Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_) 2.0 4WD (SXA11) … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for RAV 4 (SXA1_) and other TOYOTA models

Shock absorber

Shock absorber for RAV4 I Off-Road Cabrio (XA10) Petrol (129 hp)

Replacement: shock absorbers – TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_). List of the tools you'll need:

                        Wire brush
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Brake cleaner 
                      
                        Ceramic grease
                      
                        Copper grease 
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Combination spanner #6
                      
                        Combination spanner #14
                      
                        Combination spanner #17
                      
                        Drive socket # 14
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #19
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Plastic trim tool
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: shock absorbers – TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_). AUTODOC experts recommend:

Both shock absorbers of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
Please note: all work on the car – TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the boot lid.

Step 2

Remove the cover of the boot side lining. Use a plastic trim tool.
Step 3

Clean the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 4

Loosen the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a combination spanner #14 (2 pieces).
Step 5

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 6

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
Step 7

Raise the car.

Replacement: shock absorbers – TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_). Professionals 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 8

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_)
Step 9

Remove the wheel.
Step 10

Clean the lower shock absorber fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 11

Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #14. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 12

Remove the fastening bolt.
Step 13

Support the rear knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 14

Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber.
Step 15

Remove the elements of the shock absorber upper mount.
Step 16

Remove the support from under the rear knuckle.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: shock absorbers – TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_). Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 17

Remove the shock absorber. Use a crowbar.
Step 18

Clean the shock absorber mounting seats. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 19

Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and fasten it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
Step 20

Install the fastening bolt.

Step 21

Support the rear knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.

Replacement: shock absorbers – TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_). Tip:
For tightening the fasteners correctly, you have to jack up the suspension components to their working position.
Step 22

Tighten the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #14. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 37 Nm torque.
Step 23

Treat the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use copper grease.
Step 24

Install the elements of the shock absorber upper mount.
Step 25

Screw the upper fastener of the shock absorber.
Step 26

Remove the support from under the rear knuckle.

AUTODOC recommends:
TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_) – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
Step 27

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.
Step 28

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use ceramic grease.
Step 29

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.

AUTODOC recommends:
After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 30

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts. TOYOTA RAV 4 (SXA1_)
Step 31

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19.
Step 32

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 103 Nm torque.
Step 33

Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 34

Tighten the top shock absorber fastening. Use a combination spanner #17. Use a combination spanner #6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 15 Nm torque.
Step 35

Treat the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use copper grease.
Step 36

Install the cover of the boot side lining.

Step 37

Close the lid of the luggage compartment.

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