suspension

Leaf Spring

for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear leaf spring assembly on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van.

Warnings

⚠️This vehicle contains a high-voltage battery system. Ensure the vehicle is powered down completely and disconnect the 12V battery before beginning work.

⚠️Leaf springs are under significant tension even when unloaded. Improper handling can cause serious injury.

⚠The EDV 500 is significantly heavier than conventional vans due to battery weight. Use jack stands rated for at least 3 tons per stand.

⚠Support the rear axle independently before removing spring mounting hardware to prevent axle drop.

ℹ️This procedure is for one side. Repeat for the opposite side if both springs require replacement.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack stands rated for EV weightEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Torque wrench (50-250 ft-lb range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Spring compressor toolEssential

Pry bar

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Safety stands for axle supportEssential

Impact wrench

Parts

Rear leaf spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Leaf spring bushing set × 1 — Front and rear bushings
Spring mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
U-bolt set × 1 — Axle-to-spring U-bolts
Shackle kit × 1 — Rear shackle assembly

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
Power down the vehicle completely using the center console
Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery located in the front compartment
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated lift point
Support the vehicle frame with jack stands on both sides, positioned well away from the suspension work area
Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced
Spray all spring mounting bolts, U-bolts, and shackle hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1
Support the rear axle
Position a floor jack with a block of wood on top directly under the rear axle tube on the side being serviced. Raise the jack until it just makes contact and supports the axle weight, but does not lift the vehicle. This prevents the axle from dropping when the spring is removed.
2
Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Support the shock absorber and remove the lower mounting bolt. Swing the shock absorber up and secure it out of the way with a bungee cord or wire to prevent damage to the brake lines or wiring.
3
Remove axle U-bolts
Remove the nuts from the U-bolts that secure the axle to the leaf spring. There are typically two U-bolts per side. Remove the U-bolt plate and set aside. Carefully extract the U-bolts from the spring pack. Note the orientation of any locating pins or alignment features.
⚠Keep the axle supported with the floor jack throughout this process to prevent sudden movement.
4
Remove rear shackle assembly
Locate the rear shackle that connects the rear spring eye to the frame bracket. Remove the bolt securing the shackle to the spring eye first, then remove the bolt securing the shackle to the frame bracket. Remove the shackle assembly completely. Inspect the shackle bushings for wear.
5
Remove front spring eye bolt
Locate the front spring mounting bolt that passes through the front spring eye and frame bracket. This is typically a large diameter bolt. Support the spring with one hand or have an assistant hold it, then remove the front spring eye bolt completely. The spring is now free from the vehicle.
⚠The spring may have residual tension and can shift when the front bolt is removed. Maintain control of the spring assembly.
6
Remove leaf spring assembly
Carefully lower and remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver it out from between the frame and axle. Set the old spring aside on a clean work surface for inspection and bushing transfer if necessary.
7
Inspect and prepare mounting locations
Clean all spring mounting surfaces on the frame brackets and axle pad with a wire brush. Remove any rust, debris, or old bushing material. Inspect frame brackets for cracks, distortion, or damage. Replace any damaged mounting hardware or brackets before proceeding.
8
Install new bushings in spring eyes
If the new spring does not come with bushings pre-installed, press or drive the new bushings into the front and rear spring eyes. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly with any voids or flats aligned per manufacturer specifications. Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the bushing inner sleeves.
9
Install front spring eye
Maneuver the new leaf spring assembly into position. Align the front spring eye with the frame bracket and insert the front spring eye bolt. Install the washer and nut, but only hand-tighten at this stage. The spring should pivot freely on the bolt.
10
Install rear shackle assembly
Position the rear shackle between the rear spring eye and frame bracket. Install the bolt through the spring eye and shackle, then install the bolt through the shackle and frame bracket. Install washers and nuts on both bolts, hand-tightening only at this stage.
11
Position spring under axle
Using the floor jack, carefully raise or lower the axle until the spring pack seats properly against the axle spring pad. Ensure the spring center bolt locates correctly in the axle pad hole. Verify proper alignment before proceeding.
12
Install U-bolts and plate
Position the U-bolt plate over the axle. Install the U-bolts down through the plate, around the axle, and through the spring pack. Thread the nuts onto the U-bolts and tighten in a cross pattern gradually. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten U-bolt nuts evenly and firmly following the Rivian service manual specification.
ℹ️Refer to the official Rivian service manual for U-bolt torque specifications. Typical values for this class of vehicle range from 100-150 ft-lb, but verify before final tightening.
13
Reconnect shock absorber
Lower the shock absorber back into position and align the lower mounting hole. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and tighten to specification per the Rivian service manual.
14
Torque spring mounting hardware
With the vehicle weight now on the suspension, torque the front spring eye bolt and both rear shackle bolts to specification. Since no torque specifications are provided in the database, consult the Rivian service manual for exact values. These fasteners are critical to suspension safety and must be torqued correctly.
⚠Spring eye bolts must be torqued with the suspension at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
15
Final inspection and wheel installation
Perform a final visual inspection of all mounting hardware, ensuring nothing is loose or improperly installed. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

Ensure all spring mounting bolts are torqued to specification with the vehicle at ride height
Verify U-bolts are tightened evenly and the spring is centered on the axle
Double-check that the shock absorber is properly reconnected
Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery
Remove wheel chocks

Verification

Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all U-bolt nuts and spring mounting hardware
Inspect for any fluid leaks around brake components that may have been disturbed
Verify proper ride height compared to the opposite side
Schedule a professional alignment check, as leaf spring replacement can affect rear axle alignment