This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 engine and FWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Strut mounting nuts (if corroded) × 3 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber lower bolt (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the shock absorber mounting point. Raise jack just enough to take light pressure off the suspension, but do not lift the vehicle. This supports the suspension during disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the lower control arm or strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Remove the upper or lower nut (whichever provides easier access) to disconnect the sway bar link from the strut assembly.
   ℹ️The sway bar link may be under tension. Control the link as the nut is removed to prevent sudden movement.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that connects the strut assembly to the lower control arm or axle beam. Remove this bolt completely. The shock absorber will now pivot upward at the top mount.
   ⚠Support the shock absorber to prevent it from dropping suddenly when the bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower suspension to relieve spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. Lower it until the coil spring is no longer compressed by suspension geometry. The spring should be loose but still captured between the upper and lower spring seats. Do not allow suspension to hang freely on brake hoses or ABS wiring.
   ⚠Lower the jack slowly and watch for any binding. If components bind or hang up, stop and investigate before proceeding.
5. 5

   Access upper strut mounting nuts
   Open the rear hatch/trunk and remove the interior trim panel or access cover to expose the upper strut mounting nuts. Typically located behind the rear seat or cargo area side panel. Three nuts secure the top of the strut tower mount.
6. 6

   Remove upper strut mounting nuts
   Remove all three upper strut mounting nuts from the strut tower. Do not remove the center shaft nut. Support the strut assembly from below as you remove the last nut to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The center shaft nut holds the strut assembly together under spring pressure. Do not loosen this nut without proper spring compression equipment.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove strut and spring assembly
   Carefully guide the entire strut and spring assembly down and out from the wheel well. Tilt and maneuver as needed to clear the body and suspension components. Place assembly on a stable work surface.
8. 8

   Install spring compressor
   Install a professional-grade coil spring compressor on the spring following the compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly. Install compressor jaws opposite each other (180 degrees apart) and engage at least 3 full coils. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated on the coil wire. If using dual compressors, install a second set 90 degrees from the first set.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressor is correctly installed per manufacturer instructions before applying any compression. Improper installation can cause the compressor to slip off under load.
9. 9

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the spring using the spring compressor. If using two compressors, alternate tightening between them to keep spring compression even. Compress until all tension is removed from the upper spring seat and strut mount. You should be able to wiggle the upper mount freely.
   ⚠️Stand to the side, never in line with the spring ends while compressing. Compress slowly and check alignment frequently.
10. 10

    Disassemble strut components
    With spring fully compressed and tension removed from upper mount, hold the strut shaft with a wrench and remove the upper shaft nut. Remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot. Note the orientation and order of all components. Remove the compressed spring with compressor still attached.
11. 11

    Transfer spring compressor to new spring
    If reusing the spring compressor, carefully and slowly release tension on the old spring, then install the compressor on the new spring in the same configuration. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was. If installing a new spring without first removing the old one from the compressor, verify new spring is compressed to correct installation length.
    ⚠️Release old spring compression slowly. Never remove spring compressor until spring is fully relaxed or reinstalled on strut.
12. 12

    Reassemble strut with new spring
    Install the lower spring seat on the strut body if removed. Place the compressed new spring onto the strut with the end of the spring coil seated properly in the lower spring seat recess. Install dust boot, bump stop, upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount in correct orientation. The alignment marks or studs on the upper mount must align with the lower strut bracket. Thread on the upper shaft nut and tighten while holding the strut shaft.
    ⚠Verify spring ends are properly seated in the upper and lower spring seat recesses before proceeding.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension. If using dual compressors, alternate between them to release evenly. Verify the spring seats properly into both upper and lower seats as tension is released. Once all compressor tension is released and spring is fully seated, remove the spring compressor.
    ⚠Watch the spring carefully as tension is released. If the spring begins to unseat or shift, stop immediately and reinstall compressor to correct positioning.
14. 14

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Guide the assembled strut and spring unit back into the wheel well. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper mounting nuts and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Connect lower strut mounting
    Raise the floor jack under the lower control arm to bring the shock mounting points into alignment. Install the lower shock absorber bolt and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut or control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and fully lower vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed for upper strut access
2. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear springs (highly recommended for even ride height)
3. If only one spring was replaced, verify ride height is even side-to-side after vehicle settles

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no abnormal noises
• Verify ride height is correct and even side-to-side
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify normal handling and no unusual noises from rear suspension
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification
• Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted as suspension work affects rear alignment angles

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