why does my Toyota RAV4 XA40 (2013-2018) shake when I drive

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Ensure the vehicle is cool and disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety.

2. Inspect and Inflate Tires

• Tools Required: Tire pressure gauge, air compressor.
• Check each tire's pressure using a tire pressure gauge.
• Inflate tires to the recommended PSI as indicated on the driver’s door jamb.
• Inspect each tire for signs of damage such as bulges or punctures. Replace if necessary.

3. Balance and Align Wheels

• Tools Required: Wheel balancer, alignment rack.
• Remove the wheels from the vehicle using a socket set.
• Place the wheels on the wheel balancer and spin to check for balance. Add weights as needed.
• After balancing, mount the wheels back onto the vehicle.
• Use an alignment rack to adjust the wheel alignment according to manufacturer specifications.

4. Inspect Suspension Components

• Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench.
• Visually inspect the suspension components including control arms, bushings, and struts for wear.
• Replace any worn or damaged parts as needed.
• Re-torque any loose bolts to manufacturer specifications.

5. Test Drive and Final Checks

• Tools Required: OBD-II scanner.
• Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Conduct a test drive to ensure the vibrations have reduced or eliminated.
• Recheck for any error codes using an OBD-II scanner.