Toyota 51206-12142
Suspension Crossmember, Rear

The rear suspension depends heavily on the rear cross-member to work properly because this part provides vital support to the vehicle's structure. To achieve good handling and stability you need to take care of the rear cross-member during service and fixes. Scheduled checks and servicing help discover and address parts of the rear suspension system that suffer damage.

The first step to remove the rear cross-member requires removal of the rear wheels. The 2WD requires removal of its center exhaust pipe assembly and the 4WD needs the same procedure. Move on to discharge the differential oil after separating the propeller with center bearing shaft assembly which operates in 4WD systems. The nuts securing the rear axle shafts need to be removed from both the left and right sides of the 4WD system but only the charcoal canister assembly must be taken out when dealing with 2WD vehicles. Work on the dual calibration assemblies of the rear wheel disc brakes along with their respective discs before moving onto the next steps. Both 2WD and 4WD systems require the disconnection and separation of rear speed sensor wires from each side respectively. Proceed to remove the parking brake shoe return tension springs, hold down compression springs along with all other components from both the left and right sides. The maintenance task includes separating parking brake cable assemblies from rear stabilizer link assemblies both on left and right sides. Secondly separate the upper control arm assemblies along with the rear suspension arm assemblies from both sides of the vehicle. The removal of the rear axle assemblies must occur on both sides in 2WD models while handling 4WD requires the same actions. There is a need to take out rear drive shaft assemblies and their snap rings during 4WD maintenance. Begin by taking out the rear floor side member brace followed by loose connection of rear shock absorbers equipped with coil springs on each side before finishing by removing the rear No. 1 suspension arm assemblies. Secure the rear suspension member by using a jack with wooden block. Afterwards remove all bolts and nuts before slowly lowering the member. The procedure to lower the rear suspension member for 4WD includes wire harness connector and hose removal followed by clamp disengage then member suspension support and subsequent removal of bolts and nuts. The final parts to remove include the upper control arm assemblies together with the rear No. 1 stabilizer bar bracket, the rear stabilizer bushing, the rear stabilizer bar and the No. 6 exhaust pipe support bracket as well as the rear differential carrier assembly, rear No. 1 differential mount cushion and the stud bolts.

Install the charcoal canister assembly (for 2WD), adjust the parking brake shoe clearance and lever travel, inspect and adjust transfer oil (for 4WD), and install the center exhaust pipe assembly for both 2WD and 4WD.