Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit × 2 — May be included with OEM shocks
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit × 2 — May be included with OEM shocks

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery (located in front cabin area) to prevent fault codes
3. Chock front wheels securely
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Lift rear of vehicle using approved lift points and support on safety stands
6. Remove both rear wheels
7. Inspect shock absorbers for mounting style (separate spring vs integrated coil-over design)
8. Take photos of shock positioning and any electrical connections if equipped with adaptive damping

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper shock mounting area
   Open rear cargo doors and remove interior trim panels or access covers in the cargo area to expose the upper shock mounting points. On the EDV 500, these are typically accessible through the cargo floor or side trim panels. Remove any fasteners securing the access panels.
2. 2

   Disconnect adaptive damping connector (if equipped)
   If the vehicle is equipped with adaptive or electronic damping, locate the electrical connector at the top of each shock absorber. Press the release tab and disconnect the wiring harness. Secure the connector away from the work area to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Support rear suspension
   Place a transmission jack or adjustable jack stand under the rear lower control arm or axle assembly near the shock mounting point. Raise slightly to take tension off the shock absorber, but do not lift the suspension significantly. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed.
4. 4

   Remove upper shock mounting fasteners
   From inside the cargo area, locate the upper shock mounting nuts (typically 2-3 nuts securing the shock tower). Hold the shock shaft with a wrench if necessary to prevent spinning, then remove the upper mounting nuts. Keep all hardware organized for comparison with new shock hardware.
5. 5

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the lower control arm or axle bracket. Remove the bolt completely. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the mounting eye slightly to release the shock.
6. 6

   Remove shock absorber
   Carefully lower the jack supporting the suspension slightly if needed. Guide the shock absorber down and out of the vehicle through the wheel well. If equipped with integrated springs, ensure the spring is not under tension before full removal. Inspect the removed shock for failure mode (leaking fluid, physical damage, broken mounts).
7. 7

   Transfer components if necessary
   If the new shock does not include mounting hardware, upper spring seats, or bump stops, transfer these components from the old shock to the new one. Ensure all components are properly seated and oriented correctly. If using a coil-over design, use spring compressors to safely transfer the spring assembly.
8. 8

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock absorber into place, guiding the upper mount through the shock tower opening from below. Align the lower mounting eye with the control arm or axle bracket. You may need to raise the jack slightly to align the mounting points.
9. 9

   Install lower mounting bolt
   Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and thread it through the shock eye and mounting bracket. Install the washer and nut finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time as suspension should be at ride height for final torquing.
10. 10

    Install upper mounting fasteners
    From inside the cargo area, install the upper shock mounting nuts onto the shock studs. Thread them on finger-tight initially. Ensure the shock is properly centered in the mounting location and not binding.
11. 11

    Reconnect adaptive damping connector (if equipped)
    If the shock has an electrical connector for adaptive damping, reconnect the wiring harness ensuring a positive click. Route the wiring to avoid any interference with moving suspension components.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Complete steps 2 through 11 for the second rear shock absorber. Both shocks should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.
13. 13

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    With both shocks installed and the vehicle still on jack stands, raise the rear suspension with the jack until it is at normal ride height (suspension loaded as if wheels were on ground). Torque all upper and lower shock mounting fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Note: Specific torque values should be obtained from Rivian service documentation as they are not available in the current database.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Remove the support jack from under the suspension. Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
15. 15

    Reinstall interior trim and reconnect battery
    Replace all interior cargo area trim panels and access covers removed during the procedure. Ensure all fasteners are secure. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Clear any suspension-related fault codes using appropriate diagnostic equipment if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all shock mounting fasteners are torqued to specification with suspension at ride height
2. Verify adaptive damping electrical connections are secure and properly routed
3. Confirm interior trim panels are reinstalled and secured
4. Check that no tools or parts were left in the cargo area or wheel wells

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all mounting points to ensure proper installation
• Start the vehicle and verify no suspension warning lights appear on the dashboard
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal suspension operation and no unusual noises
• Verify adaptive damping functionality (if equipped) by testing different drive modes
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around new shock absorbers after test drive
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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