🔧 Front Struts - Replacement

Assumption: This guide is for the front struts on your Camry, replaced in pairs.

Front struts support the suspension and control bounce, steering feel, and tire contact. Replacing them restores ride quality and helps prevent uneven tire wear and clunking noises.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Spring tension is extremely dangerous. Use a strut spring compressor only if you are disassembling the strut.
• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands. Never work under a car held only by a jack.
• Keep hands clear of the brake hose and ABS wire when removing the strut.
• Torque all fasteners to spec. Loose suspension parts can cause loss of control.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 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
• 21mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 12mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip removal tool
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Paint marker
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Driver side Qty: 1
• Front strut assembly - Passenger side Qty: 1
• Front strut mounting hardware kit - Qty: 2
• Front strut upper mount - Qty: 2
• Front strut dust boot and bumper kit - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the car.
• Replace struts in pairs for balanced ride and handling.
• If your replacement is a complete loaded strut, you will not need a spring compressor.
• If you are transferring the spring and mount, use a spring compressor and work very slowly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the car

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the Camry at the proper jacking point.
• Place the jack stands under the front support points and lower the car onto them.
• Remove the front wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect strut attachments

• Use the 12mm socket or 14mm socket to remove the brake hose bracket and any ABS wire clips from the strut.
• Unclip the wiring carefully so it is not stretched or twisted.
• Do not let the brake hose hang.

Step 3: Remove the lower strut bolts

• Use the 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.
• Mark the bolt position with a paint marker before removal if needed.
• Torque on installation: 156 Nm (115 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the upper strut mount nuts

• Open the hood and locate the top of the strut tower.
• Use the 14mm socket to remove the three upper mounting nuts.
• Hold the strut with one hand while removing the last nut.
• Torque on installation: 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the strut assembly

• Guide the strut out of the wheel well by rotating it slightly.
• If it binds, use gentle pressure and avoid forcing the brake hose or axle.

Step 6: Transfer parts if needed

• If using a complete loaded strut, skip this step.
• If reusing the spring and mount, install a spring compressor and compress the spring evenly on both sides.
• Use the 17mm socket to remove the center shaft nut.
• Transfer the spring, mount, boot, and bumper to the new strut in the same order.
• Keep fingers away from the coil spring.

Step 7: Install the new strut

• Position the new strut into the tower first and start the top nuts by hand with the 14mm socket.
• Align the lower strut flange with the knuckle and install the lower bolts using the 19mm socket.
• Do not fully tighten until everything is seated correctly.

Step 8: Reattach brackets and tighten hardware

• Reinstall the brake hose bracket and ABS wire clips using the 12mm socket or 14mm socket.
• Tighten the upper nuts to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).
• Tighten the lower strut bolts to 156 Nm (115 ft-lbs).
• Use the torque wrench for all final tightening.

Step 9: Reinstall wheels and lower the car

• Install the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the car with the floor jack.
• Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with the 21mm socket.
• Torque lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered.
• Get a wheel alignment as soon as possible.
• If you replaced one side only, the ride may feel uneven. Replacing both sides is best.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $300-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $600-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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