I have a 2015 Rav4 Limited with 97,000 miles,
I was wondering when other Rav owners were
replacing the shocks & struts on their Rav's?
I was wondering when other Rav owners were
replacing the shocks & struts on their Rav's?
REPLACING REAR SHOCKS
Bassetdad
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2,677 Posts
Don’t bother unless your shock/strut is leaking enough to require it. IIRC in the 4.3 mechanical area someone has posted a graphic showing four different leak scenarios and the replacement suggestions.
2012 RAV4 Base FWD.
Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.
2012 RAV4 Base FWD.
Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.
Agreed as above, when they leak or are no longer damping.
Ours (3rd gen) needed replacing at 60k miles as there was signs of leaks
Ours (3rd gen) needed replacing at 60k miles as there was signs of leaks
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1,184 Posts
At 97k miles, the struts and shocks are most likely gone, assuming they are still original. They degrade over time, in a vehicle you drive (assumed) daily. You won‘t know/feel the difference b/c the degradation occurs slowly over time, and you gto used to it b/c it’s your daily car. If you had access to a 2015 RAV4 w/ zero miles, would you be able to feel how badly the struts and shocks are.
Unfortunately, replacement of the struts and shocks is time consuming and costly (parts, alignment). The suspension is probably a neglected vehicle maintenance item.
If you replace all 4 corners, time how long each strut and shock takes to go from full compression to full extension. The used items will likely take a long time. The new items will likely take <=3sec each.
Remember, for optimal handling and braking, it is recommended to replace the struts and shocks every 5yr/50k mile. It is your decision to do whatever schedule you decide.
Unfortunately, replacement of the struts and shocks is time consuming and costly (parts, alignment). The suspension is probably a neglected vehicle maintenance item.
If you replace all 4 corners, time how long each strut and shock takes to go from full compression to full extension. The used items will likely take a long time. The new items will likely take <=3sec each.
Remember, for optimal handling and braking, it is recommended to replace the struts and shocks every 5yr/50k mile. It is your decision to do whatever schedule you decide.
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109 Posts
Lots of good video on YouTube especially from 1A Auto. Very clear directions on how to. If you are mechanically inclined and have a few tools, should not be that hard. Took me 20 min each side for Rear on 05 RAV4 though newer RAV4 looks like a little more work. $50-$100 for rear shocks depending on brand. If you plan on keeping the car, do it. It’s night and day 👍
Thank You everyone for reaching out to me. You confirmed exactly what I thought. Since the Rav4 is not my main driver, whenever I do drive it I definitely get the feeling that the shocks & struts are worn out. I plan on upgrading the Yota OEM parts with Blisten struts & shocks.
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