Replacing Rear Control Arms 1993-2001 Toyota Camry, Solara, Avalon, Corolla & Lexus ES300

This video is made as a guideline to show you how to change the rear lateral &trailing arms on a 196 Toyota Camry.
This same procedure will apply to:
- 1992 - 2001 Toyota Camry (3rd & 4th Gen)
- 1999 - 2003 Toyota Solara (1st Gen)
- 1995 - 2004 Toyota Avalon (1st & 2nd Gen)
- 1993 - 2002 Toyota Corolla (7th & 8th Gen)
- 1992 - 2012 Lexus ES300 (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Gen)
I hope it was helpful!
Torque Sepcs:
- All Control Arm Bolts/Nuts: 134 ft. lbs
- Wheel: 76 ft. lbs.
Parts used in this video:
Rear Lateral Links Kit: www.1aauto.com/1992-96-toyota...
Rear Trailing Arms: www.1aauto.com/toyota-lexus-r...
Tools used in this video:
- 4 lbs. Hammer: www.harborfreight.com/4-lb-dri...
- 2lb Hammer: amzn.to/3KHf5B8
- Vice Grips: amzn.to/2U0sDQ7
- Pry Bar Set: www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...
- ½ inch Ratchet: amzn.to/3kQobiZ
- ½ inch 12 Pt. Socket Set: amzn.to/3iUEppL
- ½ inch 6 Pt. Deep Impact Socket Set: www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-1...
- ½ inch 6 Pt. Impact Socket Set: www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-1...
- ½ Inch Swivel Sockets: www.harborfreight.com/12-in-d...
- ½ Inch Drive Impact Extension Set: www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-12...
- ½ Inch Breaker Bar: amzn.to/3477Nov
- ½”Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3g3mFqb
- Basic Wrench Set: amzn.to/39eg1fD
- ½ Inch Bauer Impact Gun: www.harborfreight.com/20v-hyp...
- Bauer Impact Driver: www.harborfreight.com/20v-hyp...
- 20V 3Ah Bauer Battery: www.harborfreight.com/20v-hyp...
- 21 Gal. Oiled Air Compressor: www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-...
- ½” Pneumatic impact Gun: www.harborfreight.com/12-in-a...
- 6 Ton Jack Stands: www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-s...
- 3 Ton Low Profile Jack: www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-l...
Other related videos:
- 1996 Toyota Camry Wagon Playlist: • 1996 Toyota Camry Stat...
- Oil Change Videos: • Oil Change Videos
Please note that I am not a professional mechanic, nor am I saying that you must do exactly what I say in this video. Perform these repairs at your own risk! Safety first ;)

[@jsmcguireIII]

Just got an estimate from local guy to replace the rear control arms on our old Camry for $400. After seeing all this I say GREAT DEAL!

[@AutoFixYT]

Haha yeah that’s a good price!

[@williammouri1096]

This is what working on cars is in real life. I'm so glad I live in the south and don't have to deal with a lot of rust. Great video. Great work.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah it gets rough in the rust belt. What is considered rot in the south is normal up here lol and rust here is considered totalled down there haha

[@hybrid281]

Just recently replaced all 4 of my lateral links on my 97 Camry. Thanks for the visual guidance. I've never had to lower the subframe before but it was easier to do it after seeing the walkthrough. It was fun, minus the high torque-related awkward positioning I had to do in the garage under the car. LOL! Thank ya sir!

[@AutoFixYT]

Awesome, glad it was helpful!

[@matthewfarrell317]

This is why I love being in a country where snow isn't a thing, so no major rust. Great video, planning a complete rebuild of the Camry and this helps bucket loads

[@AutoFixYT]

No rust definitely helps A LOT! Haha And that's awesome! Good luck!

[@thebordernow]

Is this ChrisFix when he's less hyped-up?? 🤣 Actually, really good, clear, and Steady video - thanks. Good tips and instruction, and shows real-life obstacles and how to get around them. Certainly glad I don't live in snow country and have to deal with these rust-bound issues!

[@AutoFixYT]

😄😄😄 funny, I am a big fan of ChrisFix's work. Thank you for the feedback, I'm glad the video helped! And yeah, northeast united states winter is harsh on vehicles.

[@DouglasWestfield-ln8sb]

I thought this was going to be a lot easier than what the video shows. You saved me from getting into a project like this when I only have a couple of hours to finish. I'll probably remove my wheels first as I am replacing my trailing arms also. Good content man.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah those bolts are a huge fight usually! Good luck to you! And thank you!

[@JazzLowrider]

Great job, man, amazing camera angles you put us in the picture. This video should be in mechanics classroom👍👍

[@AutoFixYT]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!

