Strut Assembly - Rear

Remove and replace the rear strut assembly on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnection of mounting hardware, brake lines, and electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower strut mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Self-locking nuts (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Access the high voltage disconnect per Rivian service procedures and disable the high voltage system
4. Wait 5 minutes after high voltage disconnect for system capacitors to discharge
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Lift rear of vehicle using designated lift points and support with jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight
7. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly
8. Place additional support under rear differential or subframe to prevent dropping when strut is removed
9. Document routing of any wiring harnesses or brake lines attached to strut assembly with photos

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect strut electrical connections
   Locate any electrical connectors attached to the strut assembly (adaptive damping sensors if equipped). Press connector release tab and carefully disconnect. Secure wiring harness away from work area using zip ties or tape to prevent damage.
2. 2

   Remove brake line brackets
   Identify brake line mounting brackets attached to the strut body. Remove mounting bolts securing brake line brackets to the strut. If brake lines are routed through clips on the strut, carefully release clips without damaging lines. Do not disconnect brake lines at this stage unless absolutely necessary for strut removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower strut mounting
   Locate the lower strut mounting point at the rear knuckle or control arm. Support the knuckle assembly with a jack to prevent dropping. Remove the through-bolt(s) securing the strut to the knuckle. You may need to rotate the knuckle slightly to align bolt removal. Note the orientation of any eccentric bolts or cam adjusters for camber adjustment.
4. 4

   Access upper strut mounting points
   Open the rear cargo area and remove interior trim panels or access covers to reach the upper strut tower mounting nuts. On the EDV 500, this may require removing cargo floor panels or side trim. Locate the three or four upper mounting nuts visible from inside the vehicle.
5. 5

   Support strut assembly
   From underneath the vehicle, manually support the strut assembly weight while an assistant works from inside the vehicle, or use a transmission jack positioned under the strut to support it. The strut is under spring tension and will drop when upper mounts are released.
6. 6

   Remove upper strut mounting nuts
   While supporting the strut from below, remove the upper mounting nuts from inside the vehicle. Hold the center strut shaft if it rotates using appropriate tools. Slowly lower the strut assembly and guide it out from the wheel well. Be aware of any remaining brake lines, wiring, or ABS sensor wires that may still be attached.
7. 7

   Compress strut spring if reusing components
   If separating the strut components or inspecting the spring and mount, use a quality spring compressor tool. Install the compressor on opposite sides of the spring and compress evenly in small increments, alternating sides. Compress until the spring tension is removed from the upper mount. Never work on an uncompressed strut assembly.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Clean the upper strut tower mounting surface with a wire brush. Inspect for cracks, corrosion, or damage. Check lower knuckle mounting points for wear or damage. Inspect all hardware and replace any self-locking nuts, damaged bolts, or worn bushings. Verify new strut assembly matches old assembly in length and mounting configuration.
9. 9

   Install new strut assembly to upper mount
   Position the new strut assembly into the upper strut tower from underneath the vehicle. Align mounting studs with holes in the strut tower. Thread upper mounting nuts onto studs by hand. Do not fully tighten at this stage. Ensure proper orientation with any alignment marks or notches matching factory position.
10. 10

    Connect lower strut mounting
    Raise the lower end of the strut to align with the knuckle or control arm mounting point. Insert the lower mounting bolt and ensure proper orientation matches the original configuration. Thread the nut onto the bolt by hand. Ensure the suspension is at normal ride height position before final tightening (may require lowering vehicle onto wheels or using jack to simulate load).
11. 11

    Reattach brake line brackets and wiring
    Reinstall brake line mounting brackets to the new strut body, ensuring lines are not kinked or stretched. Route any electrical connectors back to their original positions and reconnect securely. Verify no wires or lines will contact moving components or sharp edges through full suspension travel.
12. 12

    Torque all mounting hardware
    Torque the upper strut mounting nuts to Rivian specification (specification must be obtained from factory service manual as none are provided in this database). Torque the lower strut mounting bolt to specification. All torque values must be obtained from official Rivian service documentation before proceeding. Use new self-locking nuts where specified.
13. 13

    Bleed brake system if necessary
    If brake lines were disconnected during this procedure, bleed the rear brake circuit using proper bleeding procedure. Start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder. Pump brake pedal until firm and maintain pedal pressure while opening bleeder valve. Close valve before releasing pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear. Top off brake fluid reservoir with DOT 4 brake fluid.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, tightening lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still supported on jack stands
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to Rivian specification in star pattern
3. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed to reach upper strut mounts
4. Re-enable high voltage system per Rivian procedures
5. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure firm pedal feel before attempting to move vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speeds and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Check for any fluid leaks around brake line connections
• Verify brake pedal feel is firm and brakes operate normally with no sponginess
• Confirm all electrical systems related to suspension (adaptive damping, ride height sensors) operate without warning lights
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry has changed and alignment is mandatory
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all mounting hardware torque values
• Verify strut is not leaking fluid and operates smoothly over bumps

More procedures for this vehicle