This procedure covers the removal and replacement of shock absorbers on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including disassembly of suspension components and proper handling of air suspension systems if equipped.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
3. Connect Rivian diagnostic scanner and enter service mode for suspension system
4. If equipped with air suspension, depressurize the system using diagnostic scanner air suspension service function
5. Raise vehicle using approved lift points per Rivian service manual (avoid battery pack area)
6. Remove all four wheels and set aside in order (front left, front right, rear left, rear right)
7. Spray all shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10 minutes
8. Support lower control arms with floor jack to relieve suspension load

Procedure

1. 1

   Access front shock upper mounts
   Open the front hood and locate the shock tower access panels on both sides of the vehicle. Remove the plastic covers or trim panels covering the upper shock mounts by carefully prying with trim tools or removing fasteners. The upper mounts are typically accessible from the engine bay area on the EDV 500.
2. 2

   Remove front shock upper mounting nuts
   Locate the upper shock mounting nuts at the shock tower. Using a 19mm socket, hold the shock shaft with a 15mm wrench to prevent rotation, and remove the upper mounting nuts. There are typically 3 nuts per shock in a triangular pattern. Support the shock with one hand to prevent it from dropping once fasteners are removed.
3. 3

   Disconnect air line or electrical connector
   If equipped with electronically controlled or air suspension shocks, disconnect the air line quick-connect fitting or electrical connector from the top of the shock assembly. Press the collar release on air lines or depress the tab on electrical connectors. Mark connector orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove front shock lower mounting bolt
   Position floor jack under lower control arm to support suspension weight. Locate the lower shock mounting bolt connecting the shock to the lower control arm or knuckle assembly. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar if necessary, remove the lower mounting bolt while supporting the shock. The shock may need to be compressed slightly or extended to clear mounting points during removal.
5. 5

   Remove front shock assembly
   Carefully maneuver the shock absorber assembly out from the wheel well, feeding it down and out. Be mindful of brake lines, ABS sensor wiring, and any suspension components. If equipped with coil-over design, the spring will come out with the shock as an assembly. Set aside and inspect mounting bushings for wear.
6. 6

   Access rear shock upper mounts
   From inside the cargo area of the EDV 500, locate and remove the rear interior trim panels or access covers that provide access to the rear shock towers. This may require removing cargo tie-down points or side panel fasteners. The upper shock mounts are accessible from inside the cargo box on both sides.
7. 7

   Remove rear shock upper mounting nuts
   Using a 19mm socket while holding the shock shaft with a 15mm wrench, remove the upper mounting nuts from the rear shock assembly. Support the shock from below with one hand to prevent it from falling when the last fastener is removed. Disconnect any air lines or electrical connectors at the upper mount.
8. 8

   Remove rear shock lower mounting bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the rear shock lower mounting point, typically at the rear axle or lower trailing arm depending on suspension design. Use a 21mm socket to remove the lower mounting bolt while supporting the shock. The rear axle or suspension arm may need slight repositioning with a floor jack to access the bolt.
9. 9

   Remove rear shock assembly
   Extract the rear shock absorber from the wheel well area, taking care not to damage air lines, brake components, or electrical wiring. Inspect all mounting points and bushings on the vehicle for wear, corrosion, or damage. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Prepare new shock assemblies
    Unpack new shock absorbers and verify correct part numbers for front and rear positions. Apply anti-seize compound to all mounting bolt threads. If transferring components like air fittings or electrical connectors from old shocks, ensure proper torque and sealing. Extend and compress each new shock several times to prime the internal valving.
11. 11

    Install front shock assemblies
    Position the new front shock into the wheel well, feeding the upper portion up through the lower control arm and into the shock tower. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the shock tower. Hand-thread the upper mounting nuts to hold the shock in position. Install the lower mounting bolt through the shock eye and control arm/knuckle, hand-threading the nut.
12. 12

    Install rear shock assemblies
    Position the new rear shock into place, aligning the upper mounting studs with the shock tower holes from inside the cargo area. Hand-thread upper mounting nuts. Install the lower mounting bolt and hand-thread the nut. Reconnect any air lines or electrical connectors, ensuring positive engagement of quick-connect fittings and connector locks.
13. 13

    Torque all shock mounting fasteners
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all shock mounting fasteners to Rivian specifications. Since no specific torque values are provided in the database, refer to the Rivian EDV 500 service manual for exact specifications. Typical values range from 70-120 ft-lbs for lower mounts and 35-50 ft-lbs for upper mounts. Torque upper nuts in a star pattern to ensure even load distribution. Hold shock shaft with wrench while torquing upper nuts to prevent shaft rotation.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall all four wheels in their original positions, hand-threading lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to Rivian specification (typically 150 ft-lbs) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
15. 15

    Repressurize air suspension and exit service mode
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Using the Rivian diagnostic scanner, exit suspension service mode and command the air suspension system to repressurize if equipped. Monitor for air leaks at shock connections. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set during the repair. Test suspension height adjustment functionality through all available ride height settings.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels and access covers in cargo area and engine compartment
2. Verify all electrical connectors and air lines are properly secured with no visible damage
3. Double-check that all suspension mounting fasteners are torqued to specification
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or suspension areas

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all four shock absorbers to ensure proper installation and no interference with other components
• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify shock damping action - vehicle should settle within 1-2 oscillations
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for abnormal noises and feeling for proper suspension response
• If equipped with air suspension, verify all ride height settings function correctly and maintain pressure without leaks
• Perform a final inspection of all mounting points after test drive to verify no loosening has occurred
• Use diagnostic scanner to verify no suspension-related fault codes are present
• Check wheel alignment - shock replacement may affect alignment settings, particularly if suspension geometry was altered during removal

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