[@FG-lq4pz]

I really enjoyed watching this - thank you. I recently brought my 1999 Camry LE to my local shop because I was hearing a noise/knock in the rear suspension. They told me nothing was wrong with it. I brought it to the next town over and had the guys at RT Tire do the work for me. Ttech found rear control arm bushings are worn and causing a sound. Rear sway bar bushings are also worn and squeaking. Suspension knuckle bushing rear lower. Swaybar bushing, removal and installation. Rear lower control arm bushing. Removal and installation. Four wheel alignment. It was interesting to see how this all happened - I don't know what parts were replaced recently. I recently bought the car on eBay from FL with 82k on the odometer. The dealership was kinda goofy - but in the end I am happy with my purchase. To have I bought the car online for $5600. Came with tons of new suspensions parts. New breaks, shocks/strutts. With shipping, registration, title, new snow tires, and some various light maintenance I am into the car for $9900 - would be cool if I sold it in a few years fore close to that price!

[@AutoFixYT]

Wow that's a lot but the prices have definitly gone up for those cars. They're getting more and more rare! Keep it as long as you can is my opinion. They'll definitely go up in value, especially to those that know what they're looking at.

[@cezaryrenoir2456]

Great fight with rusted bolts and nuts . I have been there. I swapped the subframe from junk jard .Thanks for the video.

[@AutoFixYT]

Thanks! It wasn't fun but at least I won haha

[@JMarley24]

Those bolts had never seen the light of any wrench lol... Your hard work paid off...I can feel your relief.. great video sir!

[@AutoFixYT]

They were definitely in there and untouched since the car was built. Thank you!

[@JamesElterman]

Thanks for the video. Heating and beating the bolts out was intense! I've never had to heat, beat and cut so many fasteners as I have working on the rear end of this car!

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah this through-bolt setup that Toyota uses here (Subaru used this for along time too) is very prone to rust and the bolt seizes inside the knuckle. But as long as you get it put with no damage, you're doing good!

[@lroc4st]

Seeing this video gave me the courage to do it myself.😊

[@AutoFixYT]

That's awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

[@user-dp8bl4fe3b]

Fantastic job! You make this work look so easy. In reality, it will take DIY like me min 2 days to finish! Please continue to make similar videos.

[@AutoFixYT]

You can do it!

[@markdecalmer2252]

Awesome tutorial, thanks for your time and effort!

[@AutoFixYT]

You're welcome, glad the video helped!

[@Minitrashcan6806]

Great video! I got my control arms replaced due to this accurate and descriptive video.

[@AutoFixYT]

Awesome!

[@UGSETH2]

Thank you for this video, it has taken days but one step at a time it's coming together. I'm also replacing the trail-arm + bushings which really sucks lol Cheers from Norway

[@AutoFixYT]

It's a difficult job for sure! But like you said, one step at a time. Have patience be persistent and it will end up better than before!

[@mkguba3843]

Hit a curb on my es300. Snapped tow arm and bent control arm. Glad I found this video. Thx man

[@AutoFixYT]

Wow must have been a bad hit!

[@mkguba3843]

@AutoFixYT yeah I got a video on my channel right after it happened. Was only going like 30mph but won't lie I was powersliding into a corner and went too far

[@langleysmith8595]

Best video explanation I have seen, a great help. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@AutoFixYT]

Glad it helped!

[@joeboggan]

Great video, glad i could find someone who likes camry wagons also. Thank you

[@AutoFixYT]

Thanks!

[@gwrider2146]

I wish I could find a nice ol Camry wagon like this one, but they're usually all rotted out and trashed here in the upper salt belt midwest.😑

[@lawsonstallings1955]

Nice job! When I work on a car with a rusted suspension, I take a paint brush and coat all rusted surfaces with used LE motor oil. It works great to stop continued rusting of the parts.

[@AutoFixYT]

True, good point! There are special under coating proclducts that last longer than engine oil but that world great especially since it's free!

[@Oz-km5yp]

You just show me have to remove my rear subframe from 99 le camry preciate it even though the video is about rear suspension arms

[@AutoFixYT]

Multi-purpose video haha nice!

[@Doomzdayxx]

thanks for the video brother! ps, if you have any disposable cash, an induction heater works miracles for those rusted fasteners.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes it does! I use one at work all the time, they're awesome! I also have access to an oxygen-acetylene torch and when you need a lot of heat and you're not worried aboug flames, that's the way to go. But I use the induction heater often and I really like it!

[@Doomzdayxx]

@@AutoFixYT NOTHING beats oxy-acetylene LOL. I love my tanks. So versatile. but yeah sometimes it's just a bad idea.

