Strut Bearing

Replace the front strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, which involves removing the front strut assembly and replacing the top mount components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Upper strut mount assembly (if bearing not sold separately) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable concrete surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely using the main power-off procedure in the vehicle settings menu
4. Wait 5 minutes for high-voltage system capacitors to discharge
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
6. Photograph or mark the orientation of suspension components for reference during reassembly
7. Verify you have obtained correct OEM Rivian EDV-specific strut bearing or mount assembly, as commercial van parts differ from consumer R1T/R1S models

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack rated for the EDV 500's weight, lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jacking point. Immediately place jack stands under the frame rails at designated support points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.
2. 2

   Disconnect electronic components
   Locate and disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the strut assembly, including wheel speed sensor connectors, ride height sensors, or adaptive damping connectors if equipped. Mark connector positions with tape for reinstallation. Secure wiring harnesses away from the work area.
3. 3

   Remove brake line and ABS sensor brackets
   Remove the bolts securing brake line brackets and ABS wheel speed sensor to the strut body. Do NOT disconnect brake lines or ABS sensors themselves—simply unbolt the brackets to free them from the strut. Use a bungee cord or wire to support the brake caliper and rotor assembly to prevent strain on brake hoses.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle or lower control arm. Mark the exact position of any cam bolts or eccentric adjusters as these control alignment settings. Remove the lower mounting bolts while supporting the strut assembly. The strut may now pivot but should remain held by upper mounting nuts.
   ⚠Mark alignment cam positions precisely. Failure to reinstall in original position will cause severe alignment issues.
5. 5

   Access upper strut mount
   Open the hood or access panel to reach the strut tower. In the EDV 500, this may require removing interior trim panels or cargo area components depending on which side you are servicing. Locate the three or four upper mount nuts at the top of the strut tower. Do NOT remove the center shaft nut yet.
6. 6

   Remove upper mounting nuts and extract strut
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the upper mounting nuts (not the center shaft nut). Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle. Place the assembly on a clean, stable workbench.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Mount a heavy-duty coil spring compressor onto the coil spring, following the compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly. Install compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring for balanced compression. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in spring coils and positioned away from spring ends.
   ⚠️Spring compressor MUST be installed correctly. Uneven compression or improper hook engagement can cause catastrophic spring release. Follow spring compressor instructions precisely.
8. 8

   Compress spring
   Gradually and evenly compress the spring by alternating between both sides of the compressor. Compress until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount—you should be able to slightly wiggle the upper mount plate. Never compress the spring more than necessary.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Check for proper hook engagement after every few turns. Stop if you hear unusual sounds or see shifting.
9. 9

   Remove center shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or Allen key at the top to prevent rotation. Remove the center shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, dust boot, and any spacers or washers. Keep all components in order and note their orientation.
10. 10

    Replace strut bearing
    Remove the old strut bearing from the mount assembly. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly. Install the new strut bearing, ensuring it is seated properly and oriented correctly (bearing should rotate smoothly). If replacing the entire upper mount assembly, transfer any reusable components to the new mount. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the strut shaft threads.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut components
    Reinstall components onto the strut shaft in the exact reverse order: upper mount assembly with new bearing, bearing plate, dust boot, and any spacers or washers in their original orientation. Thread on the center shaft nut. Hold the shaft and tighten the center nut to manufacturer specification (torque spec not available in database—consult Rivian service manual or use 50-65 ft-lbs as typical range for verification).
    ⚠Proper torque specification is critical for this safety component. Verify with official Rivian documentation before final tightening.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor by alternating sides. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the lower perch and upper mount. Once spring is fully seated and loaded, carefully remove the spring compressor tools.
    ⚠️Verify spring is properly seated in both upper and lower perches before fully releasing compressor. Improper seating can cause spring ejection.
13. 13

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Lift the complete strut assembly back into position in the vehicle. Guide the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Install upper mounting nuts and tighten finger-tight. Connect the lower strut mounting bolts, aligning any cam bolts or eccentric adjusters to the marks made during disassembly. Tighten lower mounting bolts to specification (torque spec not in database—consult Rivian manual).
14. 14

    Reconnect components and final tightening
    Reattach brake line brackets and ABS sensor brackets to the strut body. Reconnect all electrical connectors to their marked positions. With the vehicle weight on the suspension (lower from jack stands onto wheels, then raise again if needed for access), perform final torque on all strut mounting fasteners per Rivian specifications. Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to specification.
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and perform system checks
    Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle on level ground, bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times and listen for any abnormal noises from the new strut bearing. Check for smooth rotation and no binding.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications using a calibrated torque wrench—this is non-negotiable for safety-critical suspension components
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured with locking tabs engaged
3. Verify brake lines and ABS sensors are properly secured and not pinched or stretched
4. Double-check that the coil spring is properly seated in both upper and lower perches

Verification

• Before driving, turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or grinding from the strut bearing
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, listening for any unusual suspension noises, clunking, or steering issues
• Test steering response and verify no pulling to either side (though final alignment will correct minor deviations)
• Schedule a professional 4-wheel alignment immediately—this is mandatory after suspension work and must be performed before normal driving
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all strut mounting fasteners to specification and verify no looseness has developed
• If any abnormal noises, steering issues, or handling problems occur, stop driving immediately and have the vehicle inspected by a professional

More procedures for this vehicle