Replace the rear strut mount assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 FWD, which isolates the strut from the body and allows for steering movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM Toyota strut mount or quality aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Typically included in mount assembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts if visible corrosion exists; allow 15 minutes to penetrate
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point
6. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at designated lift points on chassis
7. Remove rear wheel completely and set aside
8. Verify vehicle is stable on jack stands before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Access rear cargo area and remove trim panels
   Open rear hatch. Fold down or remove rear seat if necessary to access strut tower area. Locate the plastic trim cover over the strut tower on the side being serviced (left or right rear corner of cargo area). Remove trim panel fasteners (typically push-pin style clips) and carefully remove trim panel to expose the top of the strut assembly. Set trim and fasteners aside in a container.
2. 2

   Support lower suspension with jack
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or knuckle assembly, close to where the strut connects. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and take load off the strut mount (approximately 1-2 inches of lift). This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected. Do NOT lift the vehicle frame; only support the suspension components.
3. 3

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, locate the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower (typically 14mm). Using a ratchet and socket, remove all three nuts completely. Keep nuts organized as they will be reused. The strut assembly is now only held by the lower connection to the knuckle. Ensure the floor jack is supporting the suspension weight.
   ⚠Do not allow the strut assembly to drop suddenly. The floor jack under the control arm should prevent this, but verify it is positioned correctly before removing the last nut.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   Inspect access to the lower strut-to-knuckle connection. If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the strut or control arm. Hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key while removing the nut with a 14mm socket. Set link aside but keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the lower portion of the strut to the steering knuckle (typically 19mm head). These are usually pinch-style bolts. Use a socket and breaker bar if needed to loosen, then remove both bolts completely. You may need to use a pry bar to slightly spread the knuckle clamp to release the strut. Support the strut as you remove the second bolt.
   ⚠The strut may be tight in the knuckle clamp. Do not force or pry excessively as you can damage the knuckle. Gentle tapping with a rubber mallet may help free the connection.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension slightly to create clearance. Guide the strut assembly down and out from the knuckle, then maneuver the top of the strut through the strut tower opening. Remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle. Place it on a clean workbench with the top mount facing up. Inspect the spring for any damage or signs of binding.
7. 7

   Remove old strut mount from strut shaft
   With the strut assembly on the bench, identify the strut shaft nut at the top center of the mount (typically 17mm or 19mm). You will need to hold the strut shaft from rotating while removing this nut. If the shaft is smooth, you may need a helper to hold the strut body or use a specialized strut shaft socket with a hex insert. Remove the top nut, then lift off the old strut mount, bearing plate, and any other components. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠️If you cannot safely remove the top nut while the spring is compressed on the strut, STOP. This indicates you may need a spring compressor. Do not attempt to disassemble further without proper tools. This procedure assumes the mount can be replaced with the spring in place.
   ℹ️On many RAV4 models, the strut mount can be replaced without a spring compressor as the spring does not separate from the assembly. However, if the spring becomes loose or components separate, you must use a spring compressor before proceeding.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean strut components
   Examine the strut shaft threads for damage, corrosion, or stripping. Clean threads with a wire brush if needed. Inspect the spring seats and dust boot for damage. Check that the spring is properly seated in the lower spring seat. Verify the new strut mount matches the old one in configuration and that all components (bearing, plates, insulators) are included.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount assembly
   Place the new strut mount components onto the strut shaft in the exact order noted during disassembly (typically: upper spring seat/isolator, bearing, mount, washers). Ensure the bearing rotates freely and that all components are oriented correctly - the mount usually has alignment features or marks. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand first to ensure threads are clean. Tighten the nut securely, holding the strut shaft to prevent rotation. Verify the mount rotates freely on the bearing.
   ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque specification is not provided in the database. Refer to the new strut mount installation instructions or Toyota service manual for this critical specification. Typical range is 40-60 Nm, but verify before tightening.
10. 10

    Reinstall strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly and guide the top through the strut tower opening from underneath the vehicle. Align the three studs on the strut mount with the holes in the strut tower. You may need to rotate the assembly to achieve proper alignment. Raise the floor jack under the suspension slightly to help position the strut. Once aligned, install the three strut tower nuts from inside the cargo area and hand-tighten only at this stage.
11. 11

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Align the lower portion of the strut with the clamp on the steering knuckle. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the suspension slightly for alignment. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and start the nuts by hand. Ensure the strut is fully seated in the knuckle clamp before tightening. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected in Step 4, reconnect it now. Position the link between the mounting points and install the bolt/nut. Hold the shaft with a 6mm Allen key and tighten the nut to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From inside the cargo area, use a torque wrench to tighten the three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern (alternating pattern to ensure even seating). Verify all three nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Position the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench until snug but not fully torqued. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall cargo area trim
    Return to the cargo area and reinstall the strut tower trim panel. Ensure all push-pin fasteners are properly seated and the trim is secure. Restore the rear seat to its normal position if it was moved.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear strut mounts
2. Torque specifications marked 'with vehicle weight on wheels' must be performed with the vehicle on the ground
3. Verify all fasteners have been reinstalled and properly torqued before driving

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any clunking, rattling, or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Drive over small bumps and while turning to verify proper strut mount operation - there should be no knocking sounds
• Verify the vehicle tracks straight and handles normally with no pulling to either side
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all torque specifications, particularly the strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts
• Have a professional alignment performed if the vehicle pulls to one side or if the steering wheel is not centered

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