Page 1148 of 1354
SA0TM−01
R10824
SST Vinyl
Tape
R10825
SST SA−34
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
DISASSEMBLY
REMOVE COIL SPRING
(a) Install 2 nuts and a bolt to the bracket at the lower portion
of the shock absorber and secure it in a vise.
(b) Using SST, compress the coil spring.
SST 09727−30021
HINT:
To prevent the coil spring from damaging, wind vinyl tape on the
coil spring.
NOTICE:
When holding the shock absorber with the coil spring
removed, do not hold it by the spring lower seat. Also,
do not knock the spring lower seat.
Do not use an impact wrench. It will damage the SST.
(c) Remove the cap.
(d) Using SST to hold the spring upper seat, remove the nut.
SST 09729−22031
(e) Remove these parts from the shock absorber:
Suspension support
Dust seal
Spring upper seat
Upper insulator and coil spring
Spring bumper and lower insulator
Page 1149 of 1354
SA0TN−01
N00203
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
SA−35
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
INSPECTION
INSPECT SHOCK ABSORBER
Compress and extend the shock absorber rod and check that
there is no abnormal resistance or unusual operation sounds.
If there is any abnormality, replace the shock absorber with a
new one.
NOTICE:
When discarding the shock absorber, see DISPOSAL on
page SA−36.
Page 1150 of 1354
SA0TO−01
N00204
SA−36
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
DISPOSAL
1. FULLY EXTEND SHOCK ABSORBER ROD
2. DRILL HOLE TO REMOVE GAS FROM CYLINDER
Using a drill, make a hole between the lines, as shown.
CAUTION:
The gas coming out is harmless, but be careful of chips
which may fly up when drilling.
Page 1151 of 1354

SA0TP−01
R10846
SST
Vinyl Tape
R10826
R10825
SST
R10848
MP Grease
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
SA−37
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
REASSEMBLY
1. INSTALL LOWER INSULATOR ONTO SHOCK AB-
SORBER
2. INSTALL SPRING BUMPER TO PISTON ROD
3. INSTALL COIL SPRING AND SUSPENSION SUPPORT
(a) Using SST, compress the coil spring.
SST 09727−30021
HINT:
To prevent the coil spring from damaging, wind vinyl tape on the
coil spring.
NOTICE:
Do not use an impact wrench. It will damage the SST.
(b) Install the coil spring to the shock absorber.
HINT:
Fit the lower end of the coil spring into the gap of lower spring
seat of the shock absorber.
(c) Align the tab of spring upper seat with the tabs of the up-
per insulator.
(d) Install the spring upper seat with upper insulator to the
shock absorber with the ’OUT’ mark facing the outside of
the vehicle.
(e) Install the dust seal and suspension support.
(f) Using SST to hold the spring upper seat, install a new nut.
SST 09729−22031
Torque: 47 N·m (475 kgf·cm, 34 ft·lbf)
(g) Remove the SST.
(h) Pack MP grease into the suspension support.
(i) Install the cap.
Page 1152 of 1354
SA0TQ−01
SA−38
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal (See page SA−33).
AFTER INSTALLATION, CHECK FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT (See page SA−4)
Page 1153 of 1354
SA0TR−03
Z19330
23 Door vehicle
Stabilizer Bar LinkStabilizer
BarPower Steering Gear Assembly
Bracket
No.1
Bushing
Bushing
Clamp
(A/T Only)
Front Suspension
Crossmember
Center MemberLower Suspension
Arm Bracket
Cushion
Retainer
Lower Suspension Arm
LH Engine Cover
29 (300, 22)
29 (300, 22)
113 (1,150, 83)
8.3 (85, 74 in.·lbf)
112 (1,140, 82)
172 (1,750, 126)
206 (2,100, 152)
127 (1,300, 94)
137 (1,400, 101)
28 (290, 21)
N·m (kgf·cm, ft·lbf)
Non−reusable part: Specified torque
X7
Clamp 137 (1,400, 101)
64 (650, 47)
113 (1,150, 83)5 Door vehicle
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
SA−39
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
FRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
COMPONENTS
Page 1154 of 1354

SA0TS−03
R10828
A
A B
R10829
W01708
SA−40
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
REMOVAL
1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 N·m (1,050 kgf·cm, 76 ft·lbf)
2. A/T LH:
REMOVE LH ENGINE UNDER COVER
3. EXCEPT A/T LH:
DISCONNECT STABILIZER BAR LINK FROM LOWER
SUSPENSION ARM (See page SA−48)
4. A/T LH:
REMOVE STABILIZER BAR (See page SA−48)
5. DISCONNECT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM FROM
LOWER BALL JOINT
Remove the bolt and 2 nuts.
Torque: 127 N·m (1,300 kgf·cm, 94 ft·lbf)
6. DISCONNECT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BRACKET
Remove the nut and 2 bolts.
Torque:
Bolt A: 137 N·m (1,400 kgf·cm, 101 ft·lbf)
Nut B: 28 N·m (290 kgf·cm, 21 ft·lbf)
HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following item.
After stabilizing the suspension, torque the bolts and nut.
7. EXCEPT A/T LH:
REMOVE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
Remove the bolt and lower suspension arm.
Torque: 172 N·m (1,750 kgf·cm, 126 ft·lbf)
HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following item.
After stabilizing the suspension, torque the bolt.
8. A/T LH:
REMOVE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
(a) Remove the 2 center member set nuts and disconnect the
center member.
Torque: 112 N·m (1,140 kgf·cm, 82 ft·lbf)
Page 1155 of 1354

R10831
R10832
R10833
R10834
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
SA−41
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
(b) Remove the 2 power steering gear assembly set bolts
and nuts.
Torque: 113 N·m (1,150 kgf·cm, 83 ft·lbf)
(c) Remove the exhaust pipe No.1 support bracket from the
front exhaust pipe.
(d) Remove the bolt and clamp.
Torque: 8.3 N·m (85 kgf·cm, 74 in.·lbf)
(e) Support the front suspension crossmember with a jack.
(f) Remove the 2 bolts and front suspension crossmember
with the lower suspension arms.
Torque: 206 N·m (2,100 kgf·cm, 152 ft·lbf)
(g) Remove the bolt and lower suspension arm.
Torque: 172 N·m (1,750 kgf·cm, 126 ft·lbf)
HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following item.
After stabilizing the suspension, torque the bolt.
9. REMOVE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BRACKET
Remove the bolt, lower suspension arm bracket and cushion
retainer.
Torque: 137 N·m (1,400 kgf·cm, 101 ft·lbf)
HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following item.
After stabilizing the suspension, torque the bolt.