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3raxton

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I need to replace the strut mount bolts (rusted out) for my Rav4 but I cannot figure out what the part number for the bolts are. I've seen a few different schematics / assemblies for the parts and believe I've found the right part but I can't be sure. Can anyone provide insight to which bolts I may need to purchase?

I know they are 21mm bolts but can't find anything listing 21mm online. Some links and part numbers related to my searching:

Toyota Parts – Steering Knuckle Assembly

Toyota Parts – Bolts

Parts Souq – 43211K / 9004A-10307

eBay – STRUT SHOCK to knuckle BOLT

Toyota Parts – 90105-A0251

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Discussion starter · #3 ·
The car comes with Type B but C can be installed for more camber adjustment. Type A is no camber adjustment and not recommended, Type D is for more extreme camber adjustments (Over 2.5 deg)

I read through the linked post earlier today and went out to take a look at mine, it's actually a completely different size than the assembly that I shared above. The camber bolts are 17 OD on my model; likely factory (second image). My biggest concern is that if I buy different camber bolts (B, C) they won't fit.

Is there a camber adjustment I should be following outside of this rather than sticking with bolt A? Thanks for the insight!

Link to accurate assembly for 2010 Rav4

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That's one of the only ways to adjust camber on these cars w/ MacPherson strut front suspension other than getting aftermarket camber plates etc.

The bolts will fit, they're listed as fitting a RAV4 from Toyota themselves. It's just a question as if you want adjustable camber up front or not. You push the knuckle inward with both bolts loose to add more neg camber, or pull outward for positive camber. The factory front camber I believe is around a max of -1 deg up front, but I don't have the specs with me. I believe it's the same for 2006-2012 RAV4, it may be different for FWD / AWD RAVs. I just like a bit more negative camber up front on my cars.

Why not just pull out the factory bolts and wire-wheel them and reuse? I have yet to see one of them snap, but sometimes they were so tight I had to use heat to get them out. They are very well made though and I have been reusing them for years without issues, I even had my original ones from 2002 on my Highlander until I swapped to type C for more camber adjustment.

My 2011 RAV and 2002 Highlander did come with the 15.9mm type (B) though instead of A 17mm. Mine is an AWD MFR in Canada. Not sure if any of that matters, maybe from the factory they pick what bolts the cars come with in order to get the camber as close to the factory spec as possible.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
That's one of the only ways to adjust camber on these cars w/ MacPherson strut front suspension other than getting aftermarket camber plates etc.

The bolts will fit, they're listed as fitting a RAV4 from Toyota themselves. It's just a question as if you want adjustable camber up front or not. You push the knuckle inward with both bolts loose to add more neg camber, or pull outward for positive camber. The factory front camber I believe is around a max of -1 deg up front, but I don't have the specs with me. I believe it's the same for 2006-2012 RAV4, it may be different for FWD / AWD RAVs. I just like a bit more negative camber up front on my cars.

Why not just pull out the factory bolts and wire-wheel them and reuse? I have yet to see one of them snap, but sometimes they were so tight I had to use heat to get them out. They are very well made though and I have been reusing them for years without issues, I even had my original ones from 2002 on my Highlander until I swapped to type C for more camber adjustment.
I appreciate the insight and explanation, I will likely go with type A for the time being. The reason I can't reuse them is because I can't yet get them out as hard as I try even with PB Blaster, an impact air gun, a torch, etc. I'm anticipating something will strip or I'll have an issue with them and prefer to have a backup in case I need it.

Is there any benefit to different camber that you've noticed / a reason you prefer different camber? Thanks!
 
The MacPherson strut suspension is very simple, compact and works well on these cars, but it has a big disadvantage. If you corner hard, your camber will start to go positive and you'll have less tire contact / grip with the road. On my Highlander I have bigger sway bars, lower and stiffer springs, stiffer lower control arm bushings and -2 camber up front and a little negative camber in the back as well to keep the tire as perpendicular as possible under cornering. This significantly improved the handling of the car and made it a lot more fun to drive. I could go more than -2 but it's still a daily driver most of the time so I don't want excessive tire wear. After trying a few setups -2 has been the sweet spot for me. The downside is you'll probably get a bit more tire wear

On the other Toyotas (2014 RX350, 2011 RAV, etc), I just run -1. These don't get driven as hard and don't need the extra camber. My 2008 RX gets -1.5 though as it gets similar treatment to my Highlander, just to a lesser degree. -3.5 degrees on the M3 was great for the track, but your tires would get chewed up in no time, especially during normal driving

I didn't go too crazy with the RAV, but the suspension is not stock anymore. 2018-2022 Lexus NX300 24mm rear sway bar (stock is 22mm), Lexus NX200t front struts & springs + Lexus NX200t rear shocks and springs. This allows the RAV to be a more capable at hauling and cornering without a huge hit in ride comfort. The rear would sag before with the smallest amount of weight in the back, or if you took off at anything more than half throttle. It looks completely stock and sits at the same height too, except with more stiffness

@KTL found that the strut mounts are also compatible between 06-18 RAV4 and 15-22 Lexus NX, so we have lots of parts binning available to our platform
 
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