot spin, remove the 14mm nut and slide the link out of the strut.
- Free the ABS sensor and brake hose
Remove the wheel speed sensor clip and the 12mm bolt holding the brake line and sensor wire, and let them hang to one side.
- Loosen the strut-to-knuckle bolts
Break the two 22mm nuts loose with a wrench, socket and breaker bar, but leave a couple of threads on. The bolts tend to stick, so tap them out with a hammer before removing the nuts.
- Separate the strut and remove the top nuts
Pull the bolts and separate the strut from the knuckle. Remove two of the three 14mm top nuts, support the strut from the wheel well, then take off the last nut and lift the assembly out.
- Compare old and new
The new assembly comes with the spring and top mount already fitted, so it goes straight in. Check the bolt locations and the brackets for the ABS wire, brake line and sway bar link match.
- Install the new strut
Set it in the wheel well and fit the new top nuts supplied. The video torques them to 59 ft-lb.
- Reconnect the knuckle
Keep the steering wheel straight so the holes line up, send the bolts through from front to back and tighten. The video torques these to 156 ft-lb.
- Refit the ABS wire, brake hose and sway bar link
Reinstall the clips and the 12mm bolt, then the sway bar link with locking pliers on the stud. The video torques the link nut to 29 ft-lb.
- Refit the wheel and lower the car
Start the lug nuts, raise the car off the stands, remove them, and lower it until the wheel touches the ground. Torque the lug nuts in a cross pattern (76 ft-lb in the video), then repeat on the other side.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.