This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear coil springs on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 FWD, requiring partial disassembly of the rear strut assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring - left × 1 — 48531-42350 or equivalent
• Rear coil spring - right × 1 — 48531-42350 or equivalent
• Spring seat insulator - upper (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Spring seat insulator - lower (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Spring bumper (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points on chassis
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Verify spring compressor tools are in good condition with no damaged threads or worn components

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Position floor jack under the rear knuckle/lower control arm to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take the weight but not to compress the suspension. This prevents the assembly from dropping when connections are released.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating while removing the lower nut with a 14mm wrench. Separate the sway bar link from the control arm. This provides clearance for strut removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower strut mounting bolt
   Locate the lower strut-to-knuckle mounting bolt at the bottom of the strut. Remove the 17mm bolt and nut that connects the strut to the rear knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the connection after the bolt is removed. Keep the bolt for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Access upper strut tower nuts
   Open the rear cargo area. Fold down or remove the rear cargo floor cover and side trim panels as necessary to access the upper strut tower nuts. On the RAV4, these are accessible from inside the cargo area near the wheel wells. Identify the three 12mm nuts at the top of the strut tower.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly
   While supporting the strut with one hand, remove the three upper strut tower nuts using a 12mm socket. Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the knuckle while guiding the strut assembly downward and out of the wheel well. Remove the complete strut/spring assembly from the vehicle and place on a secure work surface.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help guide it out if possible.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressors
   With the strut assembly on a stable work surface, install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coils, with at least 2-3 coils between upper and lower hooks. Verify both compressors are at the same position on the spring for balanced compression.
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed correctly and evenly. Improper installation can result in the spring becoming a lethal projectile.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Alternately tighten each spring compressor in small increments (2-3 turns at a time), switching between compressors to maintain even compression. Continue until the spring is compressed enough that it no longer exerts pressure on the upper strut mount. The upper mount should be loose and able to move slightly. Do not over-compress the spring.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly seated. Stop immediately if you hear any unusual sounds or see uneven compression.
8. 8

   Remove upper strut mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench on the flat section at the top (or use a strut holding socket) to prevent rotation. Remove the upper strut mount nut using a 17mm socket. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing, and upper spring seat assembly. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
9. 9

   Remove old spring and components
   Carefully remove the compressed spring with compressors still attached. Remove the spring bumper and lower spring seat insulator from the strut. Inspect all components including upper and lower insulators, spring seats, bump stops, and dust boots. Replace any worn, cracked, or damaged parts.
10. 10

    Prepare new spring
    Install the spring compressors on the new coil spring in the same positions as the old spring. Compress the new spring to approximately the same length as the compressed old spring. Ensure even compression on both sides. Install the lower spring insulator on the strut if it was removed.
    ⚠Verify you have the correct spring for the side being serviced (left or right). Springs may be directional.
11. 11

    Install new spring on strut
    Position the compressed new spring onto the strut, ensuring the lower end of the spring seats properly in the lower spring seat with the end of the coil aligned with the step in the seat. The spring must be oriented correctly with the end tags in the proper position relative to the strut.
12. 12

    Reinstall upper mount assembly
    Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount assembly in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly. Thread the upper mount nut onto the strut shaft. Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and torque the upper nut to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Release spring compressors
    Slowly and evenly loosen both spring compressors, alternating between them in small increments. Verify the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully seated, completely remove the spring compressor tools.
    ⚠Release tension slowly and evenly. If the spring does not seat properly, stop and re-compress to correct the position.
14. 14

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Lift the completed strut/spring assembly into position in the wheel well. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper strut tower nuts and hand-tighten. Raise the floor jack under the knuckle to align the lower strut bolt hole with the knuckle. Install the lower strut bolt and hand-tighten the nut.
15. 15

    Torque strut fasteners
    Torque the three upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Ensure the jack is still supporting the suspension at normal ride height while torquing the lower bolt.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the rear sway bar link to the lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Verify the link moves freely without binding.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-16 for the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should always be replaced as a pair to maintain proper vehicle balance and handling characteristics.
18. 18

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle carefully from the jack stands until the wheels contact the ground but the full weight is not yet on the suspension. Torque the lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack and stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior cargo area trim panels and floor covers that were removed for strut tower access
2. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts are left in the vehicle or wheel wells
3. Verify brake lines and ABS sensor wiring are properly routed and secured, not stretched or kinked

Verification

• Before driving, bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises or binding
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify the vehicle sits level from side to side with no sagging
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after spring replacement, as ride height and suspension geometry have changed
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on all suspension fasteners including strut bolts, sway bar links, and lug nuts

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