This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including suspension disassembly and spring compressor use.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber lower mounting hardware (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Suspension bushing hardware (inspect and replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes for system capacitor discharge
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift points per owner's manual
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for commercial vehicle weight, positioned at frame rails
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
9. Visually inspect high-voltage cables (orange) in rear suspension area - do not proceed if any damage is visible

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood on the saddle under the rear axle assembly near the side where spring will be removed. Raise jack just enough to lightly contact the axle and support its weight, but do not lift the vehicle. The jack will control the axle descent as fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the rear axle. Use a socket and breaker bar to remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Support the shock absorber and carefully guide it upward and out of the way. Secure with wire or bungee cord if necessary to prevent it from hanging on brake lines.
3. 3

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   Locate the rear stabilizer bar end link connection at the axle or control arm. Remove the stabilizer bar link nut and bolt, noting the orientation of any washers or bushings. Separate the stabilizer bar link from the mounting point. If the ball stud spins, use a hex key or second wrench to hold it stationary.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line bracket
   Locate any brake line mounting brackets attached to the suspension components near the coil spring. Remove the bracket mounting bolts to provide clearance for axle lowering. Do not disconnect the brake hydraulic line itself - only remove brackets that would limit suspension travel.
5. 5

   Lower axle and remove spring
   Very slowly lower the floor jack supporting the rear axle. Monitor the coil spring as the axle descends. The spring will become loose as the suspension extends. Lower the axle until the coil spring can be removed from its upper and lower seats. Carefully extract the spring, noting the orientation of upper and lower rubber isolators. Remove and inspect isolators for damage.
   ⚠️Control axle descent carefully. If resistance is felt, stop and verify all fasteners have been removed. Do not allow axle to drop suddenly.
6. 6

   Inspect spring seats and isolators
   With the spring removed, inspect the upper spring seat in the body and the lower spring seat on the axle. Clean any corrosion or debris with a wire brush. Inspect rubber isolators for cracking, compression set, or deterioration. Replace isolators if any damage is found. Check that spring seats are not deformed or damaged.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor on new spring (if necessary)
   Compare the new coil spring to the old spring. If the new spring is longer in free height and will not easily fit into position, install spring compressors on opposite sides of the new spring. Tighten compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides, until spring is compressed enough to install. Verify compressor hooks are fully seated and secure.
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed on opposite sides of the spring with hooks fully engaged. Tighten gradually and evenly. Never compress a spring more than necessary for installation.
8. 8

   Install new coil spring
   Position the lower rubber isolator on the lower spring seat if it is separate. Install the new coil spring into the lower spring seat on the axle, ensuring the spring end is properly positioned in the seat locating feature. Orient the spring so the upper end will align with the upper seat locating features. Install the upper rubber isolator if separate.
9. 9

   Raise axle and seat spring
   Carefully raise the floor jack to lift the axle assembly. Guide the coil spring into the upper spring seat as the axle rises. Verify the spring ends are properly seated in both upper and lower locating features. Continue raising until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height position. If spring compressors were used, they can now be carefully loosened and removed once spring is captured between seats.
   ⚠Verify spring is fully seated in both upper and lower seats before proceeding. Misalignment can cause spring displacement and suspension failure.
10. 10

    Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
    Guide the shock absorber back into position at the lower mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Tighten to proper specification per Rivian service manual. Ensure shock is not twisted and moves freely through its travel range.
11. 11

    Reconnect stabilizer bar link
    Reconnect the stabilizer bar end link to its mounting point. Install washers and bushings in their original orientation. Install and tighten the link nut to proper specification per Rivian service manual. Verify the link moves freely and is not binding.
12. 12

    Reconnect brake line bracket
    Reinstall any brake line brackets that were removed, ensuring brake lines are properly secured and routed. Tighten bracket bolts securely. Verify brake lines have adequate slack and will not be stretched at full suspension extension or compression.
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification (typically 150 ft-lb for commercial vehicles, but verify with Rivian specifications) in a star pattern.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights are present. Test drive at low speed and verify normal suspension operation with no unusual noises or handling issues.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to Rivian specifications - consult official service documentation
2. Suspension fasteners should be torqued with vehicle at normal ride height, not with suspension hanging
3. If both rear springs are being replaced, repeat this procedure for the opposite side
4. Wheel alignment should be checked after any suspension component replacement

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle and verify springs return vehicle to normal ride height without sagging
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Verify vehicle rides level and does not lean to one side
• Inspect all reinstalled fasteners to confirm they are tight and properly torqued
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment at a facility equipped to handle commercial electric vehicles
• Monitor vehicle for first 100 miles and re-check all fastener torque if any unusual symptoms appear

More procedures for this vehicle