This procedure covers the replacement of the front strut mount assemblies on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 FWD, including removal of the strut assembly and installation of new upper mount bearings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — 48609-42110 or equivalent
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — 48609-42110 or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing × 2 — Included with mount assembly
• Strut mount dust cover × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift front of vehicle using manufacturer-specified jacking points and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present
7. Photograph or mark the orientation of the strut-to-knuckle bolts for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft stationary, remove the upper sway bar link nut with a 14mm socket. Swing the link away from the strut or support it with wire to prevent strain on the bushings.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake line bracket
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut body. Remove the bolt or clip securing the brake line to the strut. Carefully move the brake line aside to prevent damage during strut removal. Do not allow the brake caliper to hang unsupported by its hose.
   ⚠Do not kink, twist, or place tension on the brake line. Damage to brake lines can result in brake system failure.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor wire
   If the ABS sensor wire is clipped to the strut assembly, carefully remove the retaining clips and separate the wire from the strut. Note the routing for reinstallation to prevent wire chafing or damage.
   ℹ️Some model years may have sensor wiring routed differently. Ensure wiring is free from the strut assembly before removal.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large 19mm bolts. Support the strut assembly from below while removing both bolts completely. Use a breaker bar if necessary. The strut will separate from the knuckle but remains attached at the top.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy. Support it to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage to brake components.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower nuts from engine bay
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts at the top of the strut tower in the engine compartment. They are accessible from above and use 14mm nuts. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a suitable support. Remove all three nuts and any washers. Carefully lower the strut assembly out through the wheel well.
   ⚠️Ensure the strut assembly is supported before removing the final tower nut. The assembly is heavy and will drop if unsupported.
   Torque spec

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

   Transfer strut to work area and install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable workbench. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3-4 coils. Tighten the compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides. Compress the spring until all tension is removed from the upper strut mount. You should be able to wiggle the mount freely when adequate compression is achieved.
   ⚠️Use only professional spring compressors designed for automotive coil springs. Harbor freight or low-quality compressors can fail catastrophically. Compress evenly and never stand in line with the spring during compression.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged on the coils before applying tension. Slipping compressors can cause severe injury.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and old mount
   With the spring fully compressed, locate the strut shaft nut at the center of the top mount (typically 17mm). Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a 6mm Allen key or similar tool inserted into the shaft end. Remove the strut shaft nut completely. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing, and dust boot. Note the orientation and order of all components for correct reassembly.
   ⚠Even with the spring compressed, verify there is no residual tension on the mount before removing the shaft nut. The nut should turn freely once the shaft is held.
8. 8

   Inspect strut components
   With the strut disassembled, inspect the strut body for leaking oil, the spring for cracks or damage, and the dust boot for tears. If the strut is leaking or damaged, it should be replaced at this time. Clean the strut shaft and inspect the shaft for scoring or damage that could affect the new mount bearing.
   ℹ️If replacing struts at the same time, this is the ideal opportunity. A leaking strut will fail prematurely and affect handling.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount assembly
   Install components in reverse order of removal: bump stop and dust boot onto strut shaft, then spring (noting correct orientation of end coils), then new strut mount bearing (ensure it rotates freely), and finally the new upper mount assembly. Ensure the mount is oriented correctly relative to the strut body and knuckle attachment points. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Torque the shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 55-65 Nm, but verify with service manual as this spec is NOT in the provided list).
   ⚠Strut mount orientation is critical. The mount has specific alignment for proper steering geometry. Reference photos taken during disassembly or consult factory service illustrations.
10. 10

    Release spring compressors
    Carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressors, alternating between sides. The spring should seat properly into the upper mount and lower spring seat. Once the spring is fully seated and under normal load, remove the compressor tools completely. Verify the spring ends are properly seated in their designated positions on both upper and lower seats.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Watch for proper seating of the spring. If the spring appears misaligned, recompress and adjust before continuing.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the assembled strut into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes in the engine bay. Install the three upper mounting nuts and washers finger-tight. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle holes and insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Install nuts finger-tight but do not torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Torque the three upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Then torque the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft). Ensure the knuckle is seated properly against the strut bracket before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect brake line and ABS sensor
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut body and secure with the retaining bolt. Route the ABS wheel speed sensor wire along the strut and secure with the original clips, ensuring the wire is not pinched or under tension and follows the factory routing path.
    ⚠Verify ABS sensor wire has adequate slack for full suspension travel and steering movement. Pull the wire gently to ensure it is not snagged.
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link to the strut mounting point. Install the sway bar link nut. Hold the link shaft with a 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to verify proper seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side strut mount if replacing both sides
2. After both sides are complete, bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension components
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts have been left in the engine bay or wheel wells
4. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal operation before returning to regular use

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, listening for any abnormal noises from the strut mounts
• Check for smooth rotation of the strut mount bearing with no binding or clicking during steering input
• Test drive at low speeds and verify the vehicle tracks straight with no pulling to either side
• Listen for any clunking, rattling, or knocking noises over bumps that would indicate loose fasteners or improper assembly
• Verify no brake system warning lights are illuminated and that ABS functions normally during a controlled brake test
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately, as this procedure will alter camber and toe settings and the vehicle is not safe for extended driving without proper alignment

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