OEM 2004 Toyota RAV4 Shock Absorber

2004 Toyota RAV4 Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the Shock Absorber on 2004 Toyota RAV4?

  A: The coil spring disassembly process begins when you secure the shock absorber in a vise using 2 nuts and a bolt at the lower bracket then compress the coil spring using Special Service Tool: 09727-30021 (09727-00010, 09727-00021, 09727-00031). It is important to protect the spring with vinyl tape to avoid damage during compression. Holding the shock absorber by the spring lower seat is prohibited as well as the use of impact wrenches to maintain safety of the tool. To remove the nut you should use Special Service Tool: 09729-22031 to support the spring upper seat while working. Detach the Special Service Tool from the coil spring after removing the suspension support, dust seal, spring upper seat, upper insulator, coil spring, spring bumper and lower insulator from the shock absorber. Leaks or unusual noise from the shock absorber rod can be checked during inspection by both compressing and extending the rod. If any abnormal findings are detected the shock absorber will need to be replaced. Disposal of the shock absorber requires extending the rod before drilling a hole in the cylinder to release the gas while maintaining safe chip handling and recognizing the gas manifests as colorless and odorless and non-toxic. The reassembly process starts with the lower insulator onto the shock absorber followed by the spring bumper on the piston rod then the coil spring and suspension support requires compression using Special Service Tool: 09727-30021 (09727-00010, 09727-00021, 09727-00031) and vinyl tape protection. The lower coil spring section must fit a portion of the lower spring seat gap before you install the spring upper seat and upper insulator together on the shock absorber with its 'OUT' mark directed outward. First install the dust seal and suspension support before using Special Service Tool: 09729-22031 to maintain the spring upper seat position when tightening the new nut to 47 Nm (475 kgf-cm, 34 ft. lbs.). To complete the process install the cap after packing the suspension support with MP grease and using Special Service Tool: 09727-30021 (09727-00010, 09727-00021, 09727-00031).