Toyota RAV4 > Suspension and steering > Strut/spring assembly — replacement

Strut/spring assembly — replacement

1. If the struts or coil springs exhibit the telltale signs of wear (leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging or cracked coil springs) explore all options before beginning any work. The strut/shock absorber assemblies are not serviceable and must be replaced if a problem develops. However, strut assemblies complete with springs may be available on an exchange basis, which eliminates much time and work. Whichever route you choose to take, check on the cost and availability of parts before disassembling your vehicle.

Warning: Disassembling a strut is potentially dangerous and utmost attention must be directed to the job, or serious injury may result. Use only a high-quality spring compressor and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions furnished with the tool. After removing the coil spring from the strut assembly, set it aside in a safe, isolated area.

Disassembly

2. Remove the strut assembly following the procedure described in the previous Section. Mount the strut assembly in a vise. Line the vise jaws with wood or rags to prevent damage to the unit and don’t tighten the vise excessively.

3. Following the tool manufacturer’s instructions, install the spring compressor (which can be obtained at most auto parts stores or equipment yards on a daily rental basis) on the spring and compress it sufficiently to relieve all pressure from the upper spring seat (see illustration). This can be verified by wiggling the spring.

i. 3 Install the spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer’s instructions and compress the spring until all pressure is relieved from the upper spring seat

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ Install the spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer’s instructions and compress the spring until all pressure is relieved from the upper spring seat

4. Loosen the damper shaft nut with a socket wrench (see illustration).

i. 4 Remove the damper shaft nut — if the upper spring seat turns while loosening the nut, immobilize it with a chain wrench or strap wrench

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ Remove the damper shaft nut - if the upper spring seat turns while loosening the nut, immobilize it with a chain wrench or strap wrench

Note: Inspect the bearing in the suspension support for smooth operation. If it doesn’t turn smoothly, replace the suspension support. Check the rubber portion of the suspension support for cracking and general deterioration. If there is any separation of the rubber, replace it.

5. Remove the nut and suspension support (see illustration).

i. 5 Lift the suspension support off the damper shaft

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ Lift the suspension support off the damper shaft

6. Lift the spring seat and upper insulator from the damper shaft (see illustration). Check the rubber spring seat for cracking and hardness, replacing it if necessary.

i. 6 Remove the spring seat from the damper shaft

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ Remove the spring seat from the damper shaft

7. Carefully lift the compressed spring from the assembly (see illustration) and set it in a safe place.

Warning: Never place your head near the end of the spring!

i. 7 Remove the compressed spring assembly — keep the ends of the spring pointed away from your body

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ Remove the compressed spring assembly - keep the ends of the spring pointed away from your body

8. Slide the rubber bumper off the damper shaft.

9. Check the lower insulator (if equipped) for wear, cracking and hardness and replace it if necessary.

Reassembly

10. If the lower insulator is being replaced, set it into position with the dropped portion seated in the lowest part of the seat. Extend the damper rod to its full length and install the rubber bumper.

11. Carefully place the coil spring onto the lower insulator, with the end of the spring resting in the lowest part of the insulator (see illustration).

i. 11 When installing the spring, make sure the end fits into the recessed portion of the lower seat

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ When installing the spring, make sure the end fits into the recessed portion of the lower seat

12. Install the upper insulator and spring seat, making sure that the flats in the hole in the seat match up with the flats on the damper shaft (see illustration).

i. 12 The flats on the damper shaft must match up with the flats in the spring seat

Toyota RAV4 Suspension and steering | Strut/spring assembly - replacement _ The flats on the damper shaft must match up with the flats in the spring seat

13. Install the dust seal and suspension support to the damper shaft.

14. Install the nut and tighten it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.

15. Install the strut assembly (see Strut assembly (front) — removal, inspection and installation).

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