Parts for your 2020 Toyota Rav4-Sway bars & links

2020 Toyota RAV4 Sway Bar Links (Stabiliser Links)

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the AXAA5#/MXAA5# RAV4 platform (Repair Manual and New Car Features) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 is fitted with both front and rear stabiliser (sway) bars and uses stabiliser link assemblies to connect those bars to the strut/arms. So yes—sway bar links are relevant and used on the 2020 RAV4.

The sway bar links on a 2020 RAV4 tie the stabiliser bar to the suspension, helping the SUV stay flatter in corners and keep tyres planted on uneven roads. Each link uses ball-jointed ends to allow suspension travel whilst still transferring roll forces. When they’re in top nick, the RAV4 feels composed through roundabouts, over speed humps, and on fast rural bends—very handy for Aussie and Kiwi roads.

With age, the link ball joints and boots can wear or split, leading to play and that familiar clunk over sharp bumps. Excess body roll, vague steering response, or squeaks from the corners can also hint that a link is on the way out. They’re small parts with a big job, and they’re a common wear item on any modern SUV.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the sway bar links at every service or at least every 20,000–30,000 km. Look for torn dust boots, rust weep, or free play when the suspension is unloaded. Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: links are typically swapped in pairs on an axle, new self-locking nuts are used, and fasteners are torqued with the vehicle’s weight on its wheels to avoid bushing preload. A wheel alignment usually isn’t required after link replacement, but it’s sensible to check alignment if other suspension work has been done or if the tyres show odd wear.

• Common symptoms: clunking over bumps, rattles at low speed, extra body roll, WOF/roadworthy inspection fail.
• Good practice: replace in axle pairs, use quality parts, torque under load, and recheck fasteners after 100–200 km.
• Lifespan varies with roads and driving, many see 60,000–120,000 km before notable wear, but regular inspection is key.

For owners chasing a tidy, predictable ride from their 2020 RAV4, fresh stabiliser links are a quick win that keeps the cabin quiet and the handling confident.

Popular questions about 2020 Toyota RAV4 sway bar links

Do the 2020 RAV4 models have both front and rear sway bar links?

Yes. The AXAA5#/MXAA5# 2020 RAV4 uses a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link suspension, each with a stabiliser bar connected via stabiliser (sway) links. This setup improves cornering stability and reduces body roll on sealed and unsealed roads.

How often should sway bar links be replaced, and what do they cost in AU/NZ?

There’s no fixed interval—inspect at each service and replace when play, noise, or torn boots are found. Many owners see 60,000–120,000 km before replacement. Typical aftermarket links run about AU,60–,180 or NZ,80–,220 each, with 0.7–1.2 hours labour per side depending on corrosion and access.

Is a wheel alignment needed after changing sway bar links?

Usually not. Sway bar links don’t set camber or toe. Still, if multiple suspension parts were changed or the RAV4 shows uneven tyre wear or steering pull, it’s worth checking the alignment to keep things tracking straight.