Coil Springs - Rear Pair

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spring isolator pads (upper) × 2 — Replace if damaged
• Spring isolator pads (lower) × 2 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
2. Turn off vehicle completely and remove key fob from the cabin.
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal to disable electrical systems during service.
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 on the ground (do not remove).
6. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking points and support on heavy-duty jack stands at frame rail locations.
7. Remove both rear wheels completely.
8. Inspect suspension components for damage or excessive corrosion that may complicate removal.
9. Take photographs of spring orientation, isolator pad positions, and suspension geometry for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle center section or trailing arm near the spring mounting location. Raise jack until it just contacts and slightly supports the weight of the axle, but does not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when components are disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on the first side to be serviced. Remove the bolt completely and pivot the shock absorber upward and out of the way. Support the shock with a bungee cord or wire to prevent strain on the upper mount.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear stabilizer bar link (if equipped)
   If the vehicle is equipped with a rear stabilizer bar, disconnect the stabilizer link from the axle or control arm on the side being serviced. Use a wrench to hold the link stud while removing the nut. Move the link out of the work area.
4. 4

   Lower axle to release spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle. Monitor the coil spring as the suspension extends. Lower until the spring is fully unloaded and loose between the upper and lower spring seats. The axle may need to drop several inches.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are properly engaged on opposite sides of the spring, with at least 3-4 coils between the upper and lower compressor assemblies. Verify hooks are seated securely in the coil with no slippage possible.
   ⚠️The compressor must be installed symmetrically with equal engagement on both sides. Uneven compression can cause the spring to slip from the compressor with explosive force.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Tighten the spring compressor evenly, alternating between sides to compress the spring uniformly. Compress the spring until it is short enough to be removed from between the upper and lower spring seats. Check frequently that the compressor remains properly engaged.
   ⚠️Stand to the side of the spring, never in line with the ends, during compression. Wear face protection. Compress slowly and check alignment after each few turns.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With the spring fully compressed, carefully maneuver it out from between the spring seats. This may require rotating the spring or further lowering the axle. Remove the spring isolator pads from the old spring and inspect them for damage, cracking, or deterioration.
8. 8

   Transfer isolators and prepare new spring
   If the spring isolator pads are in good condition, transfer them to the new spring in the same orientation as photographed. If they show wear, install new isolator pads. Clean the upper and lower spring seats on the vehicle with a wire brush and apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to metal contact surfaces (not rubber isolators).
9. 9

   Install spring compressor on new spring
   Install the coil spring compressor on the new spring in the same manner as the old spring. Compress the new spring to the same length as the old spring was compressed for removal. Ensure isolator pads are properly positioned on the spring.
10. 10

    Install new compressed spring
    Carefully position the compressed new spring between the upper and lower spring seats. Align the spring orientation to match the original installation (reference your photographs). Ensure the spring end coils are properly seated in the locating features of both spring seats.
11. 11

    Raise axle and release spring compressor
    Slowly raise the floor jack supporting the axle to compress the suspension and load the new spring into its seats. As the spring becomes loaded, verify it remains properly aligned. Once the suspension is at normal ride height, carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressor. Monitor the spring to ensure it seats correctly as tension is released.
    ⚠If the spring begins to misalign during release, stop immediately, re-compress slightly, and reposition the spring before continuing.
12. 12

    Remove spring compressor and verify seating
    Once the spring is fully uncompressed and loaded into the suspension, remove the spring compressor completely. Visually verify the spring is properly seated in both the upper and lower spring seats with isolators correctly positioned. Cycle the suspension by raising and lowering the axle slightly to ensure proper seating.
13. 13

    Reconnect suspension components
    Raise the axle to normal ride height and reconnect the shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Reconnect the stabilizer bar link if equipped. Torque all fasteners to Rivian specifications using a factory service manual. Without published specifications, use fastener grade and size appropriate values with thread locker where originally equipped.
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 13 for the opposite rear spring. Ensure both springs are the same part number and properly installed in the correct orientation for left and right sides if springs are side-specific.
15. 15

    Final assembly and wheel installation
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until wheels just contact the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to manufacturer specifications with the vehicle at normal ride height (wheels on ground or suspension loaded to simulate ride height).
2. Verify all suspension components disconnected during the procedure are properly reconnected and torqued.
3. Check that spring isolator pads did not shift during final installation.
4. Ensure no tools, rags, or compressor components were left in the suspension area.

Verification

• Before driving, bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises or loose components.
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle with weight on the suspension to confirm both springs are properly seated and aligned.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal suspension operation, ride quality, and handling.
• Listen for any clunking, popping, or rattling from the rear suspension that would indicate improper installation.
• Have the vehicle's wheel alignment checked and adjusted as necessary, as suspension work can affect alignment settings.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all suspension fasteners for proper torque and verify springs remain properly seated.

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