Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) to eliminate noise and restore proper steering response on 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L FWD models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) × 2 — Use OEM specification - Toyota part 48609-42050 or equivalent
• Upper strut mount assembly (if bearing not sold separately) × 2 — Use OEM specification - Toyota part 48609-42100 or equivalent
• Strut dust boot (inspect and replace if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts; allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of each strut assembly in the engine compartment. On the RAV4, these are visible without removing any trim. Clean area around nuts to prevent debris from falling into the assembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link where it connects to the strut assembly. Insert Allen key into the shaft to hold it stationary, then use a wrench on the nut to loosen and remove the upper sway bar link nut. Separate the link from the strut. Note: Link may remain attached to sway bar.
   ℹ️Hold the sway bar link shaft with Allen key to prevent spinning while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are large diameter bolts accessed from the front of the assembly. Support the strut assembly with one hand or a jack, then remove both bolts completely. You may need to pry the knuckle slightly to separate it from the strut bracket.
   ⚠Support the strut assembly before removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Return to the engine compartment. While supporting the strut from below (or having an assistant hold it), remove the three nuts securing the strut tower mount. The strut assembly will now be free to lower out of the vehicle. Carefully guide the strut assembly down and out through the wheel well.
   ⚠Strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Control its descent to avoid damage to brake lines, ABS wiring, or vehicle body.
   Torque spec

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

   Secure strut and install spring compressors
   Place strut assembly in a vise or secure on workbench. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3-4 coils on each compressor. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated and properly engaged before proceeding.
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed on opposite sides of the spring and fully engaged. Improper installation can cause compressor to slip off under load, releasing spring violently.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Alternately tighten each spring compressor evenly, a few turns at a time, until spring tension is relieved from the upper mount. You will know tension is relieved when the upper mount can move slightly or rotate freely. Continue compressing until there is visible gap between spring seat and mount. Mark the orientation of the upper mount relative to the strut and spring before disassembly.
   ⚠️Compress spring evenly by alternating between compressors. Uneven compression can cause spring to bind or compressors to slip.
   ℹ️Mark orientation with paint pen or take photos to ensure correct reassembly alignment.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench (typically 17mm or 19mm depending on design) to prevent rotation. Remove the center nut on top of the strut shaft (typically 14mm or 17mm). Remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, and dust boot. Keep components in order for reassembly reference.
   ⚠Do not allow strut shaft to spin freely as this can damage internal valving.
8. 8

   Inspect and replace strut bearing
   Inspect the strut bearing for roughness, noise, binding, or visible wear. On many RAV4 applications, the bearing is integrated into the upper mount assembly and cannot be replaced separately; in this case, replace the entire upper mount. If bearing is separate, remove old bearing and install new bearing ensuring correct orientation. Clean the upper mount surfaces and inspect for cracks or damage.
   ℹ️Verify whether your specific strut uses a replaceable bearing or integrated mount assembly before disassembly.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut components
   Install new or cleaned components onto strut shaft in reverse order: dust boot, spring seat, new bearing (or new upper mount assembly), ensuring all components are oriented correctly per your reference marks. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft hand-tight. Align the upper mount to match your orientation marks from disassembly.
10. 10

    Secure upper mount and decompress spring
    Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and torque the center nut to manufacturer specification (typically 50-60 Nm, but verify with service manual if available). Verify upper mount orientation is correct. Slowly and evenly loosen spring compressors, alternating between them, until spring tension is fully transferred to the upper and lower spring seats. Remove spring compressors completely.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Monitor alignment as spring expands to ensure proper seating.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up through the wheel well, aligning the upper mount studs with the strut tower holes. Install the three strut tower nuts hand-tight from the engine compartment. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle.
12. 12

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the strut bracket to the steering knuckle and insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Install nuts and torque both bolts to specification. Ensure proper seating of the bolts through the knuckle.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position sway bar link to the strut mounting point and install the nut. Hold the sway bar link shaft with Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Return to the engine compartment and torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install wheels and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque verification with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side strut bearing if replacing both (recommended)
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in engine compartment or wheel wells
4. Check that hood closes properly without interference from strut tower nuts

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while stationary - listen for any clicking, popping, or grinding noises from strut bearings
• Perform test drive at low speed in parking lot, making slow turns in both directions - verify smooth steering operation without noise
• Drive vehicle on smooth road and verify no abnormal noises over bumps
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have vehicle alignment checked by professional alignment shop - strut removal can affect alignment settings even if not directly adjustable

More procedures for this vehicle