Rear Suspension Service

Complete service of the rear suspension system on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including inspection, component replacement, and alignment check of rear suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorbers × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear control arm bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar end links × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear upper control arms (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear lower control arms (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel speed sensor O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Access the vehicle's power menu and place the vehicle in Service Mode to disable high-voltage systems
4. Wait 5 minutes after disabling high-voltage system for capacitors to discharge
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise vehicle using manufacturer-specified lift points and support with jack stands rated for EV weight
7. Remove rear wheels and set aside
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak
9. Document pre-service ride height measurements at all four corners
10. Photograph wheel speed sensor routing and electrical connector positions

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect wheel speed sensors
   Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connectors on both sides. Release the sensor wire retaining clips along the control arms and knuckle. Mark sensor orientation for reinstallation. Do not allow sensors to hang by their wires.
2. 2

   Remove rear sway bar end links
   Using a wrench to hold the ball stud, remove the upper and lower nuts securing each rear sway bar end link. Remove both end links from the vehicle. Inspect the ball studs and boots for wear or damage.
3. 3

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Position a transmission jack or adjustable jack stand under the rear knuckle assembly to support its weight. Raise slightly to take load off the shock absorber and spring assembly. Ensure the jack is stable and will not slip during disassembly.
4. 4

   Remove rear shock absorber upper mounting
   Access the shock absorber upper mounting by opening the rear cargo area and removing the interior trim panel if necessary. Remove the upper shock mounting bolts. On EDV 500, the upper mount may integrate with air suspension components if equipped.
5. 5

   Remove rear shock absorber lower mounting
   Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the rear knuckle or lower control arm. Carefully lower the jack supporting the knuckle to relieve spring tension. If equipped with coil springs, install spring compressor tool before fully releasing tension.
6. 6

   Remove shock and spring assembly
   With spring safely compressed or tension relieved, remove the shock absorber and spring assembly from the vehicle. If equipped with air springs, disconnect the air line at the spring using proper disconnect tool. Cap the air line to prevent contamination.
7. 7

   Remove rear upper control arms
   Remove the bolts securing the rear upper control arms at both the knuckle and chassis mounting points. Note the orientation of any eccentric adjustment bolts or shims used for alignment. Tag or mark these for reference. Remove both upper control arms.
8. 8

   Remove rear lower control arms
   Support the rear knuckle securely. Remove the bolts securing the rear lower control arms at both the knuckle and chassis mounting points. The lower control arms may have multiple bushings and pivot points. Remove both lower control arms from the vehicle.
9. 9

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Thoroughly inspect all suspension mounting points on the chassis and knuckle for cracks, corrosion, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces and bolt threads. Inspect the rear knuckle for any signs of impact damage or excessive wear.
10. 10

    Install new rear lower control arms
    Install new or serviced rear lower control arms with new bushings. Insert bolts through chassis and knuckle mounting points but do not fully torque at this stage. Ensure proper orientation of control arms and that bushings are seated correctly in their mounts.
11. 11

    Install new rear upper control arms
    Install new or serviced rear upper control arms with new bushings. If eccentric adjustment bolts or shims were present, install them in their original positions as marked. Insert bolts but do not fully torque yet. Verify full range of suspension motion is available.
12. 12

    Install new shock absorber and spring assembly
    Position the new shock absorber and spring assembly into place. If equipped with air springs, connect the air line using new O-ring and ensure proper seating. Raise the suspension with the jack to align mounting points. Install upper mounting bolts and lower mounting bolt. Torque according to manufacturer specifications when available.
13. 13

    Install new sway bar end links
    Install new rear sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms or knuckles. Hold the ball stud with a wrench while tightening the nuts. Ensure boots are properly seated and end links move freely through their range of motion.
14. 14

    Reconnect wheel speed sensors
    Install wheel speed sensors into their bores using new O-rings. Route sensor wiring according to original routing as photographed. Secure all retaining clips along the control arms and knuckle. Connect electrical connectors ensuring they click into place. Verify no wires are pinched or stressed.
15. 15

    Torque all suspension fasteners
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (either on the ground or with wheels installed and vehicle lowered onto jack stands), torque all suspension fasteners to manufacturer specifications. This includes control arm bolts at both chassis and knuckle ends, shock mounting bolts, and sway bar end link nuts. Suspension bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature wear.

Reassembly

1. Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque wheel lug nuts in star pattern to manufacturer specification
3. Exit Service Mode and re-enable vehicle systems through the power menu
4. Verify no warning lights are present on the instrument cluster
5. Measure post-service ride height at all four corners and compare to pre-service measurements

Verification

• Connect Rivian diagnostic software and verify no suspension-related fault codes are present
• Verify both rear wheel speed sensors are providing signal to the ABS system
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify torque vectoring system operates correctly during low-speed turns
• Have a professional four-wheel alignment performed, ensuring all angles are within Rivian specifications for the EDV 500
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all suspension fastener torques and re-measure ride height
• Verify regenerative braking operates normally and smoothly

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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