This procedure covers the removal and replacement of shock absorbers on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including safe vehicle lifting and air suspension system precautions.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Shock mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Connect diagnostic tool and disable air suspension system (if equipped) to prevent automatic leveling during service
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise vehicle on lift or jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points, ensuring vehicle is stable and secure
6. Remove all four wheels and set aside
7. Spray penetrating oil on shock mounting fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Verify vehicle is stable and will not shift during shock removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper shock mounting points
   For front shocks: Open hood and locate upper shock tower mounting nuts inside engine bay near strut towers. For rear shocks: Remove rear interior trim panels or access covers in cargo area to expose upper shock mounting points. Take photos of routing of any electrical connectors or air lines if equipped with electronic damping or air suspension.
2. 2

   Disconnect electronic damping connectors (if equipped)
   If vehicle is equipped with electronically adjustable damping, locate electrical connector at top of each shock absorber. Press release tab and disconnect connector. Secure connectors away from work area to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Support suspension components
   Place a jack or jack stand under the lower control arm or axle to support the weight of the suspension assembly. Raise just enough to take load off shock absorber without lifting vehicle. This prevents suspension from dropping excessively when shock is removed.
4. 4

   Remove upper shock mounting fasteners
   Using appropriate socket, remove upper shock mounting nuts or bolts. Front shocks typically have 2-3 nuts at top shock tower. Rear shocks may have single center nut or multiple fasteners. Support shock by hand to prevent it from falling once fasteners are removed. Keep all hardware organized by location.
5. 5

   Remove lower shock mounting fasteners
   Locate lower shock mounting bolt where shock attaches to lower control arm, knuckle, or axle housing. Remove lower mounting bolt while supporting shock assembly. On dual motor AWD models, be aware of proximity to drive axles and ensure sufficient clearance. Note orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove shock absorber from vehicle
   Carefully guide shock absorber out of vehicle, maneuvering around brake lines, ABS sensors, and drive components. Front shocks typically remove downward through lower control arm. Rear shocks may remove upward or downward depending on suspension design. Inspect mounting points for damage, corrosion, or worn bushings.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Use wire brush to clean upper and lower shock mounting surfaces, removing rust, dirt, and debris. Inspect mounting bushings in control arms and shock towers for wear or damage. Check for any signs of contact damage to surrounding components. Replace mounting bushings if worn or cracked.
8. 8

   Install new shock absorber
   Transfer any reusable hardware or bushings to new shock as needed. Position new shock absorber into mounting location, routing carefully around brake lines, sensors, and drivetrain components. Install upper mounting fasteners hand-tight first. Ensure shock is properly oriented with any electronic connectors or air fittings facing correct direction.
9. 9

   Install and torque lower mounting fasteners
   Insert lower mounting bolt through shock eye and mounting bracket. Install washer and nut hand-tight. Verify shock is properly seated and aligned. Since no torque specifications are provided in database, follow torque values printed on new shock hardware or vehicle service label. Typical range for commercial vehicles is 75-110 ft-lbs for lower mount, but confirm with vehicle-specific documentation.
10. 10

    Install and torque upper mounting fasteners
    Torque upper shock mounting nuts to specification. Typical range for commercial vehicles is 35-55 ft-lbs for upper mount nuts, but confirm with vehicle-specific documentation or markings on replacement parts. Torque in star pattern if multiple fasteners are present to ensure even loading.
11. 11

    Reconnect electronic components
    If equipped with electronic damping or air suspension, reconnect electrical connectors and air lines to shock absorber. Ensure connectors click securely into place and air lines are properly seated with no kinks or damage. Route all wiring and lines away from moving suspension components and heat sources.
12. 12

    Repeat for remaining shocks
    Repeat steps 1-11 for each remaining shock absorber. Work on one shock at a time to maintain suspension reference and prevent confusion. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued and all electronic connections are secure before proceeding to next wheel position.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground. Torque lug nuts to Rivian specification (typically 150 ft-lbs for commercial vehicles, but verify with door jamb sticker). Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed to access upper shock mounts
2. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
3. Connect diagnostic tool and re-enable air suspension system (if equipped)
4. Clear any suspension-related fault codes that may have been stored during service

Verification

• With vehicle on ground and systems powered on, verify air suspension (if equipped) raises to proper ride height without leaks or error messages
• Bounce each corner of vehicle to verify shocks are functioning properly with no noise or binding
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, verifying suspension responds properly over bumps and no rattles or clunks are present
• Verify electronic damping system (if equipped) is functioning through diagnostic tool or by testing different drive modes
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all fasteners are tight and no components contact shocks during suspension travel
• Check for any fluid leaks from new shocks and verify proper clearance to all surrounding components

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