This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine, a straightforward suspension repair typically performed to eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link assembly (left) × 1 — 48820-42030 or equivalent
• Rear sway bar link assembly (right) × 1 — 48820-42030 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid 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 jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at proper frame locations
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts if corrosion is visible and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension control arm or trailing arm. The link will have ball joints on both ends with a vertical shaft.
2. 2

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link shaft to hold it from spinning. Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove the upper nut that secures the link to the sway bar. Remove the upper bushing and washer components if they come off with the nut.
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Insert the 6mm Allen key into the bottom of the sway bar link shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove the lower nut that secures the link to the control arm or trailing arm bracket. Remove the lower bushing and washer components.
4. 4

   Remove old sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link assembly out from between the sway bar and control arm. Inspect the mounting points on both the sway bar and control arm for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if needed.
5. 5

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and control arm. Ensure the ball joint studs are properly oriented vertically. Install the lower mounting hardware (washer and bushing if separate) onto the control arm bracket, then thread the lower nut onto the stud by hand.
6. 6

   Install upper mounting hardware
   Install the upper mounting hardware (washer and bushing if separate) onto the sway bar, then thread the upper nut onto the stud by hand. Ensure the link is not twisted and both ball joints are properly seated.
7. 7

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold the sway bar link shaft with the 6mm Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque both the upper and lower nuts to specification. Torque the lower nut first, then the upper nut, holding the shaft with the Allen key for each operation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform steps 1 through 7 on the opposite side rear sway bar link. Ensure both links are torqued to the same specification for balanced suspension performance.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack until wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is not fully on suspension
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle to ground and remove jack and jack stands
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle to settle the suspension and verify no rattling or clunking sounds
• Perform a test drive over small bumps at low speed and listen for any abnormal suspension noises
• Verify the vehicle handling feels balanced with no pulling to one side during turns
• Inspect the sway bar link nuts after 50-100 miles to ensure they remain tight

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