This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Shock absorber upper mount hardware kit (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber lower mount hardware kit (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 2 — Replace if worn or damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Power down vehicle completely and remove key fob from interior
3. Chock front wheels securely with wheel chocks on both sides
4. Spray all rear suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
6. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-designated rear lift point
7. Install jack stands under frame rails on both sides, ensuring stands are rated for at least half the vehicle's weight
8. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding
9. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
10. Inspect spring compressor tool to ensure it is in good condition and properly rated for commercial vehicle springs

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position hydraulic floor jack under the rear lower control arm or axle housing (depending on specific suspension design) on the side being serviced. Raise jack just enough to contact the suspension component and take slight tension off the shock absorber. Do not lift the vehicle at this point; the jack is only supporting the suspension to control its movement during disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt. Using appropriate size socket and wrench, remove the lower shock mounting bolt while supporting the shock absorber. Pull the shock absorber away from the mounting point to provide access to the coil spring. You may need to temporarily secure the shock out of the way using safety wire or zip ties.
3. 3

   Identify spring mounting configuration
   Inspect how the coil spring is seated. Note the position of upper and lower spring isolator pads (rubber cushions). Take photos for reference during reassembly. Identify whether the spring seats on the lower control arm or a dedicated spring perch, and whether the upper mount is on the frame or a shock tower.
4. 4

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer's instructions. Ensure compressor jaws are positioned at least 90 degrees apart and engaged properly on the spring coils. The compressor hooks must be fully seated on the coils, not just resting on them. Verify that compressor threads are lubricated and turn smoothly.
   ⚠️Improperly installed spring compressors can slip off under load, causing the spring to violently decompress. Double-check that compressor jaws are fully engaged before applying compression.
5. 5

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly tighten the spring compressor, alternating between compression points if using a two-piece compressor. Compress the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and both the upper and lower spring seats (approximately 1-2 inches of gap). The spring should no longer be under any load from the suspension. This may require significant compression force given the heavy-duty nature of this commercial vehicle.
   ⚠️Compress the spring slowly and watch for any signs of the compressor slipping or binding. Stop immediately if you hear cracking sounds or see the compressor shifting position.
6. 6

   Lower suspension to release spring
   With the spring fully compressed and retained by the spring compressor, carefully lower the hydraulic jack supporting the suspension. This will allow the lower control arm or axle to drop away from the compressed spring. Lower slowly and watch for any remaining load on the spring.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   Once the suspension is fully lowered and clear, carefully remove the compressed spring assembly with the compressor still installed. Maneuver it out of the vehicle, being careful not to catch on brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components. Place the compressed spring on a stable surface away from the work area.
8. 8

   Inspect and transfer components
   Inspect the upper and lower spring isolator pads for damage, cracking, or compression. If they are in good condition and you are reusing them, note their orientation. Remove them from the old spring. Carefully and gradually release tension on the spring compressor to decompress the old spring in a safe area. Remove the compressor from the old spring.
   ⚠When decompressing the old spring, ensure it is contained in a safe area where it cannot cause injury if it shifts during decompression.
9. 9

   Prepare new spring
   Install new spring isolator pads (or cleaned original pads if reusing) onto the new coil spring in the correct orientation as noted during disassembly. The isolators should match the contour of the spring ends. Install the spring compressor onto the new spring using the same configuration as used on the original spring.
10. 10

    Compress new spring
    Compress the new coil spring using the same procedure as before, ensuring the compressor is properly engaged and tightening evenly. Compress until the spring length matches approximately the same compressed length as the original spring when it was removed (typically allowing 1-2 inches clearance from the spring seats).
    ⚠️New springs may have different tension characteristics than worn springs. Apply compression slowly and ensure the compressor remains properly engaged throughout.
11. 11

    Install compressed spring into vehicle
    Carefully maneuver the compressed spring assembly back into position in the vehicle. Align the lower spring isolator pad with the lower spring seat on the control arm or axle housing. Ensure proper orientation matches the original spring installation (springs may have directional characteristics).
12. 12

    Raise suspension to seat spring
    Position the hydraulic jack back under the lower control arm or axle. Slowly raise the jack to compress the suspension upward, guiding the upper spring isolator into its upper seat on the frame or shock tower. Continue raising until the spring is fully seated in both upper and lower positions with no gaps. The spring should be supporting the suspension weight at normal ride height.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    With the suspension raised and the spring fully seated in its mounts, carefully and gradually release tension on the spring compressor. As you release the compressor, verify that the spring remains properly seated in both upper and lower positions. Once all tension is released from the compressor, remove the compressor tool from the installed spring.
    ⚠If the spring begins to shift out of position while releasing the compressor, stop immediately, recompress slightly, and verify proper seating before continuing.
14. 14

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Reposition the shock absorber to align with the lower mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and hardware. Without manufacturer torque specifications, tighten the lower shock bolt firmly using a torque wrench to approximately 90-110 ft-lbs as a conservative estimate for a commercial vehicle of this class, or until resistance indicates proper fastening. If possible, reference OEM service information for exact specifications before final tightening.
15. 15

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 150-165 ft-lbs for this vehicle class) in a star pattern. Remove jack and wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Verify all suspension fasteners are properly tightened
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or under the vehicle
3. Check that brake lines and ABS sensors were not damaged or displaced during the procedure
4. If both rear springs were replaced, verify they are the same part number and orientation

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, visually inspect that ride height appears normal and equal side-to-side
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify the spring is properly seated with no unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any clunking, rattling, or unusual suspension noises
• After test drive, re-inspect all fasteners to ensure nothing has loosened
• Have vehicle alignment checked by a qualified facility, as spring replacement affects suspension geometry
• Monitor vehicle handling for the first 50-100 miles, as new springs may require settling period
• STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Due to lack of manufacturer torque specifications, have a Rivian-certified technician inspect the installation to verify proper fastener torque and suspension function

More procedures for this vehicle