Replacing Toyota Liftgate Struts/Cylinders

Replacing the lift gate cylinders on a 2013 Toyota Rav4. This repair should work on most any SUV with a rear gate. I changed it over from an auto-lift system to a manual lift. This is due mostly to the cost of replacement cylinders being upwards of $1200 vs only about $60 for the manual lift units. Of course, you can watch this video to see how to change your Auto-Lift units for you folks looking to keep it.

[@CharlieAllan-ps7bn]

I followed your directions carefully and presto! New cylinders on my lift gate that cost me $70 total, where Toyota was going to charge $1400 to replace the old broken auto-lift cylinders. I would caution your viewers that using a Dremel tool with the cutoff wheel is quite dangerous if you don't wear good eye protection. I went out to my local hardware store and got a face shield for $35 before I started the job of cutting the old ends off to recover the ball-end brackets. One cutting wheel blew up while I was working and hit the face shield directly in front of my eyes! That was one of the best $35 I ever spent! If you are not comfortable with doing this job, just buy new ones. The brackets (part numbers supplied by Sketchy Past Shop) aren't that expensive directly from Toyota, about $70 total. One other tip - I just cut the wires to the auto-lift cylinders and put a piece of heatshrink tubing around the bundle such that it could not touch anything and short, and pushed it back through the hole in the side of the hatch. This saved me taking the plastic panel off the hatch.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Great tips Charlie! Thank you.

[@dabrte]

Forgive me for not seeing this but what are the part #s for the mounting brackets. Mine are corroded and broke. I do see the strut Orielly #, thank you for the video. I am going to convert to the manual struts as you did.

[@SteveBrodeur-v1d]

Today I heard a clunk and the rear hatch of my 2017 Rav Hybrid just froze partway open. It took me a couple minutes to realize the ball joint on a strut had broke off and the strut was now preventing the door from closing. (Now I know what the clunk sound was when operating the rear door for the last several months. The rust was binding up the joint until the motors could break it free! Disappointing to have this problem as I had asked the dealer to check out the clunk issue and they lubricated the lock.) With a stuck rear hatch, I googled and landed on this page. Watched the video and followed the steps, worked like a charm! Great explanation and a great help to me!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I'm delighted to have helped! I'm proud of you for completing the work! Great job!

[@justjoshinson]

for anyone who doesn't have the button in the glovebox, I found there's a setting in the driver's display to turn it off (instructions found in owner's manual) -- if you push the < or > buttons on the left side of the wheel and go into the settings you'll find a liftgate icon

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Very cool! Thanks Josh!

[@mbmull]

Just changed mine out today! We found out when cutting the strut off the bracket, if you get a small pick, there is a little clip around the ball you can cut off and the ball pops right out. Didn’t find out until doing the second bracket. Thanks for the video, you saved me 1200 dollars on new ones!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Michael, thanks for the added tip! The ones I replaced were too corroded to see that clip I guess. I'm so very glad to know I helped you save money. That was my point to making the video.

[@karenduhr5720]

I Thank you so much! The dealership wanted over $1000 to replace my electric struts. I bought them for $220 from Amazon and with very little help from my husband I changed them myself and they work perfectly! One note the dealership had turned mine off, which I didn’t even know you could do, so when I replaced them they didn’t work at first. I had to go into settings and turn them back on, in case this happens to anyone else.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Great job of overcoming Karen! I'm proud of you!

[@joshuasettle9954]

You saved me $1400! Best DIY I've ever done. The only other car thing I have replaced was a car battery and car front lights, lol.

[@anducantoo3954]

Awesome! Love to hear it!

[@austinalsobrook]

Just changed ours on our 14 limited. Did the exact same thing, and thanks for the video. Nice that someone else knew what to do but it sucks it broke in the first place. Stopped a couple times to watch what you did and it helped. Have a dremel but no cutting discs. Used a die grinder and cutting disc and a hacksaw, slow going but ended the same. Sure beats spending from 350-600 for just one shock! Awesome work.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Thank you austinalsobrook!

