Rear Suspension Service

Complete inspection and service of the rear suspension components on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorbers (if replacement needed) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear lower control arm bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Rear upper control arm bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Suspension fastener hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Verify 12V battery is fully charged (EV suspension service may take extended time)
4. Enable Transport Mode or Service Mode via vehicle touchscreen to disable air suspension if equipped
5. Photograph suspension geometry and component positions for reference during reassembly
6. Clean undercarriage around rear suspension area to improve visibility and access
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise vehicle and remove rear wheels
   Using Rivian-approved lift points, raise the rear of the vehicle. Position EV-rated jack stands at designated support points, ensuring they do not contact high-voltage components or battery pack. Lower vehicle onto stands. Remove rear wheel lug nuts completely and remove both rear wheels. Verify stability before working under vehicle.
2. 2

   Initial suspension inspection
   Visually inspect all rear suspension components including shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, links, and mounting points. Check for fluid leakage from shocks, torn or deteriorated bushings, bent components, or corrosion. Document any wear patterns or damage. Check for any loose fasteners or unusual wear on contact surfaces.
3. 3

   Support rear suspension assembly
   Place a hydraulic jack under the rear suspension knuckle/hub assembly on the side being serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts and slightly supports the suspension weight. This maintains suspension geometry and prevents sudden dropping when fasteners are removed. The suspension should be approximately at ride height position.
4. 4

   Remove rear shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Using appropriate socket, remove the lower shock mounting bolt while supporting the shock body. Note orientation and any spacers or washers. Allow shock to hang from upper mount or remove completely if upper access allows. If removing completely, access upper shock mount from inside cargo area or through upper suspension tower.
5. 5

   Disconnect rear upper control arm
   Locate the rear upper control arm mounting points at both the knuckle and chassis ends. Mark alignment cam positions if adjustable. Remove the outboard bolt connecting upper control arm to knuckle first. Then remove inboard chassis mounting bolts. Note position of any shims or alignment hardware. Remove upper control arm for inspection.
6. 6

   Disconnect rear lower control arm
   With suspension still supported by jack, locate rear lower control arm mounting bolts at knuckle and chassis. Remove outboard bolt at knuckle connection. Slowly lower jack to relieve tension on lower control arm. Remove inboard chassis mounting bolts. Extract lower control arm. Inspect ball joint or bushing connections for wear.
7. 7

   Inspect and service suspension bushings
   Thoroughly inspect all bushings in removed control arms for cracking, tearing, or separation from metal sleeves. Check for excessive play or deformation. If bushings require replacement, use proper press tools to remove old bushings and install new ones. Ensure bushings are pressed in fully and oriented correctly. Clean all mounting surfaces with wire brush and apply anti-seize to bolt threads.
8. 8

   Inspect shock absorbers and springs
   Examine shock absorber body for fluid leaks, damage, or excessive wear. Check shock shaft for scoring or pitting. Test shock resistance by compressing and extending manually - should have smooth, consistent resistance. Inspect coil spring or air spring (if equipped) for cracks or damage. Replace shocks if leaking, damaged, or worn beyond specification.
9. 9

   Reinstall rear lower control arm
   Position lower control arm into mounting locations. Start inboard chassis mounting bolts first but do not fully tighten. Raise jack under knuckle to align outboard mounting hole. Install outboard bolt through knuckle and control arm. Hand-tighten all fasteners at this stage. Ensure all spacers and washers are in original positions.
10. 10

    Reinstall rear upper control arm
    Install upper control arm to chassis mounting first, starting bolts hand-tight. Align outboard end with knuckle mounting point. Install outboard bolt connecting upper control arm to knuckle. If equipped with alignment cams, return to marked positions. All fasteners should be hand-tight only at this stage to allow bushing movement.
11. 11

    Reinstall shock absorber
    If shock was fully removed, install upper shock mount first through cargo area or suspension tower. Position shock body and align lower mounting hole. Install lower shock mounting bolt with any required spacers or washers. Hand-tighten at this stage. Verify shock moves freely through full suspension travel without binding.
12. 12

    Torque all suspension fasteners
    With suspension at ride height (supported by jack to simulate vehicle weight), torque all suspension fasteners in sequence. Begin with chassis mounting points, then knuckle connections, then shock mounts. Since torque specifications are not yet available in database, follow Rivian service manual specifications exactly. Use torque wrench and verify each fastener. Apply thread locker where specified by manufacturer.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 3 through 12 on the opposite rear suspension assembly. Ensure symmetrical installation of all components. Match any adjustable settings or shim positions to maintain side-to-side consistency unless alignment specifications require otherwise.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels onto hubs, starting lug nuts by hand. Carefully raise vehicle off jack stands using floor jack. Remove jack stands from under vehicle. Lower vehicle completely to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
15. 15

    Final checks and test drive
    Disable Service Mode or Transport Mode via vehicle touchscreen. Bounce each corner of vehicle to settle suspension. Perform walk-around inspection verifying all fasteners are secure. Test drive vehicle at low speeds in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues. Verify steering returns to center normally.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with suspension at ride height (loaded position) to prevent bushing pre-loading and premature wear
2. Replace any fasteners that show thread damage, corrosion, or stretching during removal
3. Apply anti-seize compound to all threaded fasteners except where thread locker is specified
4. Verify no tools, rags, or parts were left in suspension area before lowering vehicle

Verification

• Perform complete wheel alignment at qualified facility - critical after suspension service
• Verify all suspension fasteners are properly torqued after first 50 miles of driving
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal handling characteristics, no pulling or abnormal noises
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side and front-to-rear at ride height
• Confirm no warning lights or suspension system faults displayed on instrument cluster
• Re-inspect all suspension components after 500 miles for proper seating and wear patterns

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