Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Replacement of the rear coil spring pair on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, requiring suspension disassembly and specialized spring compression equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if worn or damaged
• Shock absorber lower mounting bolts × 2 — One-time-use fasteners
• Control arm fasteners (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable concrete surface capable of supporting jack stands under full vehicle weight
2. Disable high voltage system following Rivian service manual Section 8A procedures and wait required de-energization time (minimum 5 minutes)
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and secure away from terminal post
4. If equipped, place air suspension or adaptive damping system into service/transport mode using Rivian diagnostic software
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking points
7. Support vehicle on heavy-duty jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on frame rails - never support vehicle by battery pack
8. Remove rear wheels and set aside
9. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
10. Support rear differential/subframe with hydraulic transmission jack to control movement during disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect brake and ABS components
   Disconnect the rear brake caliper by removing caliper mounting bolts. Support caliper with mechanics wire - do not allow it to hang by brake hose. Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor connector and carefully route sensor wire away from work area. Do not allow sensor to be damaged or contaminated.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt at the control arm or axle attachment point. Support the control arm/suspension with a floor jack to prevent sudden drop. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and slowly lower the jack to allow suspension to extend. Note: Some EDV 500 models use electronically controlled dampers - ensure connector is unplugged before removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear lower control arm (trailing arm)
   Identify the rear lower control arm (trailing arm) connection points at both the chassis and knuckle/hub assembly. Remove the forward mounting bolt at chassis first, then the rear mounting bolt at the knuckle. Use a breaker bar as these fasteners are torqued to very high values. Allow the control arm to pivot downward but maintain control with jack.
4. 4

   Disconnect upper control arm or lateral links
   Remove the upper control arm or lateral link mounting bolts from the knuckle/hub assembly. The Rivian EDV uses a multi-link rear suspension - you may need to disconnect multiple lateral links to achieve sufficient drop. Remove only the inboard or outboard connections as needed for spring access, not both unless necessary.
5. 5

   Lower suspension to relieve spring tension
   Very slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension assembly. Watch for binding and ensure all necessary components have been disconnected. Lower suspension until coil spring is loose and can be handled. If spring remains under tension, additional suspension components must be disconnected. Do NOT force or pry against a loaded spring.
6. 6

   Remove old coil spring
   Once spring tension is fully relieved, remove the coil spring from its mounting position. Note the orientation of the spring - top and bottom are different. Remove upper and lower spring isolator pads and inspect for wear, cracking, or compression. Clean the spring seats on both the chassis and suspension arm with wire brush, removing all rust and debris.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor on new spring
   Install heavy-duty coil spring compressor onto the NEW coil spring. Ensure compressor hooks are properly seated in spring coils at 180-degree opposing positions. Compress the spring gradually, alternating between compressor sides to maintain even compression. Compress until spring is approximately 2-3 inches shorter than free length. Verify compressor hooks are secure before handling.
8. 8

   Install new spring isolators and position spring
   Install new upper and lower spring isolator pads onto the compressed spring in the correct orientation per photos taken during disassembly. Position the compressed spring assembly into the suspension, seating the lower isolator into the lower control arm spring pocket and the upper isolator into the chassis spring seat. Verify correct spring orientation - springs are directional.
9. 9

   Raise suspension to load spring
   Using the floor jack, carefully raise the suspension assembly to compress the spring into its installed position. As suspension rises, guide the spring to ensure proper seating in both upper and lower pockets. Continue raising until suspension geometry approaches normal ride height position. Spring should be fully seated with no gaps between isolators and seats.
10. 10

    Release spring compressor
    With suspension at approximately ride height and spring fully seated, very carefully and gradually release the spring compressor tension. Monitor spring position continuously as compressor is loosened. If spring begins to shift or pop out of position, stop immediately and re-evaluate. Once compressor is fully released and spring is stable, remove compressor tools from between coils.
11. 11

    Reconnect upper suspension links
    Reinstall the upper control arm or lateral link mounting bolts at the knuckle/hub assembly. Align bolt holes using alignment pins if necessary. Start all bolts by hand before tightening. Note: Final torque specifications are not available in the database - consult Rivian service manual for exact values. Torque fasteners with suspension at ride height (loaded condition).
12. 12

    Reconnect lower control arm
    Reinstall the lower control arm (trailing arm) mounting bolts at both chassis and knuckle attachment points. Ensure bushings are properly aligned and not twisted. Start all bolts by hand to verify thread engagement. Do not fully torque until suspension is at normal ride height with vehicle weight on wheels.
13. 13

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Reinstall the shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Replace with new one-time-use fastener if specified by manufacturer. If shock has electronic damping, reconnect electrical connector ensuring positive lock engagement. Torque shock mounting bolt per service manual specifications.
14. 14

    Reconnect brake components
    Reconnect ABS wheel speed sensor connector and secure sensor wire in original routing path with clips. Reinstall brake caliper to mounting bracket, ensuring caliper slides freely and brake pads are properly positioned around rotor. Install new caliper mounting bolts if specified as one-time-use.
15. 15

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-14 on the opposite rear corner to replace the second spring. Both rear springs must be replaced as a pair to maintain proper vehicle handling and ride height. Take same precautions with spring compression and suspension component handling.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands onto floor jack, then lower completely to ground
3. With vehicle weight on suspension (normal ride height), perform final torque on all suspension fasteners per Rivian service manual specifications - suspension fasteners must be torqued at ride height, not with suspension hanging
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (specification not in database - consult owner's manual)
5. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
6. If air suspension or adaptive damping was placed in service mode, exit service mode using Rivian diagnostic software
7. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set during repair
8. Re-enable high voltage system per Rivian service procedures

Verification

• Before test drive, bounce each rear corner of vehicle to verify springs are properly seated and suspension operates smoothly without binding or unusual noises
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to verify all fasteners are installed and torqued, no tools or parts are left behind, and brake components are secure
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 25 mph) in safe area to verify normal suspension operation and no pulling or unusual handling
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster, particularly ABS, traction control, or suspension system warnings
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - this is mandatory as suspension geometry has been altered. Vehicle should not be driven extensively until aligned
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect all suspension fasteners for proper torque and check for any looseness or abnormal tire wear patterns

More procedures for this vehicle