[@rebelsixtynine1]

Just finished installing new Manuel struts on my rav4 .your video was awsome,you made it so easy.thanks for saving me $1400.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Good for you Rebel! Great job! Thanks for the kind compliment !

[@unseenowsgc]

Which struts did you use?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

@@unseenowsgc part number SG229045 at O'REILLY

[@gaylebrown3109]

Thank you so much for posting this video! I was able to follow the procedure step-by-step and replace the liftgate struts that suddenly crapped out on me recently! I much prefer the manual function over the power struts, which I always found to be incredibly slow.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Proud of you for doing it yourself! Glad I could help.

[@johnkroll121]

It worked perfectly. It was just one and a half hours. And cost $38.00. Thanks.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Great John!

[@mirandaellington2125]

I just want to say thank you SO much for this video. Mine has been doing this for a while so I took mine completely off for now till I can afford replacements. It got to the point where the door was crooked so that it wouldn't close. It was off from the middle about 1/2 an inch. This gave me the confidence to do it myself and save some money. Thanks again!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I'm so very proud of you Miranda! Thank you for your kind note!

[@guzewski9775]

The ball joint broke on my right-side lifter. Just shattered right off so the ball is still in the socket but otherwise useless. Toyota quoted a price for both sides (they won't fix just one side) at the ridiculous price of $2500. I nearly fell off my chair. I managed to source a used pair for $750, which is still outrageous but they saw me coming, I guess. I miss the days of driving to the junkyard and stripping whatever you need off some wreck for $20. Anyway, this video saved me a ton of cash. There is no way I could have figured all out on my own. Thanks so much for posting this. I hope you get some excellent karma for your service to do-it-yourselfers everywhere.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Thank you so much for the excellent feedback Guzewski! So glad to hear I could help you out!

[@N9IWJ]

I just wanted to come back and give you guys a heads up on replacing the struts first of all the video was extremely helpful The problem I have ran into I want to let you know My struts were locked up where I could not open the hatch against the motor like you normally can so I had to pull it open far enough to get to the nuts on the hinges to remove them doing that I bent the two hinges for the rear hatch now it does not seal If your struts are locked up be careful and opening them forcefully a better way to do it might be to get them open just a little bit and take a sawzall and cut them in half I learn the hard way now I have to replace the hinges which is a major job I had to get it open about 18 in to get to the nuts maybe another way would have been to just take a die grinder tool and cut the shocks where the little balls mount to the mounts then use a Dremel tool to cut the balls off after you get it open Don't bend your hinges if your struts are locked up learn from me

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Wow! Thanks for the heads-up!

[@robertq5390]

Thanks for a very informative video, I just performed this. I used 525mm gas struts with a 10mm shaft. Removed the brackets with a very small screwdriver to get at the clips. Works better than the electric struts! Thanks.

[@CharlieAllan-ps7bn]

You saved me a ton of cash and showed me how to convert to a manual lift gate! Just what I wanted but didn't know I could do. Thanks! And double bonus points for adding the part numbers!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Delighted to help!

[@nenadbozic4126]

​@@sketchypastshop668820:59

[@jeffgray1950]

Great video. Used it to convert a 2013 Rav4 Limited from auto-lift to manual. I spent $131 on parts and the only thing I did different was I bought four new brackets so I didn't have to fool with any cutting. Worked like a charm. Thanks, Great job.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Thank you Jeff!

[@chenchuangli9892]

Jeff, where did you buy the bracket?

[@randyginden3852]

Jeff...where did you find the brackets?

