Page 1118 of 1354

R10734R10735
F02020
Front:
Rear:SA0T7−05
Z03382
SA3213
A
CB
FrontD SA−4
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
INSPECTION
1. MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT
Tire sizeFront*1
mm (in.)Rear*2
mm (in.)
215/70R16 (2WD)227 (8.94)353 (13.90)
215/70R16 (4WD)227 (8.94)360 (14.17)
*1: Front measuring point:
Measure from the ground to the center of the lower suspension
arm front mounting bolt.
*
2: Rear measuring point:
Measure from the ground to the center of the body side No.1
suspension arm mounting bolt.
NOTICE:
Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle
height to the specification.
If the vehicle height is not to specification, try to adjust it by
pushing down on or lifting the body.
2. INSTALL CAMBER−CASTER−KINGPIN GAUGE
ONTO VEHICLE OR POSITION VEHICLE ON WHEEL
ALIGNMENT TESTER
Follow the specific instructions of the equipment manufacturer.
3. INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS
INCLINATION
Tire size: 215/70R16
2WD4WD
Camber
Left−right error−0°20’ ± 45’
(−0.33°± 0.75°)
45’ (0.75°) or less−0°15’± 45’
(−0.25° ± 0.75°)
45’ (0.75°) or less
Caster
Left−right error1°25’ ± 45’
(1.42° ± 0.75°)
45’ (0.75°) or less1°20 ± 45’
(1.33° ± 0.75°)
45’ (0.75°) or less
Steering axis inclination
Left−right error11°00’ ± 45’
(11° ± 0.75°)
45’ (0.75°) or less10°45’ ± 45’
(10.75° ± 0.75°)
45’ (0.75°) or less
If the caster and steering axis inclination are not within the spec-
ification, after the camber has correctly adjusted, recheck the
suspension parts for damaged and/or worn out parts.
4. INSPECT TOE−IN
To e−in
(total)A + B: 0° ± 0’10’ (0° ± 0.17°)
C D: 0 ± 2 mm (0 ± 0.08 in.)
If the toe−in is not within the specification, adjust it by the tie rod
end.
Page 1120 of 1354

W01205
1
2
R10746
R10747
SA0028
AB
FrontA B
A: Inside
B: Outside SA−6
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
(i) Follow the above mentioned steps again. Between the
step (b) and (c), exchange 1 or 2 selected bolts.
HINT:
When exchanging the 2 bolts, exchange 1 bolt for each time.
6. ADJUST TOE−IN
(a) Remove the boot clamps.
(b) Loosen the tie rod end lock nuts.
(c) Turn the left and right rack ends an equal amount to adjust
the toe−in.
HINT:
Try to adjust the toe−in to the center value.
Make sure that the length of the left and right rack ends
is the same.
Tie rod end length difference:
1.5 mm (0.059 in.) or less
(d) Torque the tie rod end lock nuts.
Torque: 56 N·m (570 kgf·cm, 41 ft·lbf)
(e) Place the boot on the seat and install the clamp.
HINT:
Make sure that the boots are not twisted.
7. INSPECT WHEEL ANGLE
Turn the steering wheel fully, and measure the turning angle.
Inside wheel33°15’ ± 2.0° (33.25° ± 2.0°)
Outside wheel: Reference28°05’ (28.08°)
If the wheel angles differ from the standard specification, adjust
the toe−in.
Page 1124 of 1354

