Rear Suspension Service

Complete inspection and service of the rear suspension system including shocks, springs, bushings, control arms, and alignment check on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorbers × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear control arm bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar links × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Suspension mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Use Rivian diagnostic tool to disable high voltage system and enter service mode
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at designated lift points on frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels and set aside
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
8. Photograph suspension assembly from multiple angles for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect Electronic Components
   Locate and disconnect the electronic connectors for rear adaptive dampers if equipped. Label each connector with tape for proper reconnection. Disconnect wheel speed sensor connectors and secure wiring harnesses away from work area.
2. 2

   Support Rear Axle Assembly
   Position a transmission jack or axle stand under the center of the rear differential/motor assembly. Raise slightly to take pressure off suspension mounting points but do not lift vehicle. This will support the weight of the axle when suspension components are disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove Rear Sway Bar Links
   Remove the upper and lower mounting bolts securing the sway bar end links to the lower control arms and sway bar. Use a wrench to hold the ball stud while loosening the nut to prevent spinning. Remove both left and right sway bar links.
4. 4

   Disconnect Shock Absorbers - Lower Mounts
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on each side connecting to the lower control arm or knuckle assembly. Remove the mounting bolt while supporting the shock body. Do not allow shock to hang by upper mount or electrical connection.
5. 5

   Disconnect Shock Absorbers - Upper Mounts
   Access upper shock mounts from inside rear cargo area by removing access panels or trim as needed. Remove the upper mounting nuts while supporting shock from below. Carefully lower shock assembly out through wheel well. Repeat for both sides.
6. 6

   Remove Lower Control Arm Bolts
   Slowly lower the axle support jack to relieve spring tension. Remove the front and rear mounting bolts securing each lower control arm to the frame and axle assembly. Mark orientation of any cam bolts or eccentric washers used for alignment adjustment before removal.
7. 7

   Remove Coil Springs
   With control arms disconnected, carefully lower axle assembly further to access coil springs. If springs do not release freely, use spring compressor tool to safely compress and remove springs. Note orientation of spring isolators and positioning for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Inspect Upper Control Arms and Mounts
   Inspect upper control arm bushings, ball joints, and mounting points for wear, cracks, or damage. Check for any play in pivot points. Remove upper control arms if replacement is needed by removing mounting bolts at frame and knuckle positions.
9. 9

   Inspect and Service Rear Differential Mounts
   With suspension unloaded, inspect rear differential and motor mounting bushings for deterioration or separation. Check mounting bolts for proper torque. Clean all mounting surfaces with wire brush and inspect for cracks in mounting brackets.
10. 10

    Replace Bushings and Worn Components
    Press out old bushings from control arms using hydraulic press or bushing service tools. Clean bushing bores thoroughly. Press in new bushings ensuring proper orientation per manufacturer specifications. Replace any damaged sway bar bushings and links.
11. 11

    Reinstall Coil Springs
    Position new or inspected coil springs with proper orientation of upper and lower spring isolators. Ensure spring seats are clean and isolators are properly positioned. Raise axle assembly with jack to compress springs into place, ensuring springs are centered in their seats.
12. 12

    Reinstall Control Arms
    Install lower and upper control arms to frame and axle mounting points. Insert all bolts but do not fully tighten at this stage. If cam bolts were present, install in marked positions. Control arm bolts should be torqued at curb height with vehicle weight on suspension.
13. 13

    Install Shock Absorbers
    Install new or serviced shock absorbers by first securing upper mounts through cargo area access. Hand tighten upper mounting nuts. Guide shock into position and install lower mounting bolt. Apply anti-seize to bolt threads. Reconnect electrical connectors for adaptive dampers if equipped.
14. 14

    Install Sway Bar Components
    Install sway bar bushings to frame mounts ensuring slit in bushing faces correct direction. Install sway bar link assemblies connecting sway bar to lower control arms. Hand tighten all fasteners at this stage.
15. 15

    Final Torque Procedure
    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle to ground to achieve curb height. With vehicle weight on suspension, torque all suspension fasteners in sequence: control arm bolts, shock mounting bolts, sway bar link nuts, and sway bar bushing bracket bolts. Record torque values applied for future reference. Note: Specific torque values not available in database - consult Rivian service manual for exact specifications.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors for adaptive dampers and wheel speed sensors are properly reconnected
2. Reinstall any trim panels or cargo area access covers removed for upper shock access
3. Double-check that all suspension fasteners have been torqued to specification
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Use Rivian diagnostic tool to exit service mode and reactivate high voltage system
6. Clear any diagnostic codes related to suspension or service mode

Verification

• Perform visual inspection of all suspension components to verify proper installation and no loose fasteners
• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension, adaptive dampers, or wheel speed sensors
• Perform test drive at low speed listening for any unusual noises or clunks from rear suspension
• Check for proper shock damping response and no excessive body roll during turns
• Perform four-wheel alignment and adjust to Rivian factory specifications using cam bolts or adjustment points
• Conduct final road test to verify proper handling characteristics and suspension performance
• Re-check all fastener torque values after 50-100 miles of driving

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