This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring suspension disassembly and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (per side) × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Spring isolator/pad (upper and lower per side) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber lower mounting bolt × 2 — Recommended replacement
• Control arm mounting hardware × 1 — Replace if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for systems to power down
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift points per owner's manual
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rail points, never on suspension components
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
9. Visually inspect high-voltage cable routing in rear suspension area and mark/photograph for reference
10. Take detailed photos of shock absorber orientation and any electrical connections

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect rear brake ABS sensor and parking brake
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector from the rear hub assembly. If equipped, disconnect electronic parking brake actuator connector. Secure wiring away from work area using zip ties or safety wire to prevent damage during spring removal.
2. 2

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing or lower control arm near the spring perch. Raise jack just enough to take light load off the suspension, but do not lift the vehicle. This support will control the downward travel of the suspension when fasteners are removed.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting the shock to the axle or lower control arm. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the lower mounting bolt completely. Guide the shock absorber upward and secure it out of the way. Do not allow the shock to hang by its upper mount for extended periods.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar end link (if applicable)
   If the rear sway bar end link interferes with spring removal, disconnect it from the lower control arm or axle housing. Support the sway bar to prevent stress on the opposite side link. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
5. 5

   Lower suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle assembly. Monitor all components as the suspension droops. Stop when the coil spring becomes loose enough to access but before any brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components become stressed. You may need to remove additional control arm bolts depending on suspension design.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Install heavy-duty coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged on spring coils and positioned away from the ends of the spring. The compressor must be rated for commercial vehicle springs. Verify both compressor assemblies are secure before proceeding.
7. 7

   Compress spring for removal
   Alternating between both sides of the compressor, gradually tighten the compression tools in small increments (2-3 turns at a time). Keep compression even on both sides. Continue compressing until the spring is fully loose from both upper and lower spring seats. This will require significant compression force on a commercial vehicle.
8. 8

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With the spring fully compressed and loose from its seats, carefully remove the spring with compressor tools still attached. Remove upper and lower spring isolators/pads and inspect for damage. Do not release spring compressor tension at this time. Set compressed spring in safe location away from work area.
9. 9

   Inspect and clean spring seats
   Thoroughly inspect upper and lower spring seats for corrosion, damage, or debris. Use a wire brush to clean both seating surfaces. Check that spring seat locating features are intact and not damaged. Inspect all visible suspension components for wear, cracks, or damage while access is available.
10. 10

    Prepare new spring assembly
    Install new upper and lower spring isolators/pads on the new coil spring in the correct orientation (match to photos of original). Install spring compressor tools on the new spring at 180-degree positions, ensuring full engagement. Compress the new spring to the same length as the removed spring for installation.
11. 11

    Install new compressed spring
    Carefully position the compressed new spring between the upper and lower spring seats. Ensure spring end orientation matches the original installation (spring ends typically align with specific features on the seats). Verify isolators are properly positioned and the spring is correctly seated at both ends.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor gradually
    Use the floor jack to raise the suspension slightly to help align components. Very gradually and evenly release the spring compressor tension, alternating sides in small increments. Watch carefully that the spring seats properly into both upper and lower perches as tension is released. Once fully seated and compressor tension is released, remove compressor tools.
13. 13

    Reinstall shock absorber and sway bar
    Raise the floor jack to align the shock absorber lower mount with its mounting point. Install new or original lower shock mounting bolt but do not fully torque yet (suspension must be at normal ride height). Reconnect sway bar end link if removed, with bushings and washers in correct orientation.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical components
    Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and electronic parking brake actuator if disconnected. Ensure all wiring is properly routed per photos taken during disassembly, with adequate clearance from suspension travel and no contact with sharp edges or moving components.
15. 15

    Final torque with suspension loaded
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on suspension (normal ride height), torque all suspension fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Without access to specific torque values, this job should not be completed - consult Rivian service documentation. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite rear spring
2. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
3. All suspension fasteners must be torqued at normal ride height, not with suspension hanging
4. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
5. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or under vehicle

Verification

• Perform visual inspection of all work - confirm spring is fully seated in upper and lower perches
• Bounce each rear corner of vehicle to verify spring is properly installed and shock absorber functions correctly
• Check for any unusual noises during suspension compression and rebound
• Test electronic parking brake function (should engage and release normally)
• Start vehicle and verify no ABS warning lights are illuminated on dash
• Perform a careful test drive at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises, handling issues, or warning lights
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and wheel lug nuts
• Have alignment checked by qualified facility - suspension work affects wheel alignment

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