[@kamalabbady6778]

Omg that's a big fight to remove those bolt, you wing again ha, good job.

[@AutoFixYT]

Haha yes thankfully I won! Thank you!

[@eddieabd8151]

I dont have toyota !! But this video is very will filmed. Thanks

[@AutoFixYT]

Thanks!

[@vovarii]

Снимай ещё.отлично получается

[@AutoFixYT]

👍

[@thedeerhunter4407]

good job bro

[@AutoFixYT]

Thank you!

[@dermotcurry2449]

Excellent job ,,I like to grease everything during assembly wire brush and use black paint on sub just to make the job nice and tidy ,,,that’s just me

[@AutoFixYT]

Agreed, I did use anti seize in several places so that should help

[@toadrippers9006]

you're on the same wheels as my solara!

[@AutoFixYT]

Nice haha they’re actually GS300 wheels from my Lexus lol

[@paulharvey7193]

Excellent

[@AutoFixYT]

Thanks!

[@lonniemcgallion]

Man, drop the WWD40 and use Kroil or Knocker Loose next time. As a boilermaker, Kroil is known as the creeper oil because it will creep up the threads inside the nut. Knocker loose is essentially the samething. I've used these 2 on stuff like contactors(type of heat exchanger in a Alki Unit in oil refineries) that has 50+ bolts with 2" nuts that's rusted and hasn't been broke since 1946 but the kroil creeps into the threads. Sorry for the long post, probably something you already knew, maybe useful info for some other reader.

[@AutoFixYT]

That's great information, I'll give be it a try! Thank you!

[@chelseachestnut8557]

Same experince with that long bolt, when i convert my drum brke to discbrake my corolla ‘96.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah that's fact that the knuckle is open in the middle where the bolt goes though makes it always seize up. Toyota should have made it a closed bolt hole and it would have all been better.

[@demariojason]

Great vid. On the knuckle bolts: I just sprayed that PB Bblaster and let her marinate. Loosen that 19mm nut. Grab a breaker bar (ol' small floor jack pipe) & worked on the bolt head side, and turn it as if I'm loosening it. Then while spraying PB Blaster in between each turn, I would reverse my turns. I kept doing these reps back and fourth with spray in between until I was able to turn the bolt with just my socket ranch without the breaker bar. Grab the pickle fork and pryed it away a little. Grab the ol cheap ass cordless impact to put some RPM's on that bolt, to get all that penetrate on it. Put the pickle fork on it again and that son a bitch came right out! No heat.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah I tried. In the rust belt though those seize all the time no matter what you do.

[@oxymoron1473]

@@AutoFixYTI tried that too, broke the breaker bar

[@Samir-2]

I like Toyota Camry Wagon, don't know why Toyota disontinued it. Great video! Great links to all the parts, torque specifications, tools, and a list of other cars for which this video is relevant for! I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon XL for which I need to change the rusted rear subframe only. I could not find a video for it. This video was the closest but since you did not actually remove and replace the subframe, I was wondering if I would be able to remove and replace the subframe if I follow your proceudre, or would I need to do something additional with the exhaust and / or the gas tank before I can remove and replae the subframe. I also looked at the Hanes manual but did not find any description. I also looked online to see if someone had a description but I could not find any. If you or any of your followers have any feedback, I would really appreciate your help. Thank you.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah you can do what i did here. The most you'll have to do extra is disconnect the muffler. But avoid that if you can. It should come off without the muffler off.

[@inuyasha_115]

Had to do mines and was about to drop the gas tank sub frame bolts are gonna be on there but way easier than taking off the tank

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah agreed, you need an alignment anyway so dropping the subframe is the way to go. Easier and more efficient.

[@danparker5021]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@jojovaghn]

The parts in the description will fit a 2002 toyota corolla? Thanks for the video!

[@AutoFixYT]

No, they will not fit a Corolla.

[@sunnysran2919]

I loved the headlights Where did you find them I need like that

[@AutoFixYT]

I have a headlight video on this vehicle, check the comments section there, you might find an answer. I do not have a link to them because they were discontinued before I even published the video.

[@GTOoo]

Holy shit this job would have been so much quicker without all the rust and seize. When I replaced the trail arms, the bolts were so damn stuck I had to cut them using the oscillating tool.

[@AutoFixYT]

Yup, been there. Rust makes everything a lot worse to work on.

[@GTOoo]

@@AutoFixYT yeah man. Thanks for this video as I now will need to replace all the rear suspension parts.

[@GTOoo]

@@AutoFixYT Hey man, I have another question about the parts. How are they holding up? I'm debating whether I should order from the links you provided or go OEM or something more premium. Thanks.

