This procedure replaces the front strut mount assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, which connects the suspension strut to the vehicle body and allows for steering movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included in mount assembly) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mounting nuts × 3 — Use OEM specification or reuse if in good condition
• Strut shaft nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open frunk and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal, wait 5 minutes
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift point
6. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at designated side lift points behind front wheels
7. Remove front wheel completely
8. Mark orientation of strut mount to body with paint pen or marker for reassembly reference
9. Photograph strut mount installation orientation and spring seat position

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor and brake line
   Locate the wheel speed sensor connector on the strut assembly and disconnect it. Remove any brake line brackets attached to the strut housing using appropriate socket. Do not disconnect brake line itself, but ensure sufficient slack exists to allow strut removal. Use zip ties to secure brake line away from work area.
2. 2

   Remove lower strut mounting hardware
   Locate the lower strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt and through-bolts. Apply penetrating lubricant if fasteners show corrosion. Remove the pinch bolt first, then remove the through-bolt(s). Note the orientation and position of any alignment tabs or eccentric washers for reassembly. Use a pry bar if needed to spread the knuckle slightly to release strut.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connection point on the strut or control arm. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key while removing the retaining nut with a wrench. If ball stud spins freely, use locking pliers on the rubber boot area (not on the stud threads). Disconnect end link and move aside.
4. 4

   Access upper strut mount in frunk
   From inside the frunk area, locate the strut tower where the upper mount is accessible. Remove any trim panels, covers, or liner materials that obstruct access to the three upper strut mount nuts. You should see three nuts arranged in a triangular pattern around the center strut shaft.
5. 5

   Support strut assembly
   Place a floor jack under the lower control arm or strut body to support the weight of the strut assembly. Raise jack just enough to take up slack but not to compress the suspension. This prevents the strut from falling when upper nuts are removed.
6. 6

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   Hold the center strut shaft from rotating using an Allen key or appropriate tool inserted into the top of the shaft. Remove the three upper strut mount nuts that attach the mount to the strut tower. Do not remove the center shaft nut yet. Keep nuts and washers organized for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower the jack supporting the strut while guiding the assembly down and out of the wheel well. The top of the strut shaft will drop through the strut tower opening. Maneuver the assembly past the brake components and control arm, then remove completely from vehicle. Transfer to a clean workbench.
8. 8

   Install spring compressor
   Position the strut assembly vertically in a strut vice or secure holding fixture. Install the spring compressor tool on the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are engaged in coils at least 3-4 coils apart and are positioned 180 degrees opposite each other. Follow spring compressor manufacturer instructions exactly. Begin compressing spring evenly, alternating sides frequently to maintain even compression.
9. 9

   Remove strut shaft nut and mount
   Continue compressing spring until upper mount can move freely and there is visible gap between mount and spring seat. Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or socket to prevent rotation. Remove the center strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, and any spacers or bushings. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
10. 10

    Inspect and install new strut mount
    Inspect the spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop for damage. Replace if worn. Clean the strut shaft threads. Install components in reverse order: bump stop, spring with proper orientation (paint mark toward front of vehicle if marked), spring seat, bearing plate with correct orientation, new strut mount aligned to match original position. Ensure bearing rotates freely before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install and torque strut shaft nut
    Install new strut shaft nut. Hold shaft with Allen key and torque nut to specification per service manual. Without torque specification provided, consult Rivian service documentation before proceeding. Apply thread locker if specified. Verify mount bearing still rotates freely after torquing.
12. 12

    Remove spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor tool, alternating sides frequently. Ensure spring seats properly in upper and lower spring seats as compression is released. Once spring is fully seated and compressor tension is completely released, remove the compressor tool. Verify spring is seated correctly in both seats with no gaps.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Guide strut assembly back into wheel well, threading the upper shaft through the strut tower opening first. Align the lower strut with the steering knuckle mounting location. Use floor jack to support strut from below while positioning. Align upper mount to marks made during disassembly to maintain proper orientation.
14. 14

    Install upper mounting hardware
    From inside the frunk, install the three upper strut mount nuts finger-tight. Ensure mount is properly aligned and seated against strut tower. Torque nuts to specification per service manual in a star pattern. Without torque specification provided, consult Rivian service documentation before proceeding.
15. 15

    Connect lower strut mounting
    Insert strut into knuckle mounting location, ensuring any alignment tabs or eccentric washers are positioned as noted during disassembly. Install through-bolt(s) and pinch bolt. Torque to specification per service manual. Reconnect sway bar end link and torque to specification. Reconnect wheel speed sensor connector and reinstall brake line brackets.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (consult service manual for specification)
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Reinstall any frunk trim panels or covers removed for access
6. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if required
7. Bounce front suspension several times to settle components

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to wheel speed sensors or suspension systems
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, listening for any unusual noises from front suspension
• Verify steering returns to center properly and there is no pulling to either side
• Schedule front end alignment immediately - this is mandatory after strut mount replacement
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all accessible fasteners and verify no looseness has developed
• Monitor for any abnormal tire wear patterns over next 500 miles

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