This procedure replaces the front coil springs on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L FWD by removing the strut assemblies, compressing and replacing the springs with a spring compressor, then reinstalling the struts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - left × 1 — Toyota OEM or equivalent aftermarket
• Front coil spring - right × 1 — Toyota OEM or equivalent aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount nuts (recommended) × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Spring isolators/bumpers (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground.
3. Apply penetrating oil to strut tower nuts, lower ball joint nuts, and sway bar link nuts. Allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point and support securely on jack stands under frame rails.
5. Remove both front wheels completely.
6. Photograph or mark strut mount orientation at top of strut tower for proper reassembly reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the strut assembly. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft end to prevent spinning. Using a 14mm wrench, remove the upper sway bar link nut. Disconnect the link from the strut. Repeat for opposite side.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut (if equipped). Using a 19mm socket, remove the ball joint nut connecting the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The knuckle, brake assembly, and axle will drop when the ball joint separates. Support the assembly with a jack or suspension hook to prevent damage to brake lines and CV axle.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. These are 17mm bolts. Support the strut assembly with one hand or a jack. Remove both bolts completely and separate the strut from the knuckle. Swing the knuckle assembly outward and secure it to prevent stress on the brake line and CV axle.
   ⚠Do not allow the knuckle assembly to hang by the brake hose or CV axle. Use wire or a bungee cord to support it from the frame.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove the plastic cover or cap if present. Have an assistant support the strut from below or use a jack under the strut. Using a 12mm socket, remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressor on strut
   Place the strut assembly in a strut vise or secure it horizontally in a bench vise (clamp only on the strut body, not the shaft). Install the coil spring compressor tools according to manufacturer instructions, positioning them 180 degrees apart on the spring. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in the spring coils and are not slipping. Alternate tightening each compressor evenly to compress the spring until tension is released from the upper strut mount.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor tools are rated for coil spring size and are in good condition. Worn or undersized compressors can slip and cause the spring to violently release.
   ⚠️Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Keep your face and body away from the spring path. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Once the spring is fully compressed and loose, hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key or strut shaft holding tool. Using a 19mm socket, remove the strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, spring seat, dust boot, bump stop, and compressed spring as an assembly. Keep all components in order for reassembly inspection.
   ⚠Do not release spring compressor tension yet. The spring is still under considerable load.
7. 7

   Remove old spring and release compressor
   With the spring still compressed in the compressor tools, carefully remove it from the strut components. Inspect the spring isolators (rubber pads at top and bottom of spring). Once the old spring is clear of all components, slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension. Remove the old spring from the compressor.
   ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Keep hands and body clear of the spring path as it expands.
8. 8

   Install new spring in compressor
   Inspect new coil springs for correct part number and spring rating. Install the spring compressors on the new spring in the same positions as before (180 degrees apart, same number of coils from each end). Compress the new spring evenly until it is compressed to the same length as the old spring was during disassembly, leaving room for strut components.
   ⚠Ensure left and right springs are correct if they are handed parts. Verify part numbers match vehicle specifications.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut with new spring
   Install new or inspected spring isolators onto the new spring. Slide the compressed spring over the strut shaft. Install the bump stop, dust boot, spring seat (oriented correctly), bearing plate, and upper strut mount in the correct order. Align the spring end with the spring seat positioning tab. Ensure the strut mount orientation matches the reference photo taken during disassembly (mounting studs in correct position).
   ⚠Strut mount orientation is critical. The mounting studs must align with the strut tower holes. Incorrect orientation will prevent installation or cause handling issues.
10. 10

    Install strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft with a 6mm Allen key or holding tool to prevent rotation. Install a new strut shaft nut (or reuse if in good condition) and hand-thread it onto the strut shaft. Torque the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify the strut mount bearing rotates smoothly and all components are properly seated.
    ℹ️This torque specification matches the strut tower nuts. Verify final torque with a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, alternating between compressors. Ensure the spring seats properly in the upper and lower spring seats as tension releases. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully seated, remove the spring compressor tools completely.
    ⚠Verify the spring end tabs are properly located in the spring seat cutouts before fully releasing compressors.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the completed strut assembly into the wheel well and guide the three mounting studs through the strut tower holes (verify correct orientation). From the engine compartment, install the three strut tower nuts hand-tight. Insert the lower strut into the steering knuckle bracket and align the bolt holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten until snug but do not torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect ball joint and sway bar link
    Lift the lower control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin if equipped. Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut, holding the shaft with a 6mm Allen key and tightening the nut with a 14mm wrench to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque the three strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Verify the ball joint nut is torqued to 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) and the sway bar link nut is torqued to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) while holding the shaft.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just touch the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again to specification with full vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire spring replacement procedure for the opposite side if not already completed.
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification before driving the vehicle.
3. Reinstall any strut tower covers or plastic caps removed during disassembly.
4. Clean the work area and dispose of old springs according to local regulations.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any unusual noises from the strut mounts.
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area. Verify the steering feels normal and there are no clunking or rattling noises over bumps.
• Visually inspect both struts and all connections for proper installation and torque.
• CRITICAL: Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 24 hours or before extended driving. Replacing springs affects camber, caster, and toe settings.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification to account for settling.
• Monitor tire wear patterns over the next few weeks to confirm proper alignment was achieved.

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