This procedure removes and replaces both front coil springs on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification for EDV 500 commercial payload rating
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification for EDV 500 commercial payload rating
• Upper strut mount bearing/isolator (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Spring isolator pads × 4 — OEM replacement recommended
• Lower control arm bushings (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during service

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open hood and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal (located in front cargo area)
4. Wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (21mm socket, do not remove)
6. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift points
7. Install heavy-duty jack stands under frame rails behind front suspension
8. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability
9. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
10. Photograph or document suspension orientation before disassembly for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm ball joint area to support the suspension before disassembly. Raise jack just until it contacts the control arm but does not lift the vehicle. This support is critical for maintaining control during spring removal.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove brake caliper mounting bolts and hang caliper securely from frame using wire or caliper hanger (do not let it hang by brake line). Remove brake rotor to provide clearance for suspension work. Mark rotor orientation if reusing.
3. 3

   Disconnect stabilizer bar end link
   Locate the front stabilizer bar end link connection at the lower control arm or strut assembly. Use two wrenches to prevent spinning while removing the end link nut. Disconnect the end link from the suspension component. Inspect rubber bushings for damage.
4. 4

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper connection. Do not use excessive force that could damage the knuckle or control arm. Spray penetrating lubricant if joint is seized.
   ⚠The suspension will be loose after separating the ball joint. Ensure the floor jack is securely supporting the lower control arm.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut mounting nuts
   Access the upper strut mount from the engine compartment or inner fender area. Remove the three upper strut mounting nuts while keeping the jack supporting the lower control arm. Do not remove the center strut shaft nut yet. The strut assembly should now be free to lower with the control arm.
6. 6

   Lower suspension and remove strut assembly
   Carefully and slowly lower the floor jack to release suspension tension. Guide the strut assembly out of the fender well as you lower. Once fully lowered, remove the complete strut and spring assembly from the vehicle. Place on a stable work surface.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the coil spring compressor following manufacturer instructions. Ensure compressor jaws engage at least 3 full coils and are positioned opposite each other (180 degrees apart). Verify hooks are fully seated in the coil spring and cannot slip. Begin compressing the spring evenly, alternating between compression points.
   ⚠️Compress the spring gradually and evenly. Check jaw engagement after every few turns. An improperly installed compressor can slip and release the spring violently.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Once the spring is sufficiently compressed (upper mount should be loose with no load), secure the strut shaft with a hex socket or holding tool. Remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, and upper spring isolator. Keep all components in order for reassembly.
9. 9

   Remove old coil spring
   With the shaft nut removed, carefully remove the compressed spring from the strut assembly. Keep the spring compressor installed and under tension. Remove and inspect the lower spring isolator pad. Note the orientation of all isolators and springs for proper reassembly.
10. 10

    Install new coil spring
    Install new lower spring isolator on strut body. Install spring compressor on new coil spring and compress to approximately the same length as the old spring was compressed. Install the compressed new spring onto the strut assembly, ensuring the end of the spring coil seats properly in the lower isolator pocket.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut assembly
    Install upper spring isolator, bearing plate, and upper mount assembly onto the strut shaft in correct order. Verify the spring end is seated in the upper mount pocket. Thread on the strut shaft nut and tighten while holding the shaft. Note: Without manufacturer torque specification, tighten securely to prevent loosening but do not overtighten (typically 50-70 ft-lbs for similar vehicles).
    ℹ️Verify spring ends are properly seated in upper and lower isolator pockets before tightening shaft nut.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Once the shaft nut is secure, carefully and evenly release the spring compressor tension. Alternate between compression points to release evenly. Verify the spring remains properly seated as tension is released. Remove compressor completely once spring is fully extended.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the completed strut assembly into position in the fender well. Align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install upper mounting nuts finger-tight. Use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm and align the strut into position.
14. 14

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reconnect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle, ensuring the taper is clean and properly seated. Install and tighten the ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut. Reconnect the stabilizer bar end link. Tighten all fasteners securely. Note: Without specific torque values, use proper tightening technique to ensure secure connection without overtightening.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Reinstall brake rotor in original orientation. Reinstall brake caliper and tighten mounting bolts securely. Reinstall wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Repeat entire procedure (steps 1-15) for opposite side front spring.

Reassembly

1. After both front springs are replaced, tighten upper strut mount nuts securely
2. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to proper specification in star pattern with vehicle on ground
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Press brake pedal several times to restore brake caliper position
6. Test all dashboard warning lights clear after battery reconnection

Verification

• Verify vehicle sits level side-to-side with proper ride height
• Bounce each front corner and verify springs return smoothly without noise
• Verify no suspension rattles or clunks during gentle rocking
• Test drive at low speed in safe area to verify proper suspension operation
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during test drive
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately - MANDATORY for safe operation
• After 50 miles, re-check all suspension fasteners for proper tightness
• Monitor tire wear pattern after alignment to verify proper suspension geometry

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