suspension

Strut Mount - Rear

for 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the rear strut mount assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, which connects the rear suspension strut to the vehicle body and absorbs road shock.

Warnings

⚠️This is a SAFETY-CRITICAL suspension repair. Improper installation can result in loss of vehicle control, collision, and death. If you are not experienced with suspension work or lack proper equipment, seek professional service.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠️Coil springs store tremendous energy. Improper use of spring compressors can cause springs to violently release, causing severe injury or death. Use only quality spring compressors and follow manufacturer instructions exactly.

⚠️This is a high-voltage electric vehicle. Ensure high-voltage system is completely de-energized before beginning work. Verify there is no voltage at work area with appropriate test equipment.

⚠Rear strut mounts may have electronic damping control connections. Disconnecting battery may trigger fault codes requiring reset with diagnostic equipment.

⚠Mark all fastener positions and orientations during disassembly to ensure correct alignment during reassembly.

ℹ️Torque specifications are not available in database. Consult factory service manual or contact Rivian service for proper torque values before beginning work.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands rated for 3+ tonsEssential

Torque wrench (50-200 ft-lb)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Wrench set (metric)Essential

Spring compressor setEssential

Pry bar

Penetrating oil

Brake line clips or wireEssential

Impact wrench

Trim panel removal tools

Multimeter (12V DC)

Parts

Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Strut mount bearing × 1 — Often included with mount assembly
Upper strut mount nuts × 1 — Use OEM specification
Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature rated

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Chock front wheels securely
Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
Verify high-voltage system is de-energized according to Rivian service procedures
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at proper support points
Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
Photograph or mark strut position and orientation for reference during reassembly
Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes

Procedure

1
Access rear cargo area and remove interior trim
Open rear cargo doors and locate the strut tower access panel. This may be under the cargo floor covering or behind trim panels. Remove any cargo floor panels, fasteners, or trim pieces necessary to access the upper strut mount nuts. On EDV 500, access may be through side panel in cargo area. Take care not to damage wiring harnesses or trim clips.
2
Disconnect electronic damping control (if equipped)
Locate the electrical connector at the top of the strut assembly for adaptive damping system. Carefully disconnect the electrical connector by releasing the locking tab. Use multimeter to verify no voltage present. Secure connector away from work area to prevent damage.
3
Support lower suspension and remove brake line brackets
Place floor jack under lower control arm or suspension knuckle to support weight of suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to take load off strut but not to lift vehicle. Locate and remove brake line brackets or clips attached to strut body using appropriate socket. Secure brake line away from work area with brake line clips or wire to prevent strain on brake hose.
4
Remove lower strut mounting bolts
Locate the lower strut-to-knuckle or strut-to-lower mount bolts. These are typically two large bolts connecting the strut to the suspension knuckle or mounting bracket. Support the strut assembly while removing these bolts. Remove bolts completely and note their orientation and any alignment marks or eccentric washers.
5
Mark and remove upper strut mount nuts
From inside cargo area at strut tower, locate the upper strut mount nuts (typically 3-4 nuts in circular pattern). Mark the orientation of the strut mount for proper reinstallation. Have an assistant support the strut from below, or ensure floor jack is properly positioned to prevent strut from falling. Remove all upper mounting nuts while supporting strut assembly.
6
Remove strut assembly from vehicle
Carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the vehicle. Maneuver the strut past brake components, suspension arms, and body panels. Place strut assembly on clean workbench in secure position for disassembly.
7
Install spring compressors
Install spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring, positioning them at least 90 degrees apart for balanced compression. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged with spring coils and positioned away from strut body. Follow spring compressor manufacturer instructions exactly. Begin compressing spring gradually, alternating between compressors to maintain even compression. Compress until spring tension is completely relieved from upper strut mount.
8
Remove strut shaft nut and old mount
Hold the strut shaft from rotating using appropriate tool (hex socket or shaft holding tool at top center of shaft). Remove the strut shaft nut using socket and wrench. Carefully remove upper mount assembly, bearing plate, bump stop, and dust boot. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly. Inspect all components for wear or damage.
9
Install new strut mount assembly
Clean the strut shaft threads and apply anti-seize compound sparingly. Install components in exact reverse order of removal: dust boot, bump stop, bearing (if separate), and new strut mount assembly. Ensure mount is oriented correctly according to marks made during disassembly. Thread strut shaft nut onto shaft by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement.
10
Torque strut shaft nut and release spring
Hold strut shaft from rotating and torque the shaft nut to manufacturer specification (consult factory service manual for exact value, typically 50-70 ft-lb for this vehicle class). Verify mount is properly seated and oriented. Slowly and evenly release spring compressors, alternating between them to maintain even spring release. Once spring is fully seated against upper and lower spring seats, completely remove spring compressors.
11
Reinstall strut assembly into vehicle
Lift strut assembly into position, guiding strut shaft through upper mount opening in strut tower. Align upper mount studs with holes in strut tower. From inside cargo area, start all upper mount nuts by hand to hold assembly in place. Do not fully tighten yet.
12
Connect lower strut mounting bolts
Using floor jack, raise lower suspension to align strut with lower mounting points. Install lower strut mounting bolts, ensuring proper alignment and that any eccentric washers or alignment components are in original positions. Start bolts by hand first. Torque lower mounting bolts to factory specification (consult service manual - typically 80-120 ft-lb).
13
Torque upper mount nuts and reconnect components
From inside cargo area, torque upper strut mount nuts in star pattern to factory specification (consult service manual - typically 25-35 ft-lb). Reconnect electronic damping control connector if equipped, ensuring positive lock engagement. Reinstall brake line brackets to strut body and torque fasteners to specification.
14
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Reinstall wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to factory specification (consult service manual - typically 130-150 ft-lb for Rivian vehicles). Remove jack stands and completely lower vehicle. Remove wheel chocks.
15
Reconnect battery and reset systems
Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal. Turn vehicle to ON position without starting drive system. Check instrument cluster for warning lights. Clear any fault codes using diagnostic scanner if adaptive suspension faults are present. Cycle steering lock-to-lock and allow vehicle systems to initialize.

Reassembly

Reinstall all cargo area trim panels and fasteners removed for strut tower access
Ensure all wiring harnesses are properly routed and secured away from moving suspension components
Verify brake lines have adequate clearance and are not pinched or rubbing against strut or suspension components
If both sides were serviced, verify work is symmetrical and all components match side-to-side

Verification

With vehicle on level ground, verify ride height is equal side-to-side and matches front-to-rear
Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed, listening for unusual noises from rear suspension
Perform several gentle stops to verify brake function is normal with no pulling or vibration
Drive over gentle bumps to confirm strut mount is functioning properly with no clunking or rattling
Verify electronic damping control functions properly if equipped (check through vehicle settings or diagnostic scanner)
Re-check lug nut torque after first 50 miles of driving
Have four-wheel alignment performed by qualified shop with proper equipment - strut mount replacement affects alignment
Monitor for warning lights or fault codes for first several drive cycles

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