Air Suspension Compressor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the air suspension compressor on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension compressor assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Air line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Compressor mounting grommets × 3 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Electrical connector seal × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Connect Rivian diagnostic scan tool and enter Air Suspension Service Mode
3. Use scan tool to depressurize air suspension system completely (follow prompts to vent all four corners)
4. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery and wait 5 minutes for capacitor discharge
5. Verify high voltage system status shows 'Disabled' on instrument cluster
6. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
7. Remove rear driver side wheel for access to compressor location
8. Remove rear driver side inner fender liner (8 push clips and 3 Torx screws)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access compressor area
   Remove the rear driver side underbody panel to access the air suspension compressor mounting area. Remove 6 Torx T30 screws securing the panel and carefully lower it away from the vehicle. The compressor is mounted vertically behind the rear wheel well.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the compressor assembly. Press the red locking tab and pull the connector straight out from the compressor. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage. Use contact cleaner if necessary.
3. 3

   Disconnect pressure sensor harness
   Locate the pressure sensor connector on top of the compressor assembly. Depress the locking tab and disconnect the sensor harness. This is a small connector with a gray body.
4. 4

   Disconnect air supply line
   Locate the main air supply line connection at the top of the compressor. This is the largest diameter line. Push the collar toward the compressor body while pulling the air line straight out. Verify system is fully depressurized (no hissing sound). Cap the line with a clean plug to prevent contamination.
5. 5

   Disconnect air distribution lines
   Disconnect the four air distribution lines from the manifold block on the compressor. Each line connects with a push-to-connect fitting. Push the collar in and pull the line out. Note the orientation and position of each line for reassembly. Cap all open fittings.
6. 6

   Disconnect air dryer purge line
   Locate the small diameter purge line connected to the air dryer assembly (integrated into compressor). Release the push-to-connect fitting and remove the line. This line vents moisture during the drying cycle.
7. 7

   Remove compressor mounting bolts
   Remove the three mounting bolts securing the compressor to the frame bracket. Two bolts are accessed from the rear, one from the front. Use a 13mm socket with extension. Note the location of rubber isolation grommets on each mounting point.
8. 8

   Remove compressor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the compressor assembly out of the mounting bracket. The unit weighs approximately 15 lbs. Tilt the compressor forward and down to clear the frame rail, then remove it from underneath the vehicle. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components or wiring.
9. 9

   Inspect mounting area
   Clean the mounting bracket and inspect for damage, corrosion, or cracks. Check rubber isolation grommets for deterioration and replace if necessary. Vacuum any debris from the area. Inspect all air line fittings on the vehicle side for damage.
10. 10

    Prepare new compressor
    Unpack the new compressor assembly and verify it matches the original unit. Check that all fittings are clean and free of protective caps. Apply a light coating of silicone lubricant to all O-rings on the air line fittings. Install new rubber isolation grommets onto the compressor mounting points.
11. 11

    Install new compressor
    Position the new compressor assembly into the mounting bracket, orienting it the same as the original. Tilt forward and up, then align the mounting holes. Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a cross pattern. Verify compressor sits flat against all three isolation grommets without being forced.
12. 12

    Reconnect air lines
    Reconnect all air lines to the compressor in reverse order of removal. Start with the four distribution lines to the manifold block, ensuring each line seats fully with an audible click. Connect the purge line to the air dryer. Finally, connect the main supply line. Verify each connection by pulling gently on the line.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the pressure sensor harness to the top of the compressor, ensuring the locking tab engages. Connect the main electrical connector, pushing firmly until you hear and feel the red lock engage. Tug gently to verify connection is secure.
14. 14

    Pressurize and test system
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. With the Rivian diagnostic tool still connected, exit Air Suspension Service Mode. The system will automatically begin pressurization sequence. Monitor for air leaks at all connections using soapy water solution. Listen for abnormal compressor sounds. Normal fill time is 3-5 minutes.
15. 15

    Perform system calibration
    Use Rivian diagnostic tool to perform air suspension height calibration procedure. Follow on-screen prompts to cycle through all height settings (low, normal, high). Verify each corner pressurizes and depressurizes correctly. Clear any fault codes and verify system shows no errors.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear driver side underbody panel and torque Torx screws securely
2. Reinstall inner fender liner with all push clips and Torx screws
3. Reinstall rear driver side wheel and torque lug nuts to specification
4. Lower vehicle to ground and verify ride height is correct at all four corners
5. Perform final visual inspection of all connections and mounting points

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no air suspension warning lights on instrument cluster
• Use diagnostic tool to verify all air suspension sensors reading correct pressure values (typically 80-120 PSI)
• Cycle through all ride height settings (low, normal, high) and verify smooth operation
• Drive vehicle at low speed and verify compressor cycles normally when adjusting height
• Check for air leaks again after initial drive by applying soapy water to all new connections
• Verify compressor run time is normal (should not run continuously for more than 2 minutes)
• Confirm no fault codes present in air suspension system using diagnostic tool

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