Strut Bearing

Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, which supports the strut assembly and allows steering rotation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Upper strut mount assembly (if bearing not serviceable separately) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Follow Rivian high voltage disconnect procedure per service manual to isolate HV battery system
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at approved jacking points
6. Support vehicle with jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified support points
7. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
8. Photograph strut mounting orientation and hardware arrangement for reference during reassembly
9. Apply penetrating lubricant to upper strut mount nuts and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount from engine bay
   Open hood and locate the upper strut mount assembly. On the EDV 500, remove any covers or components obstructing access to the upper strut mount nuts (typically 3-4 nuts visible from engine bay). Note the position of any alignment marks or indexing features on the mount.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate and disconnect the brake line bracket from the strut body. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor wire from any clips attached to the strut. Move wiring and brake line safely out of the work area to prevent damage. Do not disconnect brake hydraulic fittings unless absolutely necessary.
3. 3

   Remove steering knuckle-to-strut fasteners
   Locate the bolts connecting the steering knuckle to the strut body (typically 2 large pinch bolts or through-bolts). Support the steering knuckle with one hand or a support. Remove these fasteners completely and retain hardware. Carefully separate the knuckle from the strut, using a pry bar if needed. Do not damage the knuckle bore or strut surface.
4. 4

   Support strut assembly from below
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the lower spring seat or strut body to support the weight of the strut assembly. Raise jack slightly to take load off upper mount but do not lift vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut mount fasteners
   From the engine bay, remove the upper strut mount nuts (typically 3-4 nuts). Hold the strut shaft with a wrench if it rotates while removing the center nut. Keep all hardware organized by location. Lower the jack slowly to control the strut assembly as it separates from the mount.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the strut assembly completely and guide it out from the wheel well. Maneuver past any brake lines, wiring, or suspension components. Place strut assembly on a clean, stable work surface.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the strut spring, following the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure compressor hooks are properly seated in spring coils and aligned to prevent slipping. Verify compressor tools are rated for the spring load.
8. 8

   Compress strut spring
   Gradually compress the spring by alternating between compressor sides in small increments (1-2 turns at a time). Continue until spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount (spring should move freely relative to seats). Verify spring is evenly compressed and compressor tools are secure before proceeding.
   ⚠️Compressed springs are under extreme tension. Keep hands, face, and body clear of spring path if compressor fails. Wear safety glasses and work carefully.
9. 9

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a wrench on the flat sections at the top of the shaft. Remove the strut shaft nut using an appropriate socket. Keep nut and any washers in order.
10. 10

    Disassemble strut mount components
    Remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, strut bearing, upper spring seat, and any bump stops or dust boots. Inspect all components for wear, damage, or corrosion. Note the exact order and orientation of all parts. The bearing is typically integrated into or directly below the top mount plate.
11. 11

    Install new strut bearing
    Install the new strut bearing in the correct orientation (note any directional markings or load-bearing surfaces). If bearing is part of a complete upper mount assembly, install the entire new assembly. Ensure bearing rotates smoothly without binding. Install upper spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot in proper order and orientation per reference photos.
12. 12

    Reassemble strut mount
    Place the upper mount assembly onto the strut shaft with proper orientation (align any indexing features or bolt hole patterns). Install washers and strut shaft nut. Hold shaft with wrench and tighten nut to Rivian specification (specification not available in database - consult service manual).
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    Verify all components are properly seated and aligned. Gradually release spring compressor tension by alternating sides in small increments. Allow spring to seat properly against upper and lower spring seats. Once spring is fully seated and load transferred, carefully remove spring compressor tools.
14. 14

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Lift strut assembly into position in wheel well, guiding it past brake lines and wiring. Align upper mount studs with holes in strut tower. Support strut with floor jack from below. Install upper mount nuts finger-tight from engine bay.
15. 15

    Reconnect steering knuckle
    Align steering knuckle with strut body. Install knuckle-to-strut bolts and tighten to Rivian specification (not available in database - consult service manual). Ensure proper alignment of any eccentric bolts or alignment features.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect ABS wheel speed sensor wiring to clips on strut body
2. Reconnect brake line bracket to strut body
3. Tighten all upper strut mount nuts to Rivian specification from engine bay
4. Reinstall wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts
5. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern
6. Reconnect high voltage system following Rivian procedures
7. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both strut bearings
8. Reinstall any covers or components removed for access

Verification

• Test strut bearing by turning steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - should rotate smoothly without binding, clicking, or grinding noises
• Bounce each corner of vehicle to verify strut operation is normal with no unusual noises
• Visually inspect all fasteners are properly tightened
• Verify brake lines and ABS sensors are properly secured
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry has been disturbed
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or steering issues
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all fastener torque values
• Monitor for any warning lights on instrument cluster, especially ABS or traction control

More procedures for this vehicle