Coil Springs - Rear Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil spring pair on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of spring compressors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring - left × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Rear coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Shock absorber lower mounting hardware kit × 1 — May be reusable - inspect for wear
• Control arm bushing hardware × 1 — Replace if damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground with parking brake engaged and wheel chocks placed at front wheels
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. If equipped, disable air suspension or adaptive damping mode using vehicle settings menu
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Apply penetrating oil to all rear suspension fasteners that will be removed and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
6. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point per owner's manual
7. Support vehicle with heavy-duty jack stands positioned at factory jacking points on chassis rails - ensure stands are rated for at least 3,500 lbs each
8. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
9. Visually inspect spring compressor tools for damage, worn threads, or bent components - do not use damaged equipment

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position hydraulic floor jack under the rear axle or lower control arm on the side being serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts the component and provides light support, but does not lift the vehicle. The suspension should be at near-ride height. This support prevents the suspension from dropping too far when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the rear axle or lower control arm. Use penetrating oil if needed. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt using appropriate socket and breaker bar. Guide the shock absorber upward and secure it out of the way with wire or bungee cord to prevent damage to brake lines or wiring.
3. 3

   Disconnect stabilizer bar end link
   Locate the rear stabilizer bar end link connection to the lower control arm or axle. Hold the end link stud with a wrench to prevent spinning, then remove the retaining nut. Separate the end link from the mounting point. If the ball joint is seized, use a pickle fork or ball joint separator, taking care not to damage the rubber boot if the part is being reused.
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect lower control arm rear bolt
   On the driver or passenger side being serviced, mark the position of the lower control arm rear mounting bolt and bushing alignment using paint marker or tape. This aids in reassembly alignment. Remove the rear control arm mounting bolt from the chassis bracket. Do not remove the front bolt yet - leaving one bolt connected provides stability.
5. 5

   Lower suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the hydraulic floor jack supporting the axle or control arm. As you lower, watch the coil spring begin to extend. Lower the jack until the spring is fully extended and loose between its upper and lower seats. There should be visible gap and no load on the spring. If the spring remains under tension, you may need to disconnect additional suspension links.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   With the spring fully extended and unloaded, install the coil spring compressor tools. Position compressor hooks evenly around the spring, ensuring they engage at least 2-3 coils on both sides. Alternate tightening the compressor bolts gradually and evenly, checking frequently that the hooks remain properly seated. Compress the spring enough to remove all load from the upper and lower spring seats, but do not over-compress.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged on the coil before applying compression force. Compressors slipping off under load can cause catastrophic spring release.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With the spring safely compressed and secured by the compressor tools, remove the spring from the vehicle. Note the orientation of the spring, including which end is up and the position of any insulators or cushions on the upper and lower spring seats. Photograph or mark the orientation for reference during installation. Remove upper and lower spring insulators if present and inspect for damage.
8. 8

   Transfer compressor to new spring
   Carefully release tension on the old spring while supporting it securely. Remove the compressor tools from the old spring. Install the compressor tools on the new replacement spring in the same configuration, engaging at least 2-3 coils on each side. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was when removed from the vehicle. Ensure compression is even on both sides.
9. 9

   Install new spring with insulators
   Install new or inspected spring insulators on the upper and lower seats of the new spring. Position the compressed new spring into the vehicle, ensuring correct orientation - match the alignment to your photos or marks from removal. The spring end profile and insulator position must match the original configuration. Seat the spring firmly into the upper and lower spring perches.
10. 10

    Raise suspension to load spring
    Raise the hydraulic floor jack under the axle or lower control arm slowly. As you raise, the suspension will compress and begin to load the new spring against its seats. Continue raising until the lower control arm rear mounting hole aligns with the chassis bracket hole. The spring should be properly seated in both upper and lower perches with no gaps.
11. 11

    Reconnect lower control arm
    With the suspension raised to near ride height, install the lower control arm rear mounting bolt through the chassis bracket and bushing. Align the marks you made during disassembly. Thread the bolt by hand first, then snug with a wrench. Do not fully torque yet - suspension fasteners should be torqued at ride height or curb weight.
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    With the suspension now supporting the spring, carefully and gradually release tension on the spring compressor tools. Alternate loosening the compressor bolts evenly. As tension releases, verify the spring remains properly seated in both upper and lower perches. Once fully released, remove the compressor tools from the vehicle.
    ⚠Release spring compressor tension slowly and evenly. If the spring begins to shift or unseat, stop immediately and reposition before continuing.
13. 13

    Reconnect stabilizer bar end link
    Reconnect the stabilizer bar end link to the lower control arm or axle mounting point. Install the retaining nut and hold the stud with a wrench while tightening. Snug the fastener but do not fully torque yet.
14. 14

    Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
    Guide the shock absorber back down to its lower mounting position on the axle or control arm. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and hardware. Snug the fastener but do not fully torque yet. Ensure no wiring or brake lines are pinched.
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-14 for the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced suspension characteristics and vehicle handling.

Reassembly

1. With both springs installed and vehicle still on jack stands, torque all suspension fasteners to manufacturer specifications (not available in database - consult factory service manual or Rivian service information)
2. Suspension bushings and fasteners should be torqued with the vehicle at ride height or curb weight - lower vehicle onto wheels before final torque if required by service manual
3. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. If adaptive damping or air suspension was disabled, re-enable through vehicle settings
6. Clear any suspension-related fault codes using diagnostic tool if they were triggered during service

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all suspension components to ensure proper installation and no interference with brake lines, wiring, or other components
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify the suspension rebounds smoothly without binding or unusual noises
• Road test the vehicle at low speeds in a safe area, verifying normal ride quality and no abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• CRITICAL: Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - suspension work affects alignment and tire wear
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and verify no looseness has developed
• Monitor for any warning lights or suspension system faults on the instrument cluster

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