[@jeffgray1950]

@@randyginden3852 Randy, I got them from EB Toyota Parts. Here is what I ordered. I ended up not needing the bolts. Ordered Feb 3, 2022. EB Toyota Parts 1-888-364-3138 Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total 68960-0R010 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 - Lift Cylinder $31.58 1 $31.58 68950-0R010 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 - Lift Cylinder $31.58 1 $31.58 68945-42010 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 - Lift Cylinder Upper Bracket $10.59 1 $10.59 68946-42010 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 - Lift Cylinder Upper Bracket $10.59 1 $10.59 90105-A0040 2000-2020 Toyota Mount Bracket Bolt $0.69 8 $5.52 68947-42020 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 - Lift Cylinder Lower Bracket $10.59 1 $10.59 68948-42020 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 - Lift Cylinder Lower Bracket $10.59 1 $10.59 Subtotal: $111.04 Estimated Standard Shipping: $14.25 Total: $125.29

[@jeffgray1950]

@@chenchuangli9892 Sorry, I never got notified of your reply. I hope you made the change. It was pretty easy. Jeff

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Thanks for the great video! It was very helpful when I replaced mine. I used a ladder to hold up the gate. I did not bother to unplug the old cables. I just cut them off. Saved me the trouble of removing the other panel. My local dealer wanted $430 each for the power units. I got the replacement set for less than $40.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I so glad to hear you were successful! Even better that you made your own choices along the way.

[@michelgauthier4953]

Thanks for making the video. I bought some Alibaba replacement power struts for $365CAD and this video was good to watch beforehand.

[@bobcaldwell274]

Perfect, thank you! My tailgate has been doing the same thing for a long time and the fix is long overdue.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

So very glad to help!

[@davidlanman2926]

yes here too...thank you for this video....plus I suspect it may because the way you approach your process of mechanics ....very well done thanks!

[@jefftrader176]

Best video showing how to work with clamps!

[@mark_753]

I followed your instructions and was able to do this myself today. Works great! Only catch is that I'm pretty sure it doesn't open as high as the automatic struts did. Gotta remember to duck when I'm putting in the groceries.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Mark, I a firm believer in "Rock what ya got". Nice job man!

[@paulbenson7249]

The strut replacement went smoothly, but I have a real problem with the fact that the liftgate doesn't rise as high. I am going to look for a way to get longer struts that will fit the balls on the mounting brackets. If anyone has experience with that I would love to hear about it!

[@mark_753]

​@@paulbenson7249 let me know if you find some longer ones that work. It's not the end of the world, but it would be nice if it raised just a bit higher.

[@banksterbox23]

Thanks for the instruction! I was a able to remove and install the new power strut in about a half hour.

[@justins8004]

Thanks for the video, my cylinders lasted about 5 years and are used 5-8 times per day as I transport things for work. I ended up replacing my automatic lift cylinders with aftermarket automaitc ones on ebay that ran 120 bucks for a pair. (They had many that ranged from 100-220, and I just purchased the cheapest one with a lifetime warranty and a seller with substantial reviews). Installation was a breeze, and I was done in about 30min. My trim was held by 8mm bolts, and the cylinder brackets by 10mm, otherwise it was all the same. Replacements came with brand new brackets so everything just bolted right up with no modification. After replacement, the gate got "stuck" at about 1 foot from being closed, I gently pushed on the gate and it closed itself completely and hasn't done it since. I assume the new cylinders just needed to calibrate to the fully closed position. Not sure how long the aftermarket ones will last, or if the warranty will be easy to use if they stop working, but if they last as long as my first ones I won't mind doing this job/buying another set in 5 years.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Awesome! Way to solve it your way!

[@edjacobs8876]

I bought the cheap eBay cylinder replacement. 8 months, boogered. Trying to convince wife to let me convert to manual...

[@justins8004]

@@edjacobs8876 Mine's still going fine but time will tell, and we'll see what the seller does if I ever need a warranty swap. I don't mind spending the 30 min swapping them, one of the easiest car repairs I've ever done. Manual is great too, only downside is once you sell the car having to explain to the buyer or dealership why its been modified...

