Toyota RAV4
Tailgate Support Struts Replacement Guide
How to change weak or failing tailgate
support struts on a 5th generation 2019 to 2023 Toyota RAV4.
 2019 RAV4 Tailgate |
 Towel - Hold Up Tailgate |
 Driver Side Part Number |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the fifth
generation (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and the updated 2023 model year) Toyota
RAV4 SUV in changing weak, failing or faulty tailgate support struts (also
known as "prop rods", "springs" or "gas shocks"). Owners of other Toyota and Lexus vehicles such as the Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Avalon, C-HR, GR86, Venza, Sienna, Sequoia, 4Runner, IS 250, IS 300, IS 350, ES 350, GS 350 and GX 460 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part numbers for the tailgate support struts (Toyota refers to them as "back door stay assembly" or "hatch lift support") are as follows: Driver Side (left) # Toyota 689600R060 (or 68960-0R060) and Passenger Side (right) # Toyota 689500R060 (or 68950-0R060). The only tool needed to complete this procedure is a standard flat head screwdriver. The first two steps are to open the tailgate door and have an assistant hold it open for you. I also wedged a large towel in between the support strut and the tailgate door on the opposite side to help hold the tailgate in the raised position. |
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 Passenger Side Strut |
 OEM Part Number |
 Pry Out "C" Retaining Clip |
| Warning:
Make sure your assistant is firmly holding up the tailgate door! Use the blade of a flat head screwdriver to gently pry out the "C" shaped black metal retaining clip at the bottom of the support strut. You do not need to fully remove the "C" clip. Just pull it about a 1/4". Carefully pull the ball socket off the ball mount attached to the vehicle. |
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 Pull Off Top of Strut |
 Pry Out "C" Clip |
 Old Strut Removed |
| Repeat the process
for the top of the strut.
Insert the blade of the flat head screwdriver in between the middle of the "C" shaped retaining clip and gently pry it out a small amount. Set the old strut aside. Make sure your assistant is still holding up the tailgate. With only one strut installed, the tailgate door will fall down and hurt you if it is not supported. |
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 Grease Ball Mount |
 Line Up New Strut |
 Install Top of Strut |
| If your old support
struts made a squeaking or grinding noise, apply some grease to the ball
mounts attached to the to the tailgate door and the cargo area opening of
the vehicle. Orientate the new strut with the thin metal rod part close to the tailgate door and the thicker gas shock section down by the cargo area opening. Gently pry out the "C" shaped retaining about a 1/4" with the flat head screwdriver. Push the ball socket over the ball mount on the vehicle. |
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 Push In Retaining Clip |
 Push In Bottom "C" Clip |
 New Strut Installed |
| Repeat the process
for the other end of the new support strut. Make sure the ball sockets are fully seated on the mounts. Push the middle of the "C" shaped retaining clips to secure them in place. Double check that the new strut is properly installed and securely attached before moving on to the other side. To test the new support struts, open and close the tailgate door a few times. If the door stays fully open by itself, the new struts are working properly. For more, please check out all of my
2019-2023 Toyota RAV4 DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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