Gearbox repair Toyota Rav 4 | Standard Exchange

Know how to identify gearbox failures

Driving a RAV4 is a real pleasure when all the parts are operational. However, some of them are subject to wear and tear that affects your comfort and can be felt in the SUV's behaviour. If the gearbox is designed to have the same lifespan as the Rav4, it may be subject to malfunctions due to premature wear or maintenance.

To get started, check the date of the last gearbox oil change on your Rav4. If it is a long time ago and you have already travelled many kilometres, possibly including difficult roads, it is possible that the stress may have been too intense. This can lead to a lack of lubrication, which can cause problems with your Toyota Rav4's automatic transmission or manual gearbox.

If you have recently changed the automatic transmission in your Toyota Rav4 or checked the oil level in your BVM, you will need to be more attentive to your vehicle's reactions, especially when engaging your gears. A gear that doesn't shift, a lever that releases while driving, squeaks or jerks should immediately spark your interest.

When stationary, observe the areas you have driven over and take a look under your SUV. Oil streaks are never a good sign. They indicate a leak that prevents proper lubrication of the gears that keep your transmission system running smoothly.

If in doubt, have the part checked and already ask about the price of a gearbox change for Rav4.

The different kinds of gearboxes for Toyota Rav 4?

It is important to know that the gearbox of a 2019 Rav4 cannot be interchanged with a different reference like the gearbox of a 2004 Toyota Rav4. This is a rule that applies to all models because vehicle design has evolved greatly over the years. A brief look back at the generations of Rav4s and the gearboxes that equip them will allow you to better identify the gearbox of your Toyota Rav4 d4d or gas-powered vehicle.

The RAV4 (literally 4-wheel drive active recreational vehicle) revolutionized the automotive industry when it was introduced in Tokyo in 1989. A compromise between the passenger car and the classic road vehicle, it has an assertive style and incorporates advanced technical features for its time.

The first generation is marketed in 1994 after numerous improvements on the initial prototype. The 2.0-litre 3S-FE engine then transmits its power to the wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox (BVM) or a 4-speed automatic gearbox for Rav4 (BVA).

The second generation emerges in 2001, when competition in the SUV sector becomes tougher. Toyota therefore decided to increase the dimensions of its RAV4 to optimise comfort inside the cabin. However, the gearboxes are retained. The same 5-speed BVMs and 4-speed BVAs as before. They remain unchanged until the next generation is introduced. In other words, the 2002 Rav4's automatic transmission is the same as the 2003 Rav4's automatic transmission, for example. Similarly, the manual transmission of the 2004 Rav4 is the same as the one produced from 2001 onwards.

Further improvements are taking place in the plants, leading to a third generation marketed from 2005. In terms of design, the manufacturer is banking on even more imposing dimensions than before. The range of engines is also diversifying. From now on, the Rav4's automatic gearbox has 4 to 6 gears, compared to 5 to 6 gears for the mechanical versions.

The CVT is a major innovation that will be taken up and improved on subsequent BVAs. It's a continuously variable automatic transmission that speeds up the time it takes to select the right gear. If you handle the gearbox of a 2007 Rav4 or one built from 2005 onward, you've certainly noticed that the ride combines precision and flexibility when shifting gears. In fact, the CVT transmission has a dedicated gear ratio for starting that increases efficiency. The system uses the instant selection mode typical of BVAs.

The year 2012 is marked by the official presentation of the fourth-generation Rav4, which is once again increased in size. This new version has 10 times more sales than the 1994 Rav4, which is explained by its increased performance. The CVT is still present in the range of automatic transmissions and mechanical gearboxes are now available to expand the range.

Four years later, a hybrid engine was introduced. It goes without saying that the operation of the gearbox in a Toyota Rav4 hybrid differs somewhat from the other variants.

The 6-speed manual gearbox is lifted in 2018: it loses 24 mm and 7 kg compared to previous versions. iMT(Intelligent Manual Transmission) technology is integrated to automatically adjust engine rotation when you change gears. No more unpleasant jerks and reverses!

The fifth generation will be available on the European market from 2019. It is equipped with a gearbox for the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid as this new SUV is part of the all-hybrid range.

How do you remove the gearbox from your Rav 4?

Because designs are different, a problem with the transmission on a 2007 Toyota Rav4 may differ from the signs of transmission failure on a 2019 Rav4 hybrid or Gearbox problems on other generations of Rav4 d4d.

Removing the gearbox from a Rav4 d4d or petrol-powered car is no easy task. The parts are heavy and rigorous checks are required throughout the process. Care must be taken to ensure that nothing is lost or damaged. This requires dexterity and professional tooling, as well as proven knowledge in the field.

Technical specificities must be taken into account. As mentioned above, the latest manual versions are, for example, shorter and lighter than the gearbox of a 2011 Rav 4. So there are mechanical differences to consider. Following the same logic, the final adjustments on the gearbox of a Rav4 hybrid will not follow the same pattern as for the gearbox of a used Rav4 d4d from previous generations.

Draining the gearbox of your Toyota Rav 4 should not be neglected. A suitable type of oil must be selected as the fluidity/viscosity must be adapted to the engine. The oil used to change the gearbox of a Rav4 d4d cannot be used on a mechanical transmission and vice versa. It is also essential to check that the lubricant level is correct and then make sure that there are no leaks.

Disassembly, assembly, adjustments, everything is millimetre-sized.

Don't complicate your life: entrust the replacement directly to an expert in the field. He knows the differences between the manual versions of the gearbox for used Toyota Rav4s and the used automatic transmissions for used Toyota Rav4s.

Where can I get a gearbox for used Toyota Rav4 or standard exchange?

The purchase you are planning must meet strict criteria. As explained, you already have to find the right reference. Then, it's more advantageous to take advantage of an excellent quality-price ratio on the automatic transmission of your Toyota Rav4. Finding a low-priced manual variant of the Rav4's gearbox would be just as interesting. These are all reasons that should encourage you to get in touch with a specialized dealer.

EDEN BOITES has a leading position in the European market. We sell gearboxes of all makes and models. So you will certainly find a gearbox for a Rav4 d4d from the 2000s, a gearbox for a 2019 Toyota Rav4 and more.

Our teams rigorously check each part to guarantee its quality. Our ambition is to combine the highest quality with the lowest prices. The price varies according to the reference: automatic gearbox for a 2003 Toyota Rav4, manual gearbox for a 1999 Rav4, automatic gearbox for a Toyota Rav4 hybrid, etc.

Fill out our web form and quickly receive a prize for the gearbox of your Toyota Rav4. Be sure to specify the part number, such as the type of engine, year of manufacture or type of part (automatic transmission for Toyota Rav4, for example).

We deliver all over Europe. You can indicate your address or that of the professional in charge of emptying and installing the automatic gearbox of your Rav4 (or your BVM).