This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gas engine and FWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) × 1 — 48818-42020 or equivalent
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts × 4 — Reuse unless damaged

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 lift points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at frame rail jack points
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts if applicable

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear sway bar
   Locate the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension between the rear wheels. Identify the two sway bar links connecting the bar to the suspension and the two mounting brackets securing the bar to the chassis.
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Insert a 6mm Allen key into the top of the sway bar link shaft to prevent rotation. Using a 14mm socket, remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar. Hold the Allen key firmly to prevent the shaft from spinning. Once the nut is removed, separate the link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Repeat the same procedure on the driver side sway bar link. Insert the 6mm Allen key into the shaft, remove the 14mm upper nut while holding the shaft steady, and separate the link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Locate the sway bar bracket on the passenger side where the bar mounts to the chassis. Using a 12mm socket, remove the two bracket bolts securing the bracket to the chassis. Remove the bracket and the rubber bushing from the sway bar. Note the orientation of the bushing split for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Using a 12mm socket, remove the two bracket bolts on the driver side securing the bracket to the chassis. Remove the bracket and rubber bushing. The sway bar should now be free from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the sway bar
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from its position. You may need to rotate or angle the bar to clear suspension components and the exhaust system. Lower the bar and remove it from under the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare components
   Inspect the sway bar link studs for wear or damage. Examine the rubber bushings for cracking, tearing, or compression damage. Clean the sway bar mounting areas on the chassis with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. If installing a new sway bar, transfer any necessary components and ensure bushings are properly seated.
8. 8

   Install the new sway bar
   Position the new or serviced sway bar into place under the vehicle. Ensure the bar is centered with equal spacing on both sides. Orient the bar so the link mounting points face downward toward the suspension.
9. 9

   Install sway bar bushings and brackets
   Place the rubber bushings onto the sway bar with the split facing toward the rear of the vehicle. Position the brackets over the bushings and align with the chassis mounting holes. Start all four bracket bolts by hand before tightening. Torque the bracket bolts to specification using a 12mm socket and torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Raise each sway bar link to align with the sway bar end. Insert the link stud through the sway bar mounting hole. Thread the upper nut onto the link stud by hand. Hold the link shaft with the 6mm Allen key and torque the nut to specification using a 14mm socket and torque wrench. Repeat for both sides.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar bracket bolts are torqued to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
2. Verify both sway bar link nuts are torqued to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) with the shaft held by an Allen key
3. Confirm the sway bar bushings are properly seated with splits facing rearward
4. Double-check that all fasteners have been reinstalled and torqued

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed over gentle bumps to verify no rattling or clunking noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a figure-eight maneuver in a parking lot to confirm proper sway bar function and handling response
• Visually inspect underneath the vehicle after test drive to ensure no fasteners have loosened
• Verify equal spacing of the sway bar on both sides of the vehicle when viewed from underneath

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