Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 1.8 (ZCA25_, ZCA26_), TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_), TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22), TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22), TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.4 4WD (ACA23) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on TOYOTA RAV4 II [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 II. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Ceramic grease
Copper grease
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #19
Drive socket # 12
Drive socket # 14
Drive socket # 19
Drive socket # 22
19-mm strut nut socket
Wheel impact socket #19
HEX bit no.H6.
Ratchet wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 II. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
  • Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – Toyota RAV4 II – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    Toyota Rav4 II 2.0 4WD (ACA21, ACA20) 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the cap from the suspension strut mount. Use a crowbar.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 (ACA26) 2003 by yourself
    Clean the strut piston rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove TOYOTA RAV4 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the suspension strut rod nut. Don't unscrew it completely. Use a drive socket #22. Use a ratchet wrench.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Toyota Rav4 II 1.8 4WD 2000 - download illustrated guide
    Loosen the upper fasteners of the suspension strut. Use a drive socket #14. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 II. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Do not completely unscrew the upper fasteners as they may hold also other suspension components.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV4 2001? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2002 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
  10. Step 10
    Raise the car.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 II. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    If you are using a jack, make sure it rests on a flat surface without any unevenness.Be sure to additionally secure the car with jack stands.
    Step 11
    TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Toyota RAV4 II
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2004 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  12. Step 13
    RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) 2005 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean the sway bar link fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a drive socket #14. Use a ratchet wrench.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Toyota Rav4 II 2001 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) Shock Absorber
    Remove the stabilizer rod. Use a crowbar.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Examine stabiliser bushes. Replace them if needed.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 1.8 (ZCA25_, ZCA26_) 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Clean the fastener that connects the brake hose bracket to the suspension strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the fastener that connects the brake hose bracket to the suspension strut. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the brake hose bracket.
  18. Step 19
    Toyota Rav4 II 2.0 4WD (ACA21, ACA20) 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 (ACA26) 2003 by yourself
    Unscrew the fasteners connecting the suspension strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove TOYOTA RAV4 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Toyota Rav4 II 1.8 4WD 2000 - download illustrated guide
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV4 2001? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the upper fasteners of the shock strut.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Toyota RAV4 II
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2002 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the suspension strut.
  25. Step 26
    TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Set the suspension strut on the spring compressor tool.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  26. Step 27
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2004 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) by yourself
    Compress the spring.
  27. Step 28
    RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) 2005 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #22. Use a ratchet wrench.
  28. Step 29
    How to change Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Remove the top strut mount.
  29. Step 30
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Toyota Rav4 II 2001 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) Shock Absorber
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 II. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  30. Step 31
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 1.8 (ZCA25_, ZCA26_) 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Release the coil spring.
  31. Step 32
    How to change Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2000 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the spring.
  32. Step 33
    How to replace TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) 2001 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 II. Professionals recommend:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  33. Step 34
    Toyota Rav4 II 2.0 4WD (ACA21, ACA20) 2002 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  34. Step 35
    Changing Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.0 (ACA26) 2003 by yourself
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  35. Step 36
    How to remove TOYOTA RAV4 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Compress the spring.
  36. Step 37
    How to replace Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  37. Step 38
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Toyota Rav4 II 1.8 4WD 2000 - download illustrated guide
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  38. Step 39
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV4 2001? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a 19-mm strut nut socket. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 47 nm torque.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  39. Step 40
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2002 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Decompress the spring.
  40. Step 41
    TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
  41. Step 42
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Toyota Rav4 II 2004 2.0 D 4WD (CLA20_, CLA21_) by yourself
    Install the cap on the suspension strut mount.
  42. Step 43
    RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2.4 4WD (ACA23, ACA22) 2005 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
  43. Step 44
    How to change Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Clean the mounting seats of the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
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DIY TOYOTA RAV 4 II (CLA2_, XA2_, ZCA2_, ACA2_) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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