This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear strut assemblies on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnection from the knuckle and strut tower mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (complete) × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If replacing only one side, loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on rear subframe or body
6. Remove rear wheel(s) completely
7. Inspect strut mounting areas, knuckle, and related components for damage or excessive corrosion
8. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present (allow to soak 10-15 minutes)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear strut tower mounting
   Open the rear cargo area and fold down the rear seats if necessary. Remove the rear cargo side trim panel on the side being serviced to access the strut tower nuts. On some RAV4 models, you may need to remove plastic clips or fasteners securing the trim. The strut tower is located behind the trim panel in the rear cargo area.
2. 2

   Support the rear suspension
   Place a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the weight of the suspension. Raise just enough to take tension off the strut, but do not lift the vehicle. Alternatively, use a wire or bungee cord to support the knuckle assembly from the body to prevent it from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link (if equipped)
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Using a 14mm wrench to hold the shaft (prevent spinning) and a 12mm socket on the nut, remove the upper sway bar link nut connecting to the strut. Swing the link away from the strut to provide clearance. The link typically has a hex feature on the stud to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle. These are typically 17mm bolts accessed from the rear of the knuckle. Support the strut with one hand or ensure your support is secure, then remove both bolts completely. The knuckle may need to be pried slightly away from the strut. Keep track of any alignment shims or washers if present.
   ⚠Ensure suspension is properly supported before removing these bolts. The knuckle assembly will drop slightly when disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, locate the three nuts securing the top of the strut to the strut tower. Use a 12mm socket to remove all three nuts. Hold the strut from below to prevent it from falling. The top mount may have a center dust cap that needs to be removed first to access the mounting nuts.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy. Ensure you have a secure grip or support from below before removing the final nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower and maneuver the strut assembly out from the wheel well. You may need to angle it and rotate to clear the suspension components and body. Work slowly to avoid damaging brake lines, ABS sensors, or body panels. Inspect the removed strut for signs of leaking fluid, damaged mounts, or other issues.
7. 7

   Prepare new strut assembly
   Unpack the new strut assembly and verify it matches the old unit in terms of mounting configuration and overall length. If the new strut is a complete assembly, ensure the top mount bearing can rotate freely. Remove any shipping locks or protective covers. Compare spring seat orientation and bump stop position to the original.
8. 8

   Install new strut assembly
   Lift the new strut assembly into position, angling it through the wheel well. Align the top mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Insert the top studs through the tower first, then align the bottom with the knuckle. You may need an assistant or temporary support to hold the strut in position during installation.
9. 9

   Install strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, thread all three strut tower nuts onto the mounting studs by hand. Tighten in a star pattern to the specified torque to ensure even loading on the mount. Use a torque wrench for final tightening.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the strut bracket with the knuckle mounting points. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the knuckle slightly for alignment. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and ensure they are fully seated. If alignment shims were present on the original, install them in the same position. Torque bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the strut assembly. Install the nut and torque to specification while holding the shaft with a wrench to prevent spinning. Ensure the link moves freely and is not binding.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Remove any support from under the suspension. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand tool. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on the suspension. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall interior trim
    Replace the rear cargo side trim panel, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly seated. Verify no tools or parts were left in the cargo area. Return seats to normal position if they were folded.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear struts
2. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
3. Verify all interior trim panels are securely fastened before operating vehicle

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each rear corner several times and verify strut dampens movement properly without excessive bouncing or noise
• Visually inspect for any fluid leaks around new strut seals
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Have vehicle alignment checked by a professional within 100 miles, as rear strut replacement may affect camber and toe settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners to verify they have not loosened
• Monitor vehicle handling and tire wear patterns over the next 500 miles to ensure proper installation

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