🔧 Camry - Strut Replacement

Replacing struts restores ride control, braking stability, and tire wear. On your Camry, the job differs a bit front vs rear, and it’s much safer/easier if you’re installing complete “quick-strut” assemblies (strut + spring + mount already assembled).

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

2 quick questions so I can give you the exact step-by-step:
1) Are you replacing front, rear, or all four struts?
2) Are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies, or reusing your existing springs (requires a spring compressor)?

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ If reusing springs: a coil spring compressor is required—stored spring force can cause serious injury if it slips.
• ⚠️ Support the Camry with jack stands on solid, level ground; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Do not let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose; support it with a hook/strap.
• ⚠️ After strut work, you will need a 4-wheel alignment (front especially).

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 1/2" (30–200 ft-lbs range)
• Torque wrench 3/8" (10–80 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set metric 8mm–22mm (3/8" and 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set metric 8mm–22mm
• Allen key set metric (for sway bar end link stud)
• Pry bar 18"
• Hammer 16 oz
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat trim tool
• Penetrating oil
• Bungee cord or caliper hook
• Paint marker
• Coil spring compressor (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mounts/bearings - If not included with assemblies - Qty: 2
• Rear strut mounts - If not included with assemblies - Qty: 2
• Sway bar end links (front) - Recommended if worn/seized - Qty: 2
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - If corroded/damaged - Qty: 4-8

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the wheels staying on the ground.
• Loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn with a 21mm socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar end link nuts 10–15 minutes early.
• If you’re reusing springs: confirm you have a coil spring compressor and understand its instructions before starting.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: I need your two answers before I lock in the exact steps

• Tell me: front/rear/all four, and quick-struts vs reuse springs.
• Once you reply, I’ll give you the exact Camry-specific sequence for the axle(s) you’re doing, including the correct torque specs and any interior-trim steps for the rear mounts.

Step 2: (Optional now) Quick check for other worn parts

• With the car still on the ground, push down hard at each corner and release; excessive bouncing suggests weak struts.
• Look for strut oil leaks and torn dust boots.

---

✅ After Repair

• Double-check all fasteners are tightened and all brackets/ABS wire clips are reattached.
• Torque lug nuts with a torque wrench in a star pattern after lowering.
• Test drive at low speed first; listen for clunks over bumps.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $300-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $600-$1,100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.