Strut Mount - Rear

Replace the rear strut mount assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including removal of the upper strut mounting hardware and installation of new mount components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount hardware kit (nuts/bolts) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut isolator bushing × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitor discharge
3. Install chassis isolation safety wedges per Rivian service manual to prevent high-voltage hazards
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Lift vehicle using designated lift points and secure with jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheels and store in safe location
7. Photograph strut assembly orientation and mounting positions for reference during reassembly
8. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes to soak
9. Verify access to upper strut mount from cargo area or interior by removing necessary trim panels

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount
   From inside the cargo area, remove the rear interior trim panels or access covers to expose the upper strut mount. This may require removing cargo floor panels, side trim, or specific access covers depending on EDV configuration. The upper mount towers are typically accessible through dedicated service openings.
2. 2

   Support rear suspension
   Position a transmission jack or adjustable jack stand under the rear lower control arm or suspension knuckle to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack until it just contacts the suspension but does not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove upper strut mount fasteners
   Locate the upper strut mount nuts or bolts accessible from inside the vehicle. There are typically 3-4 fasteners securing the mount to the chassis tower. Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or wrench to prevent rotation if applicable, then remove the upper mounting fasteners. Do not allow the strut to drop.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower strut mounting
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower strut mounting bolt that connects the strut to the suspension knuckle or lower bracket. Remove this bolt while supporting the strut assembly. The strut may be secured with a through-bolt or pinch-bolt design.
5. 5

   Disconnect electrical connections
   If equipped with electronically controlled dampers or air suspension, disconnect all electrical connectors from the strut assembly. Release any harness clips securing wiring to the strut body. Mark connector orientations for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower the support jack while guiding the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well. Remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle and place on a clean work surface. Inspect the spring and strut body for damage or leaking.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, ensuring hooks are properly seated in the spring coils. Gradually and evenly compress the spring by alternating between compressors until there is no load on the upper mount. The spring must be compressed enough that the upper mount can move freely.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Never stand directly over compressed spring. Ensure compressor tools are fully engaged before applying tension.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut mount
   Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or appropriate tool to prevent rotation. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, spring seat, and isolator components in order. Note the orientation and sequence of all components for reassembly.
9. 9

   Inspect and clean components
   Inspect the strut shaft, spring, and lower components for damage, wear, or corrosion. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Verify the new strut mount matches the original design and includes all necessary components including bearing, isolator, and hardware.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount
    Assemble the new upper strut mount components onto the strut shaft in the correct order: lower spring seat/isolator, coil spring, upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount. Ensure the bearing rotates freely and all components are properly aligned. Install and hand-tighten the upper strut shaft nut while holding the shaft.
11. 11

    Torque upper shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and torque the upper strut shaft nut to manufacturer specification. Without torque specifications available in the database, consult Rivian service documentation for the exact value (typically 50-80 ft-lbs for this application, but verification is required).
12. 12

    Release spring compressors
    Gradually and evenly release tension on the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides. Ensure the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Remove compressor tools once spring is fully seated and supporting the assembly.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring is seating correctly before fully releasing compressors.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly
    Guide the strut assembly back into position, aligning the upper mount studs with the chassis tower holes. Raise the support jack under the suspension to help position the assembly. Install upper mount fasteners hand-tight first, then install the lower mounting bolt.
14. 14

    Torque mounting fasteners
    Torque the upper strut mount fasteners and lower mounting bolt to Rivian specifications. Without available torque values in the database, these must be obtained from official Rivian service documentation before proceeding. Typical values range from 80-120 ft-lbs for these applications but must be verified.
15. 15

    Reconnect electrical and finalize
    Reconnect any electrical connectors for electronic dampers or air suspension components. Secure all wiring harnesses with original clips. Remove the support jack from under the suspension. Install wheels and torque lug nuts to specification. Reinstall all interior trim panels and access covers.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to Rivian specifications obtained from official service documentation
2. Verify all electrical connections for electronic dampers are properly seated and secured
3. Confirm spring is properly seated in both upper and lower spring seats with no binding
4. Replace all interior trim panels and ensure proper fitment with no rattles
5. Reconnect 12V battery and clear any diagnostic codes that may have set during service

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify proper strut operation and no abnormal noises
• Verify strut mount rotates freely by turning steering wheel lock-to-lock (if applicable to rear suspension design)
• Road test vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper suspension operation and no noise
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry has been altered
• Verify no warning lights or diagnostic codes related to suspension sensors or electronic dampers
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving and verify no looseness in mount

More procedures for this vehicle