[@AutoFixYT]

They're holding up just fine. I highly doubt you can find OEM, but I'm sure there are other aftermarket brands that are good.

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

If you use 50% acetone and 50% Automatic transmission fluid instead of WD-40 or any spray rust repellent it works better. The acetone eats the rust almost immediately and the atf helps it wick down the threads because it thin. Also if you can hit it with a hammer first it will shock the rust loose. The go tighten just a little bit and then loose. If it starts to bind go tight then loose then tighten then BTW, ALWAYS USE A 6 POINT SOCKET.. NEVER USE A 12 POINT SOCKET.. If you don't have a 6 point socket go buy one,or rent one, or borrow one... You'll thank me later

[@AutoFixYT]

Thank you for the info/tips! I know about all this but i usually work with what I have if I can.

[@davidbrathen2268]

Good work! I have a 22 year old corolla that has the same system in the back. I noticed new rear shocks on this one. Is that why you had to do a rear wheel adjustment, when changing shock absorbers?

[@AutoFixYT]

Toyota used the same type of suspension setup for many cars for a long time. My 95 Corolla is the same too. And yes. It is recommended that you get the vehicle aligned every time you do any steering or suspension work. Even though it might not seem like it, changing any suspension component actually affects the alignment. Sometimes it's obvious, other times it's not obvious to the naked eye but it will be off when measured by a profesional machine, and leaving it like that will result in premature tire wear.

[@davidbrathen2268]

@@AutoFixYT Okay. It's pretty rusty back there, so I might have to take that job if necessary. But thanks for the accurate answer and info. I'll remember that if I change the shock absorbers. You make great videos by the way. Detailed and the info needed 👍

[@AutoFixYT]

@@davidbrathen2268 Thank you! If yours is rusty, the two major challenges you'll have will be the long control arm bolts going through the knuckle, and the small brackets that hold the sway bar, the sway bar bolts away break on those.

[@davidbrathen2268]

@@AutoFixYT Thank you, i will keep that in mind 👍

[@dbfcrell8300]

Why did Toyota put all the long bolts in backwards? Do you think it would be ok when doing this job to reinstall all the long bolts from the front side so the trailing arms and subframe don't need to be removed the next time (if there is ever a next time)?

[@AutoFixYT]

@@dbfcrell8300 I think in this case it would be fine to do that, as long as they don't interfere with anything else.

[@jpalacess4735]

man i wanted to change my ball joints the bolts where sooo rusted i couldn’t take em off even if i heat them up soo i had to change the wheel hub and everything from 2 tires having a really rusty car frame is the worst thats why i always tell people every weekend wash the buttom frame so all that mudd or salt from snow goes away cause thats what eats and rust the frame i live in washington state and cars are not even close to rusty from the car frame

[@AutoFixYT]

Yeah rust is a huge car killer, you can't have a nice daily driver AND have it be rust free unless you live down south.

[@MrMacsagitarius]

Thank you for this video. I'm planning to replace the 6 rear suspension arms of my 1999 Camry. Do you have any idea, or do you know where I can find those large bolts to buy them new? Any idea? anybody

[@AutoFixYT]

Try your local junkyard. Maybe call your local Toyota dealer and see if they can source them for you. If not, you’ll have to get some from any online hardware supplier or hardware store. But, make sure they are at least grade 8 steel!

[@marksimmers4645]

Where did you purchase the kit from? Great video.

[@AutoFixYT]

Link in the description!

[@neogaming7753]

This is why it costs a lot to cars worked on.

[@AutoFixYT]

Parts, labor, supplies, tools, and most of all, the technician's knowledge and experience.

[@dirtyspriteisgood1857]

18:50

[@justinmike2zrfe]

Is there any way to get the the front control arm off without removing the subframe

[@AutoFixYT]

I'm not entirely sure actually, I've never had to do it. Sorry!

[@roltyd22]

Cant you reverse the bolts in the middle, nuts on forward side at the tank so you could just take them out if you had to without dropping the subframe? The splines that hold the dished washer could be ground down couldn't they to put the on the nut side

[@AutoFixYT]

Maybe if you try you could but it's not worth it in my opinion because you'll spend more time trying to make it work than you would dropping the subframe. That's just my opinion.

[@roltyd22]

@@AutoFixYT Yeah,i saw a video on here guy did that just reversed the nut and bolt he pushed it through enough to cut the bolt head off pulled them out had to get couple bolts but they aren't expensive,im going be doing that soon on my 03 Avalon the forward arms have got play in them,im lucky mines a southern state car so no rust

[@thomaswagner3885]

I have to replace the frame the swaybar the brackets and the fuel neck and I live in Germany were rust is a big deal

[@AutoFixYT]

I have relatives that live in Europe still (I'm from Europe) and I have heard about the strictness when it comes to rust. You have to replace the front or rear subframe?

