Replacing the powered tailgate lifting struts on a 2016 Toyota RAV4 (XA40)

 This blog post is intended as a help for anyone else with a 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 whose tailgate has developed a will of its own. 

Over the last few years the powered tailgate on my car has become increasingly temperamental. When opening and closing it made horrible grinding and graunching noises from the struts. Occasionally it would stick part way up or more often after a couple of inches when closing. Pressing the button again sometimes worked but often didn't meaning I had to force the door up/down against the motors which was undoubtedly doing more damage. Attempting to lubricate the struts was futile, they're sealed units with no lubrication points. The problem was exacerbated by cold weather, just when you don't want to be standing in the car park fighting with the tailgate.

It got to the point where I needed to do something about it!

The simple option would be get the dealer to replace the struts. That would also be the four digit bill option so I looked into obtaining a pair of replacement struts and doing the job myself.

RAV4 power tailgate troubles aren't uncommon so the parts are available, either expensive "genuine Toyota" ones or more reasonable after-market parts. I decided on the latter. Finding a pair rather than just the left one which seemed to be what most sellers had took a bit of research but eventually i ordered these from eBay seller The Retail Warehouse (8633)

 Electric Tailgate Gas Struts Pair Fits Toyota RAV4 2013-2018 UK Stock

Which arrived the next working day.

Changing the struts is not a difficult job if you are careful and methodical, have and can use the following tools:

1. A 10mm socket, extension bar and ratchet.
2. A 10mm AF open ended spanner.
3.  A small flat bladed screwdriver.
4. Small pointed pliers (what telephone engineers call 81s).
5. A prop to support the tailgate, preferably adjustable. (I used a window-cleaning extendable pole. Alternatively a second person with nothing better to do would work).
6. Something in which to collect small screws and clips so they don't go astray.
7. Rag for cleaning parts.

I watched this video by  The Car Care Nut on YouTube a couple of times:

 TOYOTA OWNERS! Power Back Door Problems and How to Prevent Them.

Yes it's from the USA but it's not the usual maniacal YouTube presentation and the guy seems to know what he's talking about.

Video instructions are no use when you're actually doing the job so I created this PDF version with step by step instructions and notes from actually completing the task.

Toyota Rav4 2013-2018 (XA40) power tailgate strut replacement. 

From start to finish it took me about an hour and a half, working outdoors (Kerbside Autos R Us). The tailgate worked first time and continues to do so. I didn't have any screws left over for a change.