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Autopapyrus · Toyota Camry 2.5 A25A-FKS (XV70, 2018)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/toyota/camry/front-shock-absorber-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Toyota Camry 2.5 A25A-FKS (XV70, 2018): Front Shock Absorber Replacement

On the XV70 (2014-2023), the front shock absorbers are MacPherson struts supplied complete with the coil spring. Service life is 80-100 thousand km. The procedure requires a spring compressor and care when removing the upper mount in the engine bay.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2-3 hours (both struts) for an experienced mechanic Steps: 12 Tools: lift or inspection pit, lug wrench, 14/17/19 mm wrenches, screwdriver, special strut wrench (14 mm) or socket, spring compressor (if needed), strut holder/hoist

Part

  • 🔩 complete front strut assemblies. Original Toyota part numbers 48530-02650 (right) and 48540-02650 (left). Aftermarket alternatives: KYB, Bilstein, Kayaba
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 5 more. See manuals →

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Raise the front of the car on the lift and remove both front wheels (17 mm wrench).
  2. Open the hood. From above, in the engine bay, find the three nuts that secure the strut to the body (14 mm wrench). Loosen them but do not remove them completely. That comes later, when the strut is supported.
  3. At the bottom of the strut, near the steering knuckle, find the two bolts that secure the strut to the hub (19 mm wrench). Loosen them.
  4. Disconnect the ABS sensor (if equipped). The connector is on the strut bracket. Carefully move the harness aside.
  5. Disassemble the lower mount: fully remove both bolts (19 mm) and move the strut and the steering knuckle apart. The strut stays attached to the body (at the top).
  6. Remove the three upper nuts (14 mm) from the engine bay. Carefully pull the strut upward and out. It comes out complete with the spring.
  7. If you plan to reuse the spring (if the new shock absorber is a bare strut without a spring), disassemble the old strut using a spring compressor: — Secure the strut vertically in a vise or on a workbench. — Install the spring compressor so that the hooks sit on the spring coils. — Compress the spring by 3-5 cm, then loosen the strut's top nut (17 mm wrench). — Slowly release the spring and remove the upper components (mount, dust boot, upper bump stop). — Remove the spring, then install a new one (if needed) or keep the old one.
  8. Install the spring on the new strut in reverse order: lower bump stop → spring → upper mount → dust boot → nut. Do not overtighten the nut while the spring is on the compressor, to avoid damaging it. Tighten to approximately 20-30 N·m (15-22 lb-ft), or tighten with the spring fully compressed and then remove the compressor.
  9. Install the new strut: — Bring the complete strut up to the fender and align it with the three upper mounting holes. — Thread on the three nuts (14 mm) from above and tighten them evenly to 20-25 N·m (15-18 lb-ft). — Bring the steering knuckle into position, insert the two lower bolts (19 mm), and tighten them to 75-85 N·m (55-63 lb-ft). — Reconnect the ABS sensor.
  10. Repeat the procedure for the second strut.
  11. Install the wheels (lug nut torque 105-115 N·m (77-85 lb-ft)) and lower the car.
  12. Have the wheel alignment (camber and toe) adjusted. This is mandatory after replacement, as it affects handling and tire wear.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • — Never work with a compressed spring without a spring compressor. The energy stored in a compressed spring is dangerous. — Tighten the upper mounting nuts evenly so you do not skew the strut or upset the suspension geometry. — If the strut has an electronic sensor (ECS module), do not damage its harness. It is an expensive repair. — After replacement, check for oil leaks from the new strut during the first 100-200 km. — Be sure to have the alignment adjusted by a professional.
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