Removal (RAV4 2WD)
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect throttle valve cable from throttle body. Remove coolant reservoir tank. Remover air cleaner assembly. Remove ground cable.
- Remove starter. Remove the 3 upper transaxle-to-cylinder block bolts located at top of transaxle. Raise and support vehicle. Remove lower engine covers.
- Support engine with hoist. Steering gear assembly must be supported in place during transaxle removal. Secure steering gear assembly to the engine hoist using an attaching strap placed at each end of steering gear assembly.
- Remove transaxle-to-mount bolts/nuts from top of transaxle at driver's side end of transaxle.
- Remove front wheels. Drain transaxle fluid. Remove axle shafts from transaxle. See FWD AXLE SHAFTS article in DRIVE AXLES.
- Remove front exhaust pipe located between exhaust manifold and rear exhaust pipe. Support transaxle with transmission jack. Disconnect shift cable, necessary electrical connectors and oil cooler hoses at transaxle.
- Remove shift cable brackets from suspension crossmember. Suspension crossmember is located below the engine and fits between both lower control arms. See Fig 1. Remove steering gear assembly-to-suspension crossmember bolts.
- Support suspension crossmember with floor jack. Remove bolts/nuts, engine mount crossmember and suspension crossmember with stabilizer bar. See Fig 1.
- Remove bolts and stiffener plate. Stiffener plate fits between side of cylinder block and front of transaxle. Remove torque converter cover from front of transaxle. Remove torque converter bolts.
- Remove the 2 cylinder block-to-transaxle bolts. These bolts are located on cylinder block side and thread into the transaxle. Lower transaxle from vehicle.
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