[@drk1021]

Bought some replacements from amazon and they didn't last even 6 months. Going to try and switch to manual

[@justins8004]

@@drk1021 ​ Thanks a bummer, I hope you were able to get the warranty on them. Mine are still going fine, and I use them just as frequently as well. Manual is a great option and probably would be more reliable. But even if these failed tomorrow I would switch them out for the same. It would likely be faster to switch them next time since I've done it before. Also, whenever I have to sell the car, I'd rather not have to try to explain why its been modified or get haggled because of it.

[@markziegler580]

this is a great fix - but I used a right angle grinder with a steel composite grinding disc. It took 3 off in less time than I did the first with a dremel tool..

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Cool! I don't think I'd be able to do that without damaging the ball. Great job!

[@nielswolterink6816]

Thank you very much for this excellent video! Had exactly the same problem, in my case probably the right actuator doesn't operates every time. So I decides to do exactly the same. With your video it just worked out perfect! Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Hello Niels! I'm so glad to hear the video was helpful! So cool to hear I am reaching an international audience!

[@culturahiphopofficial]

Awesome, my 2016 rav4 needs this 😅, Thanks Brother for your tutorial, now I know what to do

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Absolutely my pleasure!

[@N9IWJ]

Thank you so much for your video they want it over $1,000 at Toyota for the parts switch mine to over to manual, I'm doing the job right now had to come back and see which directions you installed your shocks I see you put them on small end toward the rear Appreciate your helping video very very much,$70 on Amazon

[@LifewithTHEAngels]

I followed your video exactly, and everything went as planned. Thank you kindly!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

So glad to be able to help!

[@laradomski]

Thanks for the video! I am planning to replace mine, was trying to wait it out to see if Toyota would do a recall, it seems like this shouldn't be happening and it is. Also, thanks for including the parts you used, super helpful!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

You're welcome! I'm delighted anything I post can be of help! Thank you for your kind reply.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I got these at O'Reilly. Part # SG229045. Have a blessed day!

[@justjoshinson]

you should put this in the description so it's not lost as your comment gets buried

[@kellmary2095]

After I changed my rav4 lift gate to manual.. I can’t use my car remote to open it again and I can’t open it from inside .. is this how it works?

[@robertwilkins1765]

Can you use manual struts that fit earlier model Rav4 's that don't have automatic lift such as the 2018 -2020 models If so what is the make and part number and approx cost ? Thanks.

[@dcnasoni]

My man, thanks so much, I have to tackle mine tomorrow. Your info was awesome!

[@seanjago9227]

Thx vm for this vid, I’ve searched you tube for this, and it’s exactly the one I needed. I’ve changed conventional liftgate struts on my old 03 GMC Yukon XL, but I’ve never attempted the power struts. I see the electronic ones in aftermarket parts for my 2017 RAV4 for @200ish for a pair. Your video showed me how to access the wire harness, as well as removing that trim piece. I saw the 10mm bolts, but what confused me was what look like pop rivets in the middle of the piece itself. I was wondering how I get those off. After watching how you removed the trim piece, I was very relived. I did noticed another wire harness next to the power strut one, do you know what that powers? I also noticed the colors of the wiring were different than the ones powering the strut. I want to make sure I do the ole apples to apples After this comment, I’m ordering the replacement electronic ones, and giving it a shot. Thx again, this was so helpful ✌🏻 And

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Without seeing the additional harness, I'd guess either rear wiper or rear gate speakers. Only a guess.

[@davidsmith446]

Thanks so much for the dremel tip. Great video.

[@thomasdinh2753]

i actually prefer the simple reg shocks over the factory installed ones. they take so long to close and open sometimes.

[@edgardorodrigue6442]

Thanks the best video that really explain how to do it , gracias senor ❤

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Gracias mi amigo! De nada!

