This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine and front-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear shock upper mounting
   Open the rear hatch and fold down the rear seats if necessary. Locate the interior trim panel covering the upper shock mount in the rear cargo area on the driver side. Remove any clips or fasteners securing the trim panel to access the upper shock tower nuts.
2. 2

   Remove upper shock tower nuts (driver side)
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the two nuts securing the upper shock mount to the strut tower. Support the shock absorber from below to prevent it from falling when the upper nuts are removed. Do not allow the shock to hang by the lower mounting bolt.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt (driver side)
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the rear suspension knuckle or trailing arm. Using a 19mm socket, remove the lower mounting bolt completely. The shock absorber can now be removed from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting areas for corrosion or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new driver side shock absorber
   Position the new shock absorber into place, aligning the upper studs with the strut tower holes. Insert the lower mounting bolt through the suspension arm and shock absorber. Thread the bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment before tightening.
5. 5

   Torque driver side shock fasteners
   Hand-thread the upper strut tower nuts onto the studs. Torque the two upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Then torque the lower mounting bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Ensure all fasteners are properly seated before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Reinstall driver side interior trim
   Replace the interior trim panel covering the upper shock mount area. Secure all clips and fasteners that were removed during disassembly. Ensure the trim is properly seated and does not rattle.
7. 7

   Access and remove passenger side shock
   Repeat the trim removal process on the passenger side to access the upper shock mount. Remove the two upper strut tower nuts using a 14mm socket while supporting the shock from below. Then remove the lower mounting bolt with a 19mm socket. Remove the shock from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install passenger side shock absorber
   Position the new passenger side shock absorber with upper studs aligned to the strut tower. Insert the lower mounting bolt and hand-thread. Install and hand-thread the upper nuts before torquing any fasteners.
9. 9

   Torque passenger side shock fasteners
   Torque the two upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Torque the lower mounting bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Double-check that all fasteners are tight and properly torqued.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall passenger side trim and wheels
    Replace the passenger side interior trim panel and secure all fasteners. Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until wheels just touch the ground but suspension is not loaded.
11. 11

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    With the vehicle weight partially on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft). Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Perform a final torque check on all wheel lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels are properly reinstalled and secured
2. Verify that no tools or parts were left in the cargo area or wheel wells
3. Check that all fasteners have been torqued to specification

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the rear suspension to verify shocks are functioning and properly mounted with no rattles
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over small bumps to confirm proper shock operation and no unusual noises
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no fluid leaks from new shock absorbers after test drive

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