Replace the front strut mount assemblies on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, which connects the strut to the vehicle body and provides isolation from road vibrations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing and plate kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely using the infotainment system shutdown procedure
4. Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
5. Lift front of vehicle using lift or floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight at front subframe locations
7. Remove front wheels and store in a safe location
8. Document or photograph strut orientation and any alignment marks before disassembly
9. Ensure adequate working space around the strut towers in the cargo/frunk area

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the upper strut mount area
   Open the front cargo area (frunk). Remove any cargo covers, panels, or insulation material covering the strut tower area. On the Rivian EDV, you may need to remove interior trim panels to access the upper strut mounting nuts. Identify the three or four upper strut mount nuts and the center strut shaft nut. Clean the area of any debris.
2. 2

   Mark alignment reference points
   Before loosening any fasteners, use a marker or paint pen to mark the position of the strut mount relative to the strut tower, and mark the orientation of the upper bearing plate. These marks will help maintain proper alignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut assembly. Remove the mounting bolt securing the brake line bracket to the strut, being careful not to damage the brake line. Disconnect any ABS wheel speed sensor wiring brackets from the strut body. Secure wiring away from the work area.
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Support the lower control arm with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping. Locate the two bolts connecting the lower end of the strut to the steering knuckle. Mark the position of any cam bolts or alignment features. Remove both bolts completely using a breaker bar and socket. The knuckle and strut assembly may be tight; use a pry bar if necessary to separate the components.
5. 5

   Loosen but do not remove upper strut mount nuts
   From the top of the strut tower, loosen (but do not remove) the upper strut mount nuts approximately 2-3 turns. Do NOT remove these nuts completely at this time. The spring tension is still on the mount and removing the nuts could cause the strut to drop suddenly.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the lower bolts removed and upper nuts loosened, carefully guide the strut assembly downward and out of the wheel well. You may need to rotate or angle the strut to clear the body and brake components. Once clear, fully remove the upper mounting nuts and remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. Place on a clean work surface.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the spring coils. The hooks should be positioned opposite each other (180 degrees apart) for balanced compression. Install at least two compressor assemblies for safety and even compression. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compressor tools to maintain even pressure.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressor hooks are fully engaged before applying any compression. An improperly seated compressor can slip and cause the spring to violently release.
8. 8

   Remove center strut shaft nut
   Continue compressing the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount plate, and no tension is present on the mount. You should be able to wiggle the mount freely. Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or specialized strut shaft holder tool to prevent rotation. Remove the center strut shaft nut completely. Note the order of any washers, bearings, or bushings on the shaft.
9. 9

   Disassemble strut components
   Remove the upper strut mount assembly, bearing plate, and upper spring seat from the strut shaft. Inspect all components for wear, cracks, or damage. The mount rubber should not be torn or separated, and the bearing should rotate smoothly without binding or roughness. Carefully release spring tension using the compressor tools and remove the spring. Inspect the spring for cracks or damage.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount on strut assembly
    Place the spring back onto the strut body, ensuring the spring end is properly seated in the lower spring seat locating tabs. Install the new upper spring seat, bearing plate, and strut mount assembly onto the strut shaft in the correct order. Align any directional markings or tabs. Compress the spring using the compressor tools until the strut shaft threads extend far enough to install the center nut.
11. 11

    Secure center strut shaft nut
    Install the center strut shaft nut and any washers in the correct order. Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and tighten the center nut. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten to manufacturer specification found in the service manual or on the mount assembly packaging. Apply thread locking compound as specified by mount manufacturer. Verify the bearing rotates freely after tightening.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor and verify assembly
    Gradually and evenly release tension on the spring compressor tools, alternating between compressors. Once all tension is released, verify the spring is properly seated in both the upper and lower spring seats. Remove the compressor tools. The strut assembly should be solid with no unusual movement between components.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up into the strut tower, aligning the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. You may need to use a floor jack under the lower strut to help position it. Install the upper mount nuts finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time.
14. 14

    Connect lower strut to knuckle
    Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle. Match your alignment marks from disassembly. Insert the lower mounting bolts and install nuts finger-tight. If cam bolts are used, align them to the marked positions. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to manufacturer specification from service manual.
15. 15

    Reconnect brake line and final torque upper mount
    Reinstall the brake line bracket to the strut and torque per manufacturer specification. Reconnect any ABS sensor wiring brackets. From the top of the strut tower, torque the upper strut mount nuts to manufacturer specification. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, refer to service manual for proper values. Tighten in a star pattern if multiple nuts are present.

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side front strut mount
2. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle to the ground
4. Reinstall all frunk trim panels, insulation, and cargo covers removed during access
5. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
6. Power on the vehicle and verify all warning lights function normally and then extinguish
7. Check that all dashboard warnings related to suspension or stability systems clear after a brief drive

Verification

• Before driving, bounce each front corner of the vehicle to verify the struts are functioning and no abnormal noises are present
• Verify the strut mount upper nuts are fully torqued and secure
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, listening for any clunking, popping, or unusual noises from the front suspension
• Verify steering returns to center smoothly and there is no binding
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately - this is mandatory after suspension work affecting steering geometry
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all fastener torques to ensure nothing has loosened
• Monitor for any unusual tire wear patterns over the next few hundred miles, which could indicate alignment issues

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