[@dolungpan4449]

This is so much useful to me as I had the exact same problem, I'm now very confident to replace my electrical lift gate into manual one. Thank you so much. but prior to my replacement work, I have two questions that need you help/advice here: 1. after replace into hydraulic gate cylinder, do I need to change my trunk lock as well, or simply switch it off as video shown? 2. can you show me the hydraulic gas cylinder model that you use, I would like to try the same one, or its specification? again thanks you very much. Dolung

[@musclecarsrt2324]

What about the hole you left in the tailgate where the wiring harness went into? The gate will fill with water if you don’t seal it 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@charger6773]

Thank you! Very detailed video !

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

Exactly what I needed to see!!!! The power lift gate on mine is a royal pain in the butt…gonna do this next weekend. Where’d you get the replacement struts? Do you have a link for those?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Hi ABSV, thanks for watching! I got these at O'Reilly. Part # SG229045

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

@@sketchypastshop6688 nice thanks man

[@tink417]

Anybody have a good place to buy the top and bottom brackets? Mine snapped

[@alfbaldwin7144]

Well, I have to replace mine and this video is a great help! One question...where to source the replacement struts? Is there a direct replacement to the power lift ones? Meaning length and strength. Thanks

[@sketchypastshop6688]

These came from O'REILLY

[@66tdarren]

Can you share the link for the correct struts?

[@roadtaco3924]

Thanks you. Helped a ton !!!! 👌🏾

[@mcastanonavarro6918]

Holaaa. Buenas tardes. ?Algun problema en el cuadro de mandos al dejar el motor eléctrico desconectado? Gracias

[@deabresemann7330]

Thank you so much! We are planning to follow this! If we want to replace with the power struts do we simply plug in the new ones and everything else is the same?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

If you are replacing with the power struts, the new brackets are already attached to them, so you won't need to cut the brackets off the okds struts. And you are correct: Simply unbolt the old struts, replace with the new strut, and plug each into its wiring connector.

[@nicktoth5632]

Great video! I just replaced my wife’s lift gate, but now I’m having an issue where I cannot open the trunk door from the exterior. I made sure the power door button is turned off, but the only way I can open the trunk door right now through the interior of the car. Any solutions to this?

[@seshachary5580]

very educative. thank you regards

[@boorayin2773]

I had to replace my actuators (struts) on my 2013 RAV4 a few years ago and now my issue is that it has started popping off the ball down on the bottom (on the car). Is this an issue for anyone else??

[@GOOhBERMan420]

Hey was should i do if i cannot open the hatch more then a foot? and its misaligned, the left side of the top of the hatch is clearly lower then the right which is causing the right side to hit the roof side of the hatch metal on metal.

[@dabrte]

Forgive me for not seeing this but what are the part #s for the mounting brackets. Mine are corroded and broke. I do see the strut Orielly #, thank you for the video. I am going to convert to the manual struts as you did.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Watching now

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Thanks Dave's Racing! I look forward to checking out your channel!

[@kylewong1396]

Does anyone know the minimum weight per strut for 2014 Toyota Rav 4 limited? I found universal 23” ones but are only 79lb per strut. Unsure if they will work properly without sag.

[@tibi8655]

Good tutorial

[@deansperformance9717]

Well done!

[@cojocarustefan8153]

Thank You for the video, IT was very helpfull!

[@sketchypastshop6688]

So glad to help you!

[@tomricapito257]

Do you know where we can buy the brackets? I can't find them anywhere. I cant reuse my old ones. The reason I'm changing them is because the ball part of the hardware rusted and broke right off of the rest of the bracket.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Hi Tom. At the time I filmed this, O'Reilly had brackets listed as available on their website. But I decided to reuse the originals instead.

[@corrineullom8739]

@@sketchypastshop6688 Do you know the name of the brackets? I am in the same sticky situation where the ball rusted. I need to replace a bracket in order to replace a manual or power strut and I am hoping to go the cheaper route as you did. I can find the brackets for sale with the power liftgate strut, but I was really hoping to go manual to save money.

