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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing kit (set of 2) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails behind rear wheels
6. Remove rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   From underneath the rear of the vehicle, locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. The sway bar bushings are held by two-piece brackets that bolt to the vehicle frame, typically located near the center of the sway bar on each side of the rear differential area.
2. 2

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Using a 12mm socket, remove both bolts securing each sway bar bracket. There are two brackets total (left and right side). Apply penetrating lubricant if bolts are corroded. Keep brackets and hardware organized for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar brackets and old bushings
   Pull the brackets away from the frame. The old bushings will either come off with the brackets or remain on the sway bar. Remove the old bushings from the sway bar by opening the split and sliding them off. Note the orientation of the bushing split relative to the vehicle.
4. 4

   Clean sway bar mounting area
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar where the bushings mount, removing any rust, old rubber residue, or debris. Also clean the bracket mounting surfaces on the frame and inspect the brackets for damage or excessive corrosion. Clean the inside of the brackets as well.
5. 5

   Install new bushings onto sway bar
   Open the split on the new bushings and position them onto the sway bar in the correct locations where the old bushings were removed. Ensure the split in the bushing faces toward the rear or front of the vehicle as noted during removal (typically rearward). The bushings should be centered where the bracket will clamp them.
6. 6

   Install brackets over new bushings
   Position the two-piece brackets over the new bushings, ensuring the bushings are properly seated in the bracket grooves. Align the bracket bolt holes with the frame mounting holes. You may need to use a pry bar to slightly reposition the sway bar to align the brackets.
7. 7

   Install and torque bracket bolts
   Thread both bolts into each bracket by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten the bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern to draw the bracket halves together uniformly. Torque all four bracket bolts (two per side) to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall rear wheels
   Mount the rear wheels back onto the hubs and thread lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not torque yet.
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and final torque
   Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then carefully lower vehicle completely to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to 110 Nm (80 lb-ft) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bracket bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify new bushings are properly seated and not twisted
3. Double-check lug nuts are properly torqued

Verification

• Test drive vehicle over gentle bumps at low speed and listen for elimination of clunking noises
• Verify no new rattles or unusual sounds from rear suspension
• Perform visual inspection after test drive to ensure brackets remain tight and properly positioned
• Check that sway bar can move freely within the bushings without binding

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