This procedure covers the replacement of worn rear control arm bushings on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine. The control arms will be removed, bushings pressed out and replaced, then reinstalled with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing set (inner and outer) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if applicable to ball joint) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove both rear wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection to the control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the lower sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the control arm and secure it out of the way with wire or zip ties.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint nut if equipped. Remove the ball joint nut connecting the control arm to the rear knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Place a floor jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support its weight once the control arm is removed. Raise jack just enough to take the load without compressing the suspension.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will drop when the control arm is removed. Ensure proper support to prevent damage to brake lines and ABS sensors.
4. 4

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the front and rear control arm mounting bolts connecting the arm to the subframe. Mark the orientation of any eccentric washers or alignment cams for reinstallation. Use a breaker bar to loosen both bolts, then remove them completely. Note the position and orientation of all washers and spacers.
   ℹ️Some RAV4 models use alignment cams at the rear mounting point. Mark their position before removal to maintain approximate alignment.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully remove the rear control arm from the vehicle. Lower the knuckle assembly slightly with the jack if needed for clearance. Inspect the ball joint and hardware for wear or damage.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Secure the control arm in a hydraulic press or use a bushing press kit. Select the appropriate receiver cup and pressing adapter for the bushing size. Press out the inner and outer bushings from the control arm. Apply steady, even pressure to avoid distorting the control arm. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
   ⚠Ensure the control arm is properly supported during pressing operations to prevent bending or distortion of the arm.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the new bushings and control arm bores. Position the new bushing with any alignment marks or voids oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. Using the hydraulic press and proper installation tools, press the new bushings into the control arm until fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Verify bushings are installed square and at the correct depth.
   ℹ️Many control arm bushings have directional installation requirements. Verify orientation before pressing into place.
8. 8

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the mounting locations on the subframe. Insert the front and rear mounting bolts with all washers, spacers, and alignment cams in their original positions. Thread bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque bolts at this time - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the wheels.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the knuckle assembly with the floor jack to align the ball joint stud with the knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the ball joint nut. Torque the nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin if applicable, bending the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link back onto the control arm mounting point. Install the nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the full weight is not yet on the suspension. This allows access to the control arm bolts while under vehicle weight.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts under load
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels and suspension at normal ride height, torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing the bolts while the suspension is hanging will cause premature bushing failure. After torquing, fully lower the vehicle to the ground.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Failure to do so will twist the bushings and cause premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both control arm bushings
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed where applicable
3. Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and steering feel
• Have a professional four-wheel alignment performed to ensure proper suspension geometry and tire wear
• Inspect the installation after 50-100 miles and verify all fasteners remain tight

More procedures for this vehicle