[@thomaswagner3885]

@@AutoFixYT Yes the rear this is rare in Russia is it Mode common Most of the Camrys in Germany are in very good condition From 1988 till 2019. I drive an 98 model all parts cost 1600euros.

[@lightswitch342]

I have a 97 Celica, it is primarily similar configuration, but when I look for part’s replacement, I cannot find them. I always get the ones for Camry, Corolla, Lexus for the same year. Are these parts the same for my Celica?

[@AutoFixYT]

The Celica shares parts with Corollas of the same year range, so if you have to you can most likely buy Corolla parts and they'll fit your Celica. Just make sure they actually do. You neve know if there are subtle differences at times. Camry does NOT share anything with the Celica, so do not buy Camry parts even if they look similar. They will not be the same. The procedure to replace them is almost identical though.

[@dobleapiria]

have the same car and did the same job! Spacers are only at the rear?

[@AutoFixYT]

Yes, rear spacers, nothing on the front. Makes it look sooo much better!

[@dobleapiria]

@@AutoFixYT cheers man! I have a 93 wagon in Uruguay wich i think is the one and only in my country. Are there wagons at your local junkyard?

[@AutoFixYT]

@@dobleapiria Nice! Very unique vehicle for sure. No there aren't any. I used to see them but I think they're all gone now. Very rare car here as well.

[@fastskipper777]

Hi, do you think those big four subframe bushings on those rabbit ear are pressed in where you need a press to take them off? I am trying to confirm whether you can remove them with simple tool or not.

[@AutoFixYT]

You can use multiple things but yeah they're pressed on very tight. You can use a press, an air chisel, manual bushing press, ball joint press, etc.

[@fastskipper777]

@@AutoFixYT I see. So, it's not a simple repair. I really appreciate you replying. Thanks.

[@AutoFixYT]

@@fastskipper777 Not really, unfortunately.

[@user-uv1xs2nv8c]

I am trying to find either rear control arms on my 95 Lexus gs300 but no where can I find them! So I am in search of all the bushings! Do u know of a website?

[@AutoFixYT]

Did you try rockauto.com?

[@SlammedAvalon]

So basically 1993-2001 Toyota control arms would fit a 92-01 Camry vice versa?

[@AutoFixYT]

They might, check the fitment on your particular part

[@Fidel55]

Would you recommend replacing both the adjustable and non adjustable control arms at the same time even if only the adjustable one is bad?

[@AutoFixYT]

It depends. If the bushings look worn and the overall condition is not great, then yes, replace them all. If the other ones are still ok and you'd rather save the money and time, just replace the adjustable ones.

[@Fidel55]

@AutoFixYT I wouldn't have to drop the rear subframe if I only replace the adjustable controls arms, correct?

[@AutoFixYT]

@Fidel55 Correct. Would be much easier haha

[@jamarrmaclin2432]

Where can I buy the part?

[@AutoFixYT]

Link in the description

[@marksimmers4645]

@@AutoFixYT I do not see a link.

[@AutoFixYT]

@@marksimmers4645 There are two links in the description for parts

[@marksimmers4645]

Thanks for responding. I couldn't see them on my tablet.

[@juancarlosromero8472]

Me cobran por ese trabajo 30$ americanos😮. Estoy en venezuela. Una de las barras esta doblada. El precio incluye enderezar la barra😊

[@pod9363]

That heat rising thing is not true. Had me freaking out there for a second before I googled it.

[@AutoFixYT]

What heat rising thing?

[@oxymoron1473]

Good thing I don’t have an exhaust

[@AutoFixYT]

That works out for you lol

[@oxymoron1473]

Still haven’t gotten this job done yet 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@oxymoron1473]

@@AutoFixYTokay, I’m doing it now 😂

[@user-xk5dr7gi7q]

You desirve a subscribe man

[@user-uv1xs2nv8c]

I am trying to find either rear control arms on my 95 Lexus gs300 but no where can I find them! So I am in search of all the bushings! Do u know of a website?

[@AutoFixYT]

I don't know where you could find them. Keep looking, someone must have them!

[@MMOchAForPrez]

Have you tried Siberian Bushing? They make the yellow bushing replacements. You could search for '90-'96 Toyota Aristo bushings if you want to look internationally.

[@user-uv1xs2nv8c]

@@MMOchAForPrez thank you for this reply! I will check it out!