This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front coil springs on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Replace if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, hard surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer's recommended lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at designated frame support points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts, ball joint nuts, and strut mounting hardware; allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the front strut. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. Swing the link away from the strut assembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut if equipped. Using a socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage the boot.
   ⚠Do not strike the ball joint stud directly with a hammer as this can damage the threads or internal components.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. Support the knuckle assembly with one hand or a wire to prevent it from dropping. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Carefully separate the knuckle from the strut.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will be heavy and may drop when separated. Support it with wire or have an assistant hold it to prevent damage to the brake line or ABS sensor.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove any plastic covers or trim panels covering the strut tower nuts (typically three nuts visible from above).
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with one hand, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts from above. Carefully lower the strut assembly out through the bottom of the wheel well. Set it on a clean work surface.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help if needed to prevent dropping the assembly or damaging surrounding components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark spring and mount orientation
   Before disassembly, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the orientation of the spring end position relative to the lower strut mount, and the upper mount position relative to the strut. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least three coils on each side. Ensure the compressor hooks are properly seated and secure. Alternately tighten the compressor bolts evenly to begin compressing the spring.
   ⚠️Ensure the spring compressor is rated for the spring's load and is in good working condition. Cheap or damaged compressors can fail catastrophically. Compress evenly and gradually.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Continue compressing the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount (spring tension is relieved). Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or special strut holding tool, then remove the strut shaft nut on top. Remove the upper mount, bearing, and upper spring seat.
   ⚠️Do not remove the strut shaft nut until the spring is fully compressed and there is NO tension on the upper mount. Verify the mount can be moved freely by hand before removing the nut.
9. 9

   Remove old coil spring
   With the spring still compressed, carefully remove it from the strut assembly. Keep the spring compressors installed and tension on the spring. Set the compressed old spring aside in a safe location where it cannot roll or fall.
10. 10

    Prepare and install new coil spring
    Inspect the new coil spring for any damage or coating defects. Install the spring compressors on the new spring in the same manner as the old spring and compress it to the same approximate length as the old spring was compressed. Position the new spring on the strut body with the end of the spring aligned to the lower mount per your orientation marks.
11. 11

    Install upper mount assembly
    Install the upper spring seat, bearing (if separate), and upper strut mount in the correct orientation per your alignment marks. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and tighten the nut to secure the assembly.
    ℹ️Ensure the upper mount bearing is properly seated and rotates freely. The mount must be oriented correctly for proper wheel alignment and steering function.
12. 12

    Release spring tension
    Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressor bolts, alternating between sides to release tension gradually. Once the spring is fully seated against both the upper and lower seats with no gaps, completely remove the spring compressors.
    ⚠Release tension slowly and evenly. If the spring or mount appears misaligned during release, stop immediately, re-compress, and correct the alignment.
13. 13

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position through the wheel well, aligning the upper mount studs with the strut tower holes. Install the three strut tower nuts from above and tighten to specification. Guide the lower end of the strut into position at the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect strut to knuckle and ball joint
    Align the steering knuckle to the strut and install both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Tighten to specification. Reconnect the lower ball joint to the knuckle and install the ball joint nut. Tighten to specification and install a new cotter pin if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link to the strut mounting point. Install the nut while holding the ball stud with an Allen key. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both springs
2. Reinstall any strut tower covers or trim panels removed during access
3. Double-check all fasteners for proper torque after vehicle is on the ground

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify the suspension operates smoothly without noise
• Verify no grinding, clunking, or rattling from the front suspension when driving over bumps
• Check that steering operates normally with full range of motion and returns to center
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after this repair, as suspension geometry has been altered
• Monitor vehicle handling for the first several miles and verify no abnormal pulling or wandering

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