Strut Mount - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear strut mount assembly on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including disassembly of the upper strut mounting hardware and realignment of suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Upper strut mount nuts × 3 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Using Rivian diagnostic tool, place vehicle in service mode and disable air suspension (if equipped)
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitor discharge
5. Verify high-voltage system is deactivated by checking dashboard indicators
6. Raise vehicle using lift or floor jack at designated lift points specified in owner's manual
7. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for at least 7500 lbs at manufacturer-specified support points
8. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
9. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes to soak
10. Take photos of strut mounting orientation and suspension component positioning for reference
11. Mark camber and toe alignment positions on adjustable components with paint pen

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount from interior
   Open rear cargo area and remove interior trim panels covering the upper strut tower. On the EDV 500, this typically requires removing plastic trim clips and possibly carpet retention. Locate the three upper strut mount nuts accessible from inside the cargo area. Clean the area around the nuts to prevent debris from falling into the strut tower during removal.
2. 2

   Support rear suspension
   Position a transmission jack or similar support device under the rear lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the weight of the suspension. Raise the jack just enough to take up slack but not to lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when the strut is disconnected.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Locate and disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the strut assembly. The EDV 500 may have ride height sensors or damper control connectors. Press the locking tabs and carefully separate connectors. Tag or photograph connector positions for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the rear knuckle/spindle assembly. These are typically large diameter bolts with nuts on the backside. Use a wrench to hold the nut while using a breaker bar or impact wrench to remove the bolt. If bolts are seized, apply additional penetrating oil and use heat carefully, avoiding any rubber components or high-voltage cables.
5. 5

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   If the stabilizer bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from either the strut or the stabilizer bar. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key or Torx bit while loosening the retaining nut. Support the link to prevent it from hanging on brake lines or ABS wiring.
6. 6

   Loosen upper strut mount nuts
   From inside the cargo area, loosen (but do not remove) the three upper strut mount nuts. Loosen them evenly in a crisscross pattern to prevent binding. Leave the nuts threaded on approximately 3-4 turns to prevent the strut from falling when separated from the tower.
   ⚠Do not fully remove upper mount nuts until strut assembly is properly supported from below. The strut assembly weighs approximately 30-40 lbs and can cause injury if it falls.
7. 7

   Remove strut assembly
   With the suspension still supported by the jack, carefully lower the jack to allow the strut to pivot away from the knuckle. Guide the lower end of the strut out of the mounting point. Once clear, remove the three upper mount nuts completely while supporting the strut assembly. Carefully lower and remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle. Have an assistant help with this step as the assembly is heavy and awkward.
8. 8

   Compress strut spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure strut vise or holding fixture. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils. Compress the spring evenly by alternating between compressors, making small adjustments (1-2 turns at a time) until spring tension is relieved from the upper mount. The spring must be compressed enough that the upper mount can rotate freely.
   ⚠️Use only high-quality spring compressors designed for automotive coil springs. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in coils. Stand to the side of the spring, never in line with it, during compression. A released spring can cause fatal injuries.
9. 9

   Remove upper strut mount
   While holding the strut shaft with a wrench on the flat sections (if present), remove the upper strut shaft nut using the appropriate socket. Remove the nut, washer, and upper mount bearing. Lift off the old strut mount assembly. Inspect the bearing for damage or rough rotation. Examine the spring seat and isolator for deterioration.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount
    Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the shaft threads. Place the new strut mount assembly onto the strut, ensuring proper orientation (match the position of the mounting studs to the original configuration noted in your photos). Install the bearing, washer, and new upper nut. Hold the strut shaft and tighten the upper nut. Note: Without manufacturer torque specifications, tighten firmly but do not over-torque. The typical range for this fastener is 50-70 ft-lbs, but verify with Rivian service information if available.
11. 11

    Decompress spring and inspect
    Carefully and evenly release tension from the spring compressors, alternating between sides in small increments. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats. Once fully decompressed, verify the mount bearing rotates smoothly and the spring is properly positioned. Remove the spring compressor tools.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    With assistance, lift the strut assembly into position. Guide the upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower from inside the cargo area. Thread the three upper mount nuts onto the studs by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Raise the suspension jack to bring the lower strut mounting points into alignment with the knuckle.
13. 13

    Connect lower strut mounting
    Align the lower strut mounting holes with the knuckle. Insert the lower mounting bolts and start the nuts by hand. Ensure bolts pass through cleanly without forcing. Once bolts are started, tighten evenly. Apply anti-seize to bolt threads during installation. Note: Without manufacturer specifications, these critical fasteners should be tightened to approximately 120-150 ft-lbs, but verify with Rivian service documentation.
14. 14

    Reconnect stabilizer bar link
    If previously disconnected, reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the strut or stabilizer bar. Hold the ball stud stationary and tighten the nut. Typical torque for stabilizer links is 35-50 ft-lbs, but verify with manufacturer specifications.
15. 15

    Final tightening and electrical connections
    From inside the cargo area, tighten the three upper strut mount nuts in a crisscross pattern. Without manufacturer specifications, tighten these to approximately 30-40 ft-lbs. Reconnect all electrical connectors to ride height sensors or damper controls. Ensure connectors click into place and locking tabs engage. Remove the transmission jack from under the suspension. Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts to Rivian specifications (typically 150 ft-lbs for this vehicle weight class, but verify).

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels and cargo area components removed for access
2. Ensure all trim clips are fully seated and panels are secure
3. Lower vehicle to ground
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Start vehicle and exit service mode using diagnostic tool
6. If equipped with air suspension, verify system reinitializes properly and check for fault codes
7. Test rear suspension by gently bouncing the rear of the vehicle; it should rebound smoothly without noise
8. Perform final torque verification on all fasteners after vehicle is at normal ride height

Verification

• Road test vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any unusual noises from rear suspension
• Verify no clunking, rattling, or squeaking from the strut mount area during bumps and turns
• Check that vehicle tracks straight with hands lightly on steering wheel (though full alignment is still required)
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around strut assembly
• Using Rivian diagnostic tool, scan for any suspension-related fault codes
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - this is mandatory after strut mount replacement
• After alignment, verify tire wear patterns are normal and steering wheel is centered
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle