Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 3.5 4WD (GSA33), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D (ALA35_), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 3.5 4WD (GSA33), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.0 4WD (ACA30_), TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.4 4WD (ACA31, ACA33) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on TOYOTA RAV 4 3 (XA30) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) and other TOYOTA models
How to change Shock absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on Toyota RAV4 III 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #22
Drive socket # 14
Drive socket # 17
Drive socket # 19
Drive socket # 22
Wheel impact socket #21
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Universal pulley holder
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. AUTODOC recommends:
  • 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.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. Take the following steps:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2005 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) 2006 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 III 2.0 4WD (ACA30_) 2007 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.0 4WD (ZSA30_) 2008 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #14. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 (ZSA35_) 2009 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2010: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #21.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Toyota RAV4 III 2.0 4WD (ZSA30) 2011 - download illustrated guide
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV4 2012? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. Professionals recommend:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2013 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the wheel.
  10. Step 10
    TOYOTA RAV4 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2006 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) by yourself
    Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut. Use a drive socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
  12. Step 12
    RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.0 (ZSA35_) 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the brake hose fastening bracket from the shock strut. Use a drive socket #14.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Toyota RAV4 III 2009 2.0 (ZSA35_) Shock Absorber
    Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D (ALA35_) 2010 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #22. Use a drive socket #22. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2005 - free PDF and video manuals
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) 2006 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  18. Step 18
    Toyota RAV4 III 2.0 4WD (ACA30_) 2007 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Toyota RAV4 III
  19. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.0 4WD (ZSA30_) 2008 by yourself
    Remove the suspension strut.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 (ZSA35_) 2009 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    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.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2010: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Compress the spring.
  22. Step 22
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Toyota RAV4 III 2.0 4WD (ZSA30) 2011 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the shock strut mount cap.
  23. Step 23
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV4 2012? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  24. Step 24
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2013 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a universal pulley holder. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  25. Step 25
    TOYOTA RAV4 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the top strut mount.
  26. Step 26
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2006 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) by yourself
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  27. Step 27
    RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.0 (ZSA35_) 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Release the coil spring.
  28. Step 28
    How to change Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2008 - tips and tricks
    Remove the spring.
  29. Step 29
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Toyota RAV4 III 2009 2.0 (ZSA35_) Shock Absorber
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  30. Step 30
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D (ALA35_) 2010 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  31. Step 31
    How to change Shock Absorber on Toyota RAV4 III 2005 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  32. Step 32
    How to replace TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.2 D 4WD (ALA30_) 2006 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  33. Step 33
    Compress the spring.
    Step 34
    Toyota RAV4 III 2.0 4WD (ACA30_) 2007 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  34. Step 35
    Changing Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2.0 4WD (ZSA30_) 2008 by yourself
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a universal pulley holder. Use a drive socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 47 Nm torque.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Toyota RAV4 III. Tip:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  35. Step 36
    How to remove TOYOTA RAV4 2.0 (ZSA35_) 2009 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Decompress the spring.
  36. Step 37
    How to replace Shock Absorber on TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) 2010: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
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DIY TOYOTA RAV 4 III (ACA3_, ACE_, ALA3_, GSA3_, ZSA3_) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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