Replace worn front sway bar bushings to eliminate clunking noises and restore proper suspension performance on 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 FWD models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at front subframe reinforcement points
5. Remove front wheels if additional clearance is needed (optional but recommended for easier access)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar bracket bolts
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the subframe. Identify the two sway bar bracket assemblies that secure the bar to the subframe, one on each side. Each bracket is held by two 14mm bolts.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   If bolts show corrosion or the vehicle operates in salt environments, spray penetrating oil on the sway bar bracket bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. This will ease removal and prevent bolt breakage.
3. 3

   Remove first bracket bolts
   Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove both bolts securing one sway bar bracket to the subframe. Support the bracket as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. The bracket will remain attached to the sway bar.
4. 4

   Remove old bushing
   Separate the bracket from the sway bar and remove the old rubber bushing. Note the orientation of the bushing split and any alignment marks. The bushing may be stuck to the bar; use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry it open if necessary.
5. 5

   Clean sway bar surface
   Use a wire brush to clean the area of the sway bar where the bushing sits, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or debris. A clean surface ensures proper bushing seating and longevity.
6. 6

   Install new bushing
   Position the new bushing around the sway bar in the same orientation as the original, ensuring the split faces the correct direction (typically toward the rear of the vehicle). The bushing should sit centered in the area where the bracket mounts.
7. 7

   Reinstall bracket and torque bolts
   Place the bracket over the bushing and align the bolt holes with the subframe. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque both bracket bolts to specification in a crossing pattern.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat for opposite side
   Repeat steps 3 through 7 for the sway bar bushing and bracket on the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure both sides are torqued to the same specification.
9. 9

   Inspect sway bar links
   While underneath the vehicle, visually inspect both sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the struts. Check for torn boots, excessive play, or damage. Replace if necessary using the specified torque for sway bar link nuts.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to factory specification (typically 110 Nm / 81 lb-ft) in a star pattern
2. Carefully raise vehicle off jack stands using floor jack
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over small bumps at low speed to verify clunking noise is eliminated
• Perform figure-eight maneuvers in a parking lot to confirm bushings are functioning properly without binding
• Re-inspect bracket bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure bolts have not loosened
• Listen for any unusual noises during turns or over uneven surfaces

More procedures for this vehicle