This procedure covers the removal and replacement of leaf spring bushings on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 commercial van, including supporting the rear axle and pressing out worn bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring bushing (front or rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring shackle bushings (if applicable) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Fastener hardware kit (bolts, washers, nuts) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
3. Disconnect the 12-volt auxiliary battery negative terminal to prevent electrical system issues
4. Raise vehicle using appropriate lift or jack stands, ensuring proper lift points per Rivian service manual
5. Remove rear wheels on the side being serviced
6. Apply penetrating oil to all leaf spring mounting bolts and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes
7. Inspect leaf spring assembly and identify which bushings require replacement (front eye, rear eye, or shackle bushings)
8. Take photos of the installation orientation of all hardware for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a hydraulic floor jack under the rear axle housing near the leaf spring mount. Raise the jack until it just contacts the axle and takes a slight amount of weight, but does not lift the vehicle. The axle must remain supported throughout the procedure to control spring tension. Place an additional jack stand as a backup safety support.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Using a wrench to hold the nut, remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt with a socket. Support the shock absorber and secure it out of the way using a bungee cord or wire to prevent damage to the shock or brake lines.
3. 3

   Remove U-bolt nuts and U-bolts
   Locate the U-bolts that secure the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove the nuts from all U-bolts using a socket and breaker bar. Remove the U-bolts and the lower spring plate. Keep all hardware organized for inspection and potential reuse. Note the orientation of the spring plate.
4. 4

   Lower axle to relieve spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the hydraulic jack supporting the axle. This will decompress the leaf spring and separate it from the axle mounting pad. Lower the axle only enough to provide clearance for spring removal, typically 3-4 inches. Monitor all brake lines and wiring to ensure nothing becomes stretched or damaged.
5. 5

   Remove rear shackle mounting bolts
   Locate the rear leaf spring shackle where it connects to the frame bracket. Using a wrench to hold the nut, remove the upper and lower shackle bolts with a socket. The shackle and rear of the spring should now be free from the frame. Support the spring as hardware is removed.
6. 6

   Remove front spring eye mounting bolt
   Locate the front leaf spring eye mounting bolt that connects to the front frame bracket. Using a wrench to hold the nut, remove the through-bolt with a socket and breaker bar. This bolt may require significant force to loosen. Once removed, the entire leaf spring assembly can be lowered and removed from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   Carefully guide the leaf spring assembly out from under the vehicle, being mindful of brake lines and wiring. Place the spring on a stable work surface. Inspect the spring leaves for damage, cracks, or excessive wear while removed.
8. 8

   Remove old bushings from spring eyes
   Using a bushing press tool or hydraulic press, press out the old bushings from the front spring eye and rear spring eye. If bushings are severely deteriorated, they may need to be cut or burned out. Clean the spring eye bores thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect the spring eye for cracks or elongation.
9. 9

   Remove old shackle bushings
   If replacing shackle bushings, press out the old bushings from the shackle using a bushing press or hydraulic press. Clean the shackle bore thoroughly with a wire brush. Inspect the shackle for cracks, bending, or excessive wear.
10. 10

    Install new bushings
    Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the new bushings (do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings). Using a bushing press and appropriately sized driver, press new bushings into the front spring eye, rear spring eye, and shackles as needed. Ensure bushings are pressed in straight and seated fully. The bushing should be flush or slightly recessed per manufacturer specifications.
11. 11

    Reinstall leaf spring assembly
    Lift the leaf spring assembly back into position under the vehicle. Align the front spring eye with the front frame bracket. Insert the front spring eye bolt through the frame bracket and spring eye, but do not fully tighten yet. Install the nut finger-tight.
12. 12

    Install rear shackle
    Position the shackle between the rear spring eye and frame bracket. Install the upper and lower shackle bolts through the shackle bushings and frame mounts. Install nuts finger-tight. Ensure the shackle moves freely and is oriented correctly.
13. 13

    Raise axle and align spring
    Using the hydraulic jack, slowly raise the rear axle back up to the leaf spring. Align the axle housing spring pad with the center of the leaf spring. Ensure the spring locating pin (if equipped) engages with the hole in the spring pad. Continue raising until the spring and axle are properly mated.
14. 14

    Install U-bolts and spring plate
    Place the lower spring plate over the U-bolt studs under the axle. Install the U-bolts over the axle housing and through the spring and lower plate. Install all U-bolt nuts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern, gradually bringing all nuts to even tension. Multiple passes should be made to ensure even clamping force.
15. 15

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Remove the shock absorber from its secured position and align it with the lower mounting bracket. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Hold the nut with a wrench and tighten the bolt, but do not torque to final specification yet.
16. 16

    Load suspension and torque all fasteners
    With the vehicle still on the lift or jack stands, raise the axle with the hydraulic jack until the suspension is at normal ride height (tires would be touching the ground). This loads the bushings in their operating position. Now torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications: front spring eye bolt, rear shackle bolts, U-bolt nuts, and shock absorber lower bolt. Without published torque specifications, follow general commercial vehicle standards or consult Rivian service information.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
3. Reconnect the 12-volt auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. Perform a final torque check on all fasteners after the vehicle has settled
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Visually inspect all mounting points to ensure hardware is properly installed and torqued
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for clunks, squeaks, or abnormal handling
• Perform a final walk-around inspection for any loose hardware or overlooked connections
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all leaf spring mounting hardware as bushings may settle
• Monitor vehicle handling and alignment; a four-wheel alignment may be necessary after suspension work

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