Replace the leaf spring U-bolt kit on the rear suspension of a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, securing the axle to the leaf springs with new U-bolts, plates, and hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring U-bolt kit (includes U-bolts, nuts, washers, and backing plate) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Thread locking compound (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
3. Put vehicle in Park mode and power off completely
4. Verify the 12V battery disconnect is accessible if emergency shutdown is needed
5. Allow suspension components to cool if vehicle was recently driven
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack, raise the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jacking points on the frame. Raise high enough to allow wheel removal and suspension travel. Place jack stands under the frame rails, not under the axle or suspension components. Remove the rear wheels completely and set aside.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a transmission jack or heavy-duty axle support stand under the center of the rear axle housing. Raise just enough to make contact and provide slight support, but do not lift the axle. The axle must be able to move slightly downward when U-bolts are removed.
3. 3

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on all U-bolt nuts and threads. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes to ease removal, especially if the vehicle has been exposed to road salt or moisture. Identify the location of all U-bolt nuts on both sides of the axle.
4. 4

   Remove U-bolt nuts
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 19mm or 21mm), loosen and remove all nuts from the U-bolts on the side being serviced. Remove nuts in a cross pattern (if 4 nuts per side) to prevent binding. Keep track of any washers or spacers in their original positions.
   ⚠As the last nut is removed, the axle may shift slightly. Ensure the transmission jack is supporting the axle securely.
5. 5

   Remove old U-bolts and backing plate
   Remove the U-bolts from the axle assembly by pulling them upward through the spring perch. Remove the backing plate (spring plate) from under the leaf spring. Inspect the spring perch and axle mounting surface for damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the top of the axle spring perch, the bottom surface of the leaf spring, and the spring perch bolt holes. Remove all rust, corrosion, dirt, and old thread locking compound. If threads in the spring perch are damaged, chase them with a tap to ensure clean engagement.
7. 7

   Inspect leaf spring and axle alignment
   Verify that the leaf spring center bolt is properly located in the axle spring perch locating hole. Check that the spring and axle are properly aligned with no offset or twisting. The spring should sit flat against the perch surface with no gaps.
8. 8

   Install new backing plate
   Position the new backing plate (spring plate) from the U-bolt kit underneath the leaf spring, centered on the axle. Ensure any locating tabs or features align properly with the spring and axle assembly.
9. 9

   Install new U-bolts
   Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the U-bolt threads. Insert the new U-bolts from the kit down through the spring perch, around the axle, and through the holes in the backing plate. Ensure the U-bolts are seated fully in the spring perch with equal thread protrusion on both sides.
10. 10

    Install washers and nuts finger-tight
    Install the washers and nuts provided in the kit onto the U-bolt threads. Thread all nuts on by hand until finger-tight. Verify that the backing plate is centered and properly positioned before proceeding to tightening.
11. 11

    Torque U-bolt nuts to specification
    Apply medium-strength thread locking compound to the nut threads. Using a torque wrench, tighten the U-bolt nuts in a cross pattern to the manufacturer's specified torque value. Since torque specifications are not available in this database, consult the Rivian service manual or contact Rivian Commercial Vehicle Service for the exact torque specification before performing this step. Typical commercial vehicle U-bolt torque ranges from 120-180 ft-lbs, but vehicle-specific values must be used.
    ⚠️Do not guess at torque values. Under-torquing can cause axle separation; over-torquing can damage threads or crack components. Obtain manufacturer specifications before proceeding.
12. 12

    Verify U-bolt installation
    Visually confirm that all U-bolt nuts are fully torqued, the backing plate is flat against the spring bottom, and there are no gaps between components. Check that U-bolt thread protrusion beyond the nuts is consistent on both sides (typically 2-4 threads visible).
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side if needed
    If replacing U-bolts on both sides of the axle, repeat steps 4 through 12 for the opposite side. Maintain axle support throughout the process.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Remove the transmission jack from under the axle. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the tires just contact the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all U-bolt nuts are torqued to manufacturer specification with thread locking compound applied
2. Verify backing plates are properly seated with no gaps or misalignment
3. Confirm axle is centered on leaf springs with no lateral offset
4. All wheels must be properly torqued before test driving

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, visually inspect U-bolt installation for proper seating and alignment
• Verify no gaps exist between the backing plate and leaf spring
• Check that thread protrusion beyond nuts is consistent and adequate
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, listening for any clunking or abnormal noises from the rear suspension
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all U-bolt nuts to specification as they may settle slightly during initial use
• Schedule a follow-up inspection after 500 miles to verify U-bolt torque retention

More procedures for this vehicle