Strut Assembly - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear strut assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnecting suspension components and safely compressing/replacing the strut.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian part number
• Strut mount hardware kit (if not included with strut) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lock nuts for suspension fasteners × 1 — Replace all self-locking nuts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels
3. Power off the vehicle completely and remove the key fob from the cabin
4. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
6. Identify and mark the rear suspension components for correct reassembly orientation
7. Photograph the suspension assembly from multiple angles for reference
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Lift the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated rear lifting point. Support the vehicle with jack stands rated for the EDV 500's weight at the frame rail points. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced. Ensure the vehicle is stable before working underneath.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle/suspension
   Place a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear axle or lower control arm near the strut mounting point. Raise the jack just enough to take light load off the suspension, but do not lift the vehicle. This will prevent the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove strut upper mounting hardware
   From inside the cargo area, locate and remove any trim panels or access covers concealing the strut tower. Identify the upper strut mount nuts (typically 3-4 nuts). While supporting the strut from below, remove the upper mount nuts. Do NOT allow the strut to drop suddenly.
   ⚠Keep upward pressure on the floor jack to prevent the strut assembly from falling when upper nuts are removed.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring attached to or near the strut assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove any clips or brackets securing the wiring to the strut or suspension components. Secure the wiring away from the work area.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line bracket
   If a brake line is attached to the strut with a bracket or clip, carefully remove the fastener securing the brake line bracket. Do NOT disconnect the brake line itself—only release it from the strut mounting point. Support the brake line to avoid tension.
6. 6

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the lower strut mounting bolt(s) connecting the strut to the knuckle or lower suspension arm. Use a breaker bar if necessary to loosen the bolt(s). Remove the bolt(s) completely while continuing to support the strut with the floor jack.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help guide it out or use additional support.
7. 7

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack while guiding the strut assembly downward and outward from the vehicle. Maneuver the strut through the wheel well, being careful not to damage brake lines, ABS wiring, or body panels. Set the strut on a stable work surface.
8. 8

   Compress coil spring (if transferring components)
   If you are transferring components from the old strut to the new one, install a coil spring compressor tool on the spring following the tool manufacturer's instructions exactly. Compress the spring evenly on opposite sides until tension is removed from the upper strut mount. Count the number of compression turns for reference during reassembly.
   ⚠️Coil springs store tremendous energy. Compress evenly and gradually. Never place any body part in line with the spring. Ensure the compressor is properly engaged on the spring coils before applying force.
9. 9

   Disassemble strut (if transferring components)
   With the spring safely compressed, hold the strut shaft with a wrench and remove the upper strut mount nut. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop in order. Note the orientation of all components. Remove the spring compressor only after all components are separated.
10. 10

    Prepare new strut assembly
    If the new strut is a complete assembly, inspect it for damage and verify it matches the old unit. If transferring components, install the bump stop, dust boot, compressed spring, spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount onto the new strut in the correct orientation. Install and torque the upper mount nut per manufacturer specifications (not available in database—consult Rivian service information).
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    With assistance, lift the strut assembly into position through the wheel well. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower while simultaneously aligning the lower mounting point with the knuckle or control arm. Use the floor jack to support and position the assembly as needed.
12. 12

    Install and hand-tighten all fasteners
    Install the upper strut mount nuts and hand-tighten them. Install the lower strut mounting bolt(s) and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque any fasteners yet—this allows for final positioning adjustments.
13. 13

    Torque all strut fasteners
    Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque the upper strut mount nuts and lower mounting bolts to the specifications provided in the official Rivian service manual. Torque specifications are not available in this database and MUST be obtained from Rivian before proceeding. Follow the specified tightening sequence if provided.
    ⚠️Proper torque is CRITICAL for safety. Do not guess at torque values. Obtain official specifications from Rivian service documentation.
14. 14

    Reconnect brake line and ABS sensor
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut assembly using the original or new fasteners. Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector and secure the wiring with all clips and brackets. Ensure no wiring is pinched or stretched.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle's full weight on the ground, torque the lug nuts to specification (consult owner's manual, typically 120-140 ft-lbs for commercial vehicles) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed from the strut tower area
3. If both rear struts were replaced, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side
4. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from the vehicle and wheel wells

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard (particularly ABS or traction control)
• Perform a visual inspection of all suspension components and fasteners for proper installation
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises and feeling for vibrations or handling issues
• Verify the vehicle sits level and at the correct ride height compared to the opposite side
• SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT IMMEDIATELY—this is not optional and is required for safe operation
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all suspension fastener torques to ensure nothing has loosened

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