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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower spring isolator/pad × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper spring isolator/pad × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system shutdown
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands positioned at designated frame lift points (consult owner's manual for exact locations)
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Photograph suspension alignment and components before disassembly for reference during reassembly
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
9. Verify spring compressor is in good working condition with no damaged threads or worn components

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm ball joint area to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to contact the control arm but not lift the vehicle. This maintains suspension geometry during disassembly.
   ⚠The jack must remain in place throughout spring removal to control suspension movement. Do not allow suspension to drop suddenly.
2. 2

   Disconnect upper strut mounting
   Access the upper strut mount from the engine compartment (may require removal of access panel or plastic cover). Remove the upper strut mount nuts holding the strut assembly to the shock tower. Do not remove the center strut shaft nut at this time. Support the strut assembly to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Do not loosen the center strut shaft nut yet - this would release spring tension unsafely without a compressor installed.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line brackets and ABS sensor
   Remove any brake line brackets or clips attached to the strut assembly. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and remove any sensor wiring clips from the strut or control arm. Secure wiring away from the work area.
   ⚠Do not allow brake lines to hang unsupported or become twisted. Avoid damage to ABS sensor wiring.
4. 4

   Disconnect stabilizer link
   Remove the fastener connecting the stabilizer bar end link to the strut assembly. Use a wrench on the internal hex or backside nut to prevent spinning while loosening. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings.
5. 5

   Separate strut from knuckle
   Remove the bolts connecting the strut assembly to the steering knuckle (typically 2 large pinch bolts). If the connection is tight, use a pry bar to gently spread the knuckle pinch slot. The knuckle will remain connected to the lower control arm via the ball joint.
   ⚠Mark the position of any eccentric bolts or cam adjustment before removal to preserve alignment settings.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm while guiding the strut assembly down and out. Remove the entire strut/spring assembly from the vehicle. Transport to a clean, stable work surface.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the spring compressor onto the coil spring following the manufacturer's instructions. Position the compressor hooks evenly around the spring, engaging at least 3-4 coils. Ensure the compressor is centered and hooks are fully seated. Alternate tightening the compressor sides gradually and evenly to compress the spring.
   ⚠️Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Check hook engagement frequently. An improperly installed compressor can slip and release the spring violently.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Once spring is sufficiently compressed that upper mount moves freely, use a wrench to hold the strut shaft (typically hex head at top) while removing the upper strut shaft nut with another wrench or socket. Remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, and upper spring isolator/pad. Note the exact order and orientation of all components.
   ⚠️Ensure spring is fully compressed before removing shaft nut. Spring must not be under tension against upper mount.
9. 9

   Remove old spring
   Carefully slide the compressed coil spring off the strut body. Note the position of the lower spring isolator/pad and any positioning tabs or orientation marks. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension and remove the old spring. Inspect the strut body for damage or leaking.
10. 10

    Install new spring
    Install new lower spring isolator/pad onto the strut body spring perch in the correct orientation. Position the new coil spring onto the compressor and compress it evenly to approximately the same length as the old spring was compressed. Verify the spring compressor is securely engaged before handling.
    ⚠️Use the same careful compression technique as before. New springs may have different tension characteristics.
11. 11

    Assemble strut with new spring
    Slide the compressed new spring onto the strut body, ensuring the lower spring end seats properly in the perch and any positioning tabs align correctly. Install new upper spring isolator/pad, bearing plate, and upper mount assembly in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly.
12. 12

    Install strut shaft nut
    Thread the new strut shaft nut onto the strut rod. Hold the strut shaft with a wrench and tighten the nut to manufacturer specification (not available in current database - must obtain from Rivian service information). Verify all upper mount components are properly seated and aligned.
    ℹ️This fastener requires a specific torque value. Do not guess - obtain proper specification before proceeding.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor, allowing the spring to expand into position between the upper mount and lower perch. Verify the spring ends are properly seated in their locating features. Once spring is fully seated and supporting the strut assembly, remove the spring compressor.
    ⚠Release compressor tension gradually and evenly. Watch for proper spring seating. If spring appears misaligned, recompress and reposition.
14. 14

    Install strut assembly
    Raise the completed strut/spring assembly into position. Guide the upper mount studs through the shock tower holes. Install upper mount nuts finger-tight. Use floor jack to raise lower control arm and align strut with steering knuckle mounting points.
15. 15

    Reconnect suspension components
    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification (not available - obtain from Rivian). Reconnect stabilizer link and tighten fasteners. Reattach brake line brackets and ABS sensor wiring to strut. Tighten upper strut mount nuts to specification. Remove floor jack from under control arm.
    ℹ️All suspension fasteners require specific torque values for safety. Obtain proper specifications before final assembly.
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-15 on the opposite front spring to complete the pair replacement. Use the same careful procedures and safety precautions.

Reassembly

1. Install front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (obtain Rivian specification)
4. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
5. Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension or ABS systems
6. Test electric power steering operation before driving

Verification

• Bounce each corner of vehicle to verify springs are properly seated and suspension operates smoothly without binding or noise
• Verify ride height appears even side-to-side and front suspension sits at proper height
• Test drive in safe area at low speed to verify normal handling and no unusual noises from front suspension
• Inspect all fasteners for proper torque and verify nothing was left loose
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - critical for tire wear and vehicle handling after spring replacement
• Re-inspect all suspension fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to verify they remain properly torqued

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