This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm (lateral link) on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine and FWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm (lateral link) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts × 2 — Reuse if in good condition, replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on trailing arm mounting bolts if corrosion is present and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the trailing arm is disconnected and maintains proper alignment of components.
2. 2

   Remove forward trailing arm bolt
   Locate the forward mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the chassis subframe. Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt and nut. The bolt head faces toward the front of the vehicle. Support the trailing arm as the bolt is removed.
3. 3

   Remove rear trailing arm bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the rear knuckle assembly. Use a 19mm socket to remove the bolt and nut. This bolt passes through the knuckle and trailing arm bushing. Note the orientation of the bolt for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm
   With both bolts removed, carefully pull the trailing arm away from the mounting points. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the bushings from the mounting brackets if they are tight. Inspect the old trailing arm bushings for wear, cracking, or separation.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on the chassis subframe and rear knuckle. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris from the bolt holes and mounting surfaces. Inspect bolt threads and replace bolts if damaged or excessively corroded.
6. 6

   Install new trailing arm
   Position the new trailing arm between the chassis subframe mount and rear knuckle mount. Align the bushings with the mounting brackets. Insert both mounting bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet. Ensure the arm moves freely without binding.
7. 7

   Align suspension to ride height
   Use the floor jack under the rear knuckle to raise the suspension to simulate normal ride height. The suspension should be at approximately the same position as when the vehicle is on the ground with weight on the wheels. This is critical for proper bushing alignment.
8. 8

   Torque trailing arm bolts
   With the suspension at ride height, torque both the forward and rear trailing arm mounting bolts to the control arm specification. Use a 19mm socket and torque wrench. Torque in the sequence: forward bolt first, then rear bolt. Verify both bolts are fully seated before torquing.
   ⚠Bolts must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure. Do not torque with suspension hanging.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower suspension and remove jack
   Carefully lower the floor jack from under the rear knuckle. Verify that all components are properly seated and there is no unusual stress or binding in the suspension. Check that the trailing arm bushings are not twisted or deformed.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the rear wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully against the mounting surface. Install lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the jack stands still support the vehicle weight.
11. 11

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification using a star pattern in two stages: first to 50% torque (68 Nm), then to full torque. Recheck torque after driving 50-100 miles.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
3. Torque specifications for suspension components assume clean, dry threads unless otherwise specified

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and no pull to either side during driving
• Perform visual inspection after test drive to confirm no bolt loosening or component movement
• Schedule wheel alignment to ensure proper rear suspension geometry after trailing arm replacement
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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