SA0TA−03
R10657
R10655
SA−10
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT AXLE HUB
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
REMOVAL
1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 N·m (1,050kgf·cm, 76 ft·lbf)
2. CHECK BEARING BACKLASH AND AXLE HUB DEVI-
ATION
(a) Remove the 2 bolts and brake caliper from the steering
knuckle.
(b) Support the brake caliper securely.
(c) Remove the disc.
(d) Using a dial indicator near the center of the axle hub and
check the backlash in the bearing shaft direction.
Maximum: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in.)
If the backlash exceeds the maximum, replace the bearing.
(e) Using a dial indicator, check the deviation at the surface
of the axle hub outside the hub bolt.
Maximum: 0.07 mm (0.0028 in.)
If the deviation exceeds the maximum, replace the axle hub and
bearing.
3. REMOVE DRIVE SHAFT LOCK NUT
(a) Install the disc and brake caliper.
Torque: 107 N·m (1,090 kgf·cm, 79 ft·lbf)
(b) Remove the cotter pin and lock cap.
(c) With applying the brakes, remove the nut.
Torque: 216 N·m (2,200 kgf·cm, 159 ft·lbf)
(d) Remove the brake caliper and disc.
4. w/ ABS:
REMOVE ABS SPEED SENSOR AND WIRE HARNESS
FROM STEERING KNUCKLE
Remove the 2 bolts, ABS speed sensor and wire harness.
Torque:
ABS speed sensor x Steering knuckle:
8 N·m (80 kgf·cm, 69 in.·lbf)
ABS speed sensor wire x Steering knuckle:
5 N·m (55 kgf·cm, 48 in.·lbf)
5. LOOSEN 2 NUTS ON LOWER SIDE ON SHOCK AB-
SORBER
Torque: 158 N·m (1,610 kgf·cm, 117 ft·lbf)
HINT:
Do not remove the 2 nuts and bolts.
6. D I S C O N N E C T T I E R O D E N D F R O M S T E E R I N G
KNUCKLE
(a) Remove the cotter pin and nut.
Torque: 49 N·m (500 kgf·cm, 36 ft·lbf)
Page 1131 of 1354
SA0TE−01
R10733
SST
R10759
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT WHEEL HUB BOLT
SA−17
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
FRONT WHEEL HUB BOLT
REPLACEMENT
1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
2. REMOVE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER AND DISC
(a) Remove the 2 bolts and brake caliper from the steering
knuckle.
(b) Support the brake caliper securely and remove the disc.
3. REMOVE HUB BOLT
Using SST, remove the hub bolt.
SST 09628−10011
4. INSTALL HUB BOLT
(a) Install a washer and nut to the hub bolt, as shown in the
illustration.
(b) Install the hub bolt with torquing the nut.
5. INSTALL FRONT BRAKE DISC AND CALIPER
Install the disc and brake caliper with the 2 bolts.
Torque: 107 N·m (1,090 kgf·cm, 79 ft·lbf)
HINT:
Check the disc runout (See page BR−26).
6. INSTALL FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 N·m (1,050 kgf·cm 76 ft·lbf)
Page 1147 of 1354
SA0TL−03
R10850
R10823
− SUSPENSION AND AXLEFRONT SHOCK ABSORBER
SA−33
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
REMOVAL
1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
Torque: 103 N·m (1,050 kgf·cm, 76 ft·lbf)
2. DISCONNECT FLEXIBLE HOSE AND ABS SPEED
SENSOR WIRE HARNESS (w/ ABS) FROM SHOCK
ABSORBER
Remove the 2 bolts and disconnect the flexible hose and ABS
speed sensor wire harness.
Torque:
Flexible hose: 19 N·m (192 kgf·cm, 14 ft·lbf)
ABS wire harness: 5 N·m (55 kgf·cm, 48 in.·lbf)
3. DISCONNECT SHOCK ABSORBER FROM STEERING
KNUCKLE
Torque: 158 N·m (1,610 kgf·cm, 117 ft·lbf)
HINT:
At the time of installation, please refer to the following item.
Coat the nut’s threads with engine oil.
4. REMOVE SHOCK ABSORBER WITH COIL SPRING
Remove the 3 nuts, suspension support No.2 and shock ab-
sorber with the coil spring.
Torque: 80 N·m (820 kgf·cm, 59 ft·lbf)
Page 1276 of 1354

SR0FD−01
SR−2
− STEERINGTROUBLESHOOTING
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE
Use the table below to help you find the cause of the problem. The numbers indicate the priority of the likely
cause of the problem. Check each part in the order shown. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.
SymptomSuspect AreaSee page
Hard steering
1. Tires (Improperly inflated)
2. Power steering fluid level (Low)
3. Drive belt (Loose)
4. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)
5. Steering system joints (Worn)
6. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)
7. Steering column (Binding)
8. Power steering vane pump
9. Power steering gearSA−2
SR−5
SR−3
SA−4
−
SA−45
−
SR−31
SR−44
Poor return
1. Tires (Improperly inflated)
2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)
3. Steering column (Binding)
4. Power steering gearSA−2
SA−4
−
SR−44
Excessive play
1. Steering system joints (Worn)
2. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)
3. Intermediate shaft, Sliding yoke (Worn)
4. Front wheel bearing (Worn)
5. Power steering gear−
SA−45
−
SA−4
SR−44
Abnormal noise
1. Power steering fluid level (Low)
2. Steering system joints (Worn)
3. Power steering vane pump
4. Power steering gearSR−5
−
SR−31
SR−44
Page 1278 of 1354
SR0FF−01
R11229
Normal Abnormal SR−4
− STEERINGPOWER STEERING FLUID
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
POWER STEERING FLUID
BLEEDING
1. CHECK FLUID LEVEL (See page SR−5)
2. JACK UP FRONT OF VEHICLE AND SUPPORT IT
WITH STANDS
3. TURN STEERING WHEEL
With the engine stopped, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock
several times.
4. LOWER VEHICLE
5. START ENGINE
Run the engine at idle for a few minutes.
6. TURN STEERING WHEEL
(a) With the engine idling, turn the wheel to left or right full
lock and keep it there for 2−3 seconds, then turn the
wheel to the opposite full lock and keep it there for 2−3 se-
conds.
(b) Repeat (a) several times.
7. STOP ENGINE
8. CHECK FOR FOAMING OR EMULSIFICATION
If the system has to be bled twice specifically because of foam-
ing or emulsification, check for fluid leaks in the system.
9. CHECK FLUID LEVEL (See page SR−5)
Page 1279 of 1354

SR0FG−01
R00427
R11229
Normal
Abnormal
R11562Engine Idling
Engine Stopped 5 mm (0.2 in.)
or less
− STEERINGPOWER STEERING FLUID
SR−5
1996 RAV4 (RM447U)
INSPECTION
1. CHECK FLUID LEVEL
(a) Keep the vehicle level.
(b) With the engine stopped, check the fluid level in the oil
reservoir.
If necessary, add fluid.
Fluid: ATF DEXRON® II or III
HINT:
Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the
reservoir. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD
LEVEL range.
(c) Start the engine and run it at idle.
(d) Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to
boost fluid temperature.
Fluid temperature: 80°C (176°F)
(e) Check for foaming or emulsification.
If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering
system (See page SR−4).
(f) With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil
reservoir.
(g) Stop the engine.
(h) Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the oil
reservoir.
Maximum fluid level rise: 5 mm (0.20 in.)
If a problem is found, bleed power steering system
(See page SR−4)
(i) Check the fluid level.