[@kisbacha]

Watch your video really helpful but what kind of struts you use kindly reply. Thanks

[@sketchypastshop6688]

got these at O'Reilly. Part # SG229045. Have a blessed day!

[@Liztravels529]

What's the exact name of the part so I could look it up I'm having the same problem with my 2014 toyota rav4

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Hi Elizabeth. I bought the parts at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Part #SG229045

[@Liztravels529]

@@sketchypastshop6688 thank you

[@Kyemech]

really neat video, thanks!

[@lepableramirez4753]

Pero en donde los puedo comprar manden el links por favor

[@RonOrud]

I have a friend who has a pin rusted out and the strut falls off the pin. The struts are fine. What do you recommend I use to press them together when I replace the bracket?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I would most likely try a vice or large plyers. That might prove to be harder than it seems.

[@RonOrud]

@@sketchypastshop6688 I used a c clamp. I was having trouble until I realized I needed to put a small round stone on the Dremel and clean out the rusted metal. Then it popped in easily with a little marine grease to try keep the rust down on the new one.

[@sketchypastshop6688]

@@RonOrud nice work and resourceful thinking!

[@frankiejagdeo776]

Nice video, i called Toyota parts to oder the parts but they said this couldn't or shouldn't be done. They said the entire lift gate would need to be changed. Any truth to this?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I can only tell you what I did. It gets used daily and is working fine.

[@zohaibjiva4135]

Is it necessary to replace both or just the right side

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I'm sorry Zohaib, I don't know the answer to that question for certain. But, it is my opinion to do both at the same time. I suggest this because I believe the manual struts are a bit shorter than the original, powered ones. I don't know if the powered strut would function if you only replace 1.

[@tomricapito257]

Perhaps a silly question... I have to replace mine and will also switch to the manual option as you did. Instead of opening up the back to disconnect the wire harnesses, would it work to just clip them where they come out of the hatch and leave the the harnesses in place?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Hi Tom. In theory, you could do that. I've been contacted by viewers who did. But for my money, it's worth opening it up and just unplugging. If you decide to just cut them, be sure to insulate the ends of the hot wires on both sides...or pull the fuse.

[@user-sl8nx7tt9h]

How do you know that it is the lift struts that are shot, or an electrical issue?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Fair question. I suppose it depends on what it's doing. In this case, it was bring really flaky. Working correctly occasionally and then misbehaving like I filmed in the video most of the time. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that if it is totally dead, then your more likely to have an electrical issue. Most of the electrical issues will be in the wiring harness where it bends and unbending constantly at the top of the door.

[@alfredoespinoza427]

Who can help me telling me which size are the cylinders?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I bought these at O'Reilly. Part #SG229045

[@Liztravels529]

Hi where did you the buy the part

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I bought these at O'Reilly. Part #SG229045

[@hatemhawamdeh2431]

Where to get theses sturts?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

I got these at O'Reilly. Part # SG229045

[@ericeinsmann5559]

You can also get them on Amazon. I have a 2016 Rav4 XLE and these worked great! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XPZR18Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@oantech4252]

Toyota dealer brackets 2014 Rav4 Part Number Part Name Price Quantity Total 68948-42020 Liftgate Support Strut Holder (Left, Lower) $12.74 1 $12.74 68947-42020 Liftgate Support Strut Holder (Right, Lower) $12.74 1 $12.74 68946-42010 Liftgate Support Strut Holder (Left, Upper) $12.74 1 $12.74 68945-42010 Liftgate Support Strut Holder (Right, Upper) $12.74 1 $12.74 90105-A0040 Mount Bracket Bolts $0.84 ea

[@sketchypastshop6688]

Thanks oen tech!

[@lenavig]

Where could I have this done in Fort Lauderdale?

[@sketchypastshop6688]

@@lenavig I'm sorry my friend, I'm in Ohio and do not know any shops in FL.

[@lenavig]

@@sketchypastshop6688 thanks for replying. I am from Ottawa Canada however. Very smart video