Replace worn or damaged leaf spring bushings on the rear suspension to restore ride quality and handling characteristics on the Rivian EDV 500 commercial van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring bushing kit (front and rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bushings (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring mounting bolts (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open hood and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle with hydraulic jack at designated lift points on frame
6. Support vehicle with heavy-duty jack stands at frame rails rated for vehicle weight
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts and hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position a hydraulic jack with a block of wood on top under the rear axle housing near the leaf spring mounting point. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle to support its weight but does not lift the vehicle. This prevents the axle from dropping when spring tension is released.
2. 2

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt that attaches to the axle or spring plate. Using appropriate socket and breaker bar, remove the lower shock mounting bolt and swing shock absorber up and out of the way. Secure with wire or bungee cord if needed to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor brackets
   Identify any brake line brackets, ABS sensor wire brackets, or other components attached to the axle or leaf spring assembly. Remove mounting bolts or clips to disconnect these brackets, allowing sufficient slack for axle movement. Do not disconnect brake lines themselves; only release support brackets.
4. 4

   Remove U-bolt nuts and plates
   Locate the U-bolts that secure the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove the nuts from all U-bolts (typically 4 nuts per side). Remove the U-bolt plate and U-bolts. Note the orientation of plates and spacers for reassembly. The axle is now only supported by the hydraulic jack.
5. 5

   Remove rear shackle mounting bolts
   At the rear of the leaf spring, locate the shackle assembly that connects the spring to the frame. Remove the bolt securing the shackle to the frame bracket. Then remove the bolt securing the shackle to the rear leaf spring eye. The rear of the spring is now free.
6. 6

   Remove front leaf spring mounting bolt
   At the front of the leaf spring, remove the large through-bolt that passes through the front spring eye and frame bracket. This bolt may require significant force to remove. Support the leaf spring as you remove this bolt to prevent it from falling. The spring assembly can now be removed from vehicle.
7. 7

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. Place on a stable work surface. Inspect spring leaves for cracks, breakage, or separation. If springs are damaged beyond bushing wear, replacement of entire assembly may be necessary.
8. 8

   Remove old bushings from spring eyes
   Using a bushing press tool, hydraulic press, or large C-clamp with appropriate adapters, press out the old bushings from the front and rear spring eyes. Apply force evenly to avoid damaging the spring eye. If bushings are seized, carefully apply heat to the outer metal sleeve (not the spring eye itself) to break corrosion bond. Remove any remaining rubber material with wire brush.
9. 9

   Remove old bushings from shackles
   If shackle bushings are being replaced, press or drive out old bushings from the shackle plates. Clean shackle bores thoroughly with wire brush. Inspect shackle plates for cracks, elongated holes, or excessive wear. Replace shackles if damaged.
10. 10

    Clean and inspect mounting hardware
    Thoroughly clean all spring eye bores, frame brackets, and mounting bolt surfaces with wire brush. Remove all rust, old bushing material, and debris. Inspect frame mounting brackets for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear. Check mounting bolt threads and replace bolts if threads are damaged or corroded.
11. 11

    Install new bushings in spring eyes
    Apply bushing installation lubricant or soapy water to the inside and outside of new bushings. Align bushing squarely with spring eye bore. Using bushing press tool or C-clamp with proper adapters, press new bushings into spring eyes until fully seated and centered. Ensure bushings are installed to proper depth with equal protrusion on both sides of spring eye.
12. 12

    Install new bushings in shackles
    If replacing shackle bushings, apply lubricant and press new bushings into shackle plates until fully seated. Verify bushings are centered and properly aligned in shackle bores.
13. 13

    Reinstall leaf spring assembly
    Position leaf spring assembly back into vehicle. Insert front mounting bolt through front spring eye and frame bracket. Thread nut onto front bolt but do not fully tighten yet. Attach rear shackle to spring eye and frame bracket with bolts, threading nuts but leaving loose. All hardware should be snug enough to hold position but not torqued.
14. 14

    Align and secure axle to leaf spring
    Using hydraulic jack, raise axle housing until spring mounting pad aligns with leaf spring. Ensure any centering pins or locating features properly engage. Install U-bolts over axle housing, position U-bolt plate, and install nuts. Thread nuts finger-tight to hold position but do not torque yet.
15. 15

    Load suspension and torque all fasteners
    Raise hydraulic jack under axle to simulate normal ride height loading on suspension. This compresses bushings to proper position before torquing. With suspension loaded to ride height, torque all leaf spring mounting bolts, shackle bolts, and U-bolt nuts according to factory specifications. Consult Rivian service manual for exact torque values. Reinstall shock absorber lower mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reattach all brake line brackets and ABS sensor wire brackets.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with hydraulic jack and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern
5. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
6. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to ABS or traction control systems
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all mounting bolts are tight and properly installed
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify suspension articulates smoothly over bumps without binding or squeaking
• Re-check all fastener torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around brake components that may have been disturbed during service

More procedures for this vehicle