This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine, including disconnection of sway bar links and removal of mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar (stabilizer bar) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushing set (2 pieces) × 1 — Typically included with bar or purchased separately

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-recommended jacking points
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if corrosion is present; allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access driver side sway bar link
   Locate the driver side sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Inspect the link for wear or damage. Clean the nut area with a wire brush if corroded.
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft of the sway bar link to hold it stationary. Using a 17mm wrench or socket, loosen and remove the lower nut connecting the link to the sway bar. The link may remain attached to the control arm or can be fully removed by repeating the process on the upper connection.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the link shaft and remove the lower nut with a 17mm wrench. Both sway bar links should now be disconnected from the sway bar itself.
4. 4

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar mounting bracket on the driver side of the subframe. This bracket secures the sway bar through a rubber bushing. Using a 14mm socket, remove the two bracket bolts and remove the bracket. Note the orientation of the bushing for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the passenger side sway bar bracket. Remove the bracket and note the bushing orientation. Keep brackets and hardware organized by side.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   With both brackets removed, carefully maneuver the sway bar down and out from the subframe area. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components and the subframe. Inspect the removed bar for cracks, bends, or damage.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare bushings
   Remove the rubber bushings from the old sway bar (if reusing bushings) or prepare new bushings. Note the split orientation in the bushings. Clean the mounting surfaces on the subframe where the brackets attach, removing any rust or debris with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new sway bar into place, ensuring the bar is centered with equal amounts of bar extending toward each side. The bar should sit in the approximate location where the mounting brackets will secure it. Confirm correct orientation by checking that the link attachment points align with the control arm links.
9. 9

   Install bushings and brackets
   Install the rubber bushings onto the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle (or as marked). Position each bracket over its bushing and start the bolts by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Ensure bushings are properly seated in the brackets.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten the sway bar bracket bolts to specification. Torque both bolts on the driver side bracket first, then both bolts on the passenger side bracket. Ensure the bar can still rotate slightly in the bushings.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect driver side sway bar link
    Align the driver side sway bar link with the attachment point on the sway bar. Install the nut and hand-tighten. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the link shaft to prevent rotation, then use a torque wrench with 17mm socket to tighten the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect passenger side sway bar link
    Repeat the connection process for the passenger side. Hold the link shaft with the Allen key and torque the nut to specification. Verify both links are secure and properly connected.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 103 Nm / 76 lb-ft) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Fully lower vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands
2. Perform final torque verification on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
• Perform several gentle turns in both directions to confirm sway bar is functioning properly
• Visually inspect all connection points after test drive to ensure no hardware has loosened
• Check that vehicle handling feels stable and balanced during cornering

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