Replace the front strut mount assembly, which connects the strut to the vehicle body and allows for steering pivot movement while absorbing road shock and vibration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut dust boot (inspect and replace if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 10 minutes for system capacitor discharge
4. Verify high-voltage system is in service mode per Rivian service procedures (consult owner's manual or service documentation)
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight - never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
8. Remove front wheel completely
9. Apply penetrating oil to all strut mounting bolts and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
10. Take photos of strut orientation and component positions before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount in engine bay
   Open hood and locate the upper strut mount tower. Remove any plastic covers or trim panels that obstruct access to the upper strut mounting nuts. On the EDV 500, you may need to remove frunk cargo area panels to access the strut towers. The upper mount is typically secured by 3-4 nuts visible from the top.
2. 2

   Mark strut alignment position
   Before loosening any fasteners, use a paint pen or marker to mark the relationship between the strut and the strut mount, as well as the orientation of any alignment marks. This ensures proper camber and caster alignment during reassembly. Note the position of any eccentric bolts or adjusters.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper control arm or steering knuckle
   Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle by removing the ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut (vehicle configuration dependent). Use a ball joint separator tool to safely separate the connection. Support the knuckle assembly with a bungee cord or wire to prevent stress on brake lines and ABS wiring.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering knuckle to hang freely as this can damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or CV joints.
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate and remove the lower strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts. These are typically two large bolts that pass through the steering knuckle. Support the strut assembly from below to prevent it from falling when the bolts are removed. Note that one bolt may be an eccentric bolt for camber adjustment.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   From the engine bay, hold the strut shaft center nut with an Allen key or Torx bit to prevent rotation while loosening the upper mount nuts. Remove all upper mounting nuts but keep the center shaft nut tight for now. This keeps the spring assembly compressed and safe during removal.
   ⚠️Do NOT remove the center strut shaft nut at this time. Removing it without a spring compressor will cause violent spring release and serious injury.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver it out from the wheel well, being careful not to damage brake lines, ABS wiring, or surrounding components. Place the assembly on a stable workbench.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Install the strut spring compressor tool according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are seated properly in the spring coils with equal engagement on both sides. The hooks must be securely positioned in the spring coils, not just resting on top. Compress the spring gradually, alternating between sides to maintain even compression, until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount plate (approximately 1-2 inches of unloading).
   ⚠️Verify spring compressor is properly installed and rated for the spring load. Improper installation can cause compressor failure and violent spring release.
8. 8

   Remove center strut shaft nut
   With the spring safely compressed, hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or Torx bit while removing the center shaft nut. Remove the nut, washer, and upper strut mount assembly. Keep all components organized and inspect the strut bearing for wear or rough rotation.
9. 9

   Disassemble and inspect components
   Remove the upper spring isolator, strut mount bearing, and bump stop assembly. Inspect all components for wear, cracks, or deterioration. Check the strut shaft for damage, scoring, or fluid leaks. Replace any worn components. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount assembly
    Install the new bump stop and dust boot onto the strut shaft. Place the new strut mount bearing with proper orientation (bearing should rotate freely). Install the new upper strut mount, ensuring any alignment marks or orientation tabs are correctly positioned to match your original markings. Install the upper spring isolator if equipped.
11. 11

    Reassemble strut shaft components
    Install the washer and thread on the center strut shaft nut. Hold the strut shaft with Allen key or Torx bit and tighten the center nut. Without manufacturer torque specifications, tighten securely to typical strut shaft nut values (consult Rivian service documentation for exact specification - typically 50-70 ft-lb range for similar vehicles, but verification is required).
    ⚠You must obtain official Rivian torque specifications before final tightening. Improper torque can cause strut mount failure.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating between sides to ensure even spring seating. Verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring perches with correct orientation. Once spring is fully seated and bearing load, completely remove the spring compressor tool.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Install the upper mounting nuts finger-tight. Align the lower strut mounting points with the steering knuckle, ensuring any alignment marks or eccentric bolt positions match your original markings.
14. 14

    Secure all mounting fasteners
    Install and hand-tighten all lower strut mounting bolts. Reconnect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle and install the ball joint fastener. Tighten all fasteners following Rivian service specifications. Without access to specific torque values, typical ranges are: upper mount nuts 20-30 ft-lb, lower strut bolts 120-150 ft-lb, ball joint nuts 50-75 ft-lb. You must verify exact specifications before final torque application.
    ⚠Official Rivian torque specifications are required for all suspension fasteners. Contact Rivian service or obtain official service documentation.
15. 15

    Final torque and inspection
    With vehicle weight on suspension (vehicle lowered but still supported safely for access), perform final torque of all fasteners per Rivian specifications. Verify all components are properly secured, no tools or parts are left in the wheel well, and all electrical connectors and brake lines are properly routed and secured.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle carefully from jack stands using floor jack
3. Once vehicle is on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (typically 130-150 ft-lb for EDV 500, verify exact specification)
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Exit service mode and restore high-voltage system to normal operation per Rivian procedures
6. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 20 mph) and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Check for any looseness in steering or suspension during slow-speed turns
• Verify no clunking noises over bumps or during steering input
• Inspect all fasteners for proper tightness after test drive
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - suspension work affects alignment and tire wear
• Monitor strut mount area for any unusual noises or vibrations during first 100 miles of driving
• Verify vehicle stability and handling at highway speeds (in safe conditions)
• Re-check all fastener torque after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle