This procedure replaces both front coil springs on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, requiring suspension disassembly and specialized spring compression equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lower control arm bushing bolts × 4 — Replace if corroded
• Ball joint castle nuts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Suspension alignment shims (if needed) × 1 — Measure during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Connect 12V battery maintainer to maintain vehicle systems during the repair. Do not disconnect the 12V battery as this may cause system faults.
3. Access the vehicle settings through the center display and enable 'Service Mode' to disable air suspension compressor and lock suspension at ride height (if equipped).
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove yet).
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift point. Support vehicle with jack stands at frame rail lift points rated for at least 4,000 lbs each.
6. Remove both front wheels completely and set aside.
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes.
8. Take detailed photos of suspension geometry, shock orientation, and any alignment shims for reference during reassembly.
9. Verify spring compressor is in good working condition and inspect for any damaged threads or bent components.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line bracket bolted to the strut assembly. Remove the bracket bolt to free the brake line. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and remove any sensor mounting brackets attached to the strut. Secure brake line and sensor away from work area using zip ties or wire to prevent damage.
2. 2

   Remove sway bar end link
   Locate the front sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or strut. Use a wrench to hold the stud while removing the nut with a second wrench. If the stud spins freely, use locking pliers on the end or a ball joint separator to break the taper. Remove end link completely from the strut assembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper control arm or strut mount
   Open the hood and locate the upper strut mount nuts inside the engine compartment (typically 3 nuts per side). Do NOT remove these nuts yet. Mark their positions. Support the strut assembly from below using a floor jack with a wood block to prevent the assembly from falling. Remove the upper strut mount nuts while maintaining upward pressure with the jack.
4. 4

   Separate lower ball joint
   Locate the lower ball joint connecting the steering knuckle to the lower control arm. Remove the castle nut (note if cotter pin is present and remove it first). Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper between the ball joint and knuckle. Apply force carefully to avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing components. Once separated, support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove strut and spring assembly
   With the upper mount disconnected and lower ball joint separated, carefully lower the jack supporting the strut assembly. Guide the strut and spring assembly out of the wheel well. The assembly is heavy (approximately 40-50 lbs) - use proper lifting technique. Place assembly on a stable workbench for disassembly. Repeat steps 1-5 for the opposite side.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   With the strut assembly secured in a vise or stable on a workbench, install the spring compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the coil spring. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in the coils and positioned at least 3 coils apart. Verify the compressor is properly aligned and hooks are not in contact with the strut shaft or shock body. The spring will be under extreme tension during compression.
7. 7

   Compress spring and remove strut shaft nut
   Gradually tighten the spring compressor in an alternating pattern (tighten one side a few turns, then the other) to compress the spring evenly. Continue compressing until there is visible gap between the spring seat and spring (approximately 1-2 inches of free play). Use a strut shaft holding tool or Allen key to prevent shaft rotation, then remove the top strut shaft nut. Keep all washers, bearings, and bushings in order for reassembly.
   ⚠️Ensure spring is adequately compressed before removing shaft nut. If spring tension is still present on the upper mount, DO NOT remove the nut. Compress further until mount is free.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut components
   With the shaft nut removed, carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and any isolators or bump stops. Note the orientation of each component with photos. Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor. Once tension is fully released, remove the old coil spring from the strut shaft. Inspect the strut shaft for damage, leaks, or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Install new coil spring
   Position the new coil spring onto the strut shaft, ensuring the spring end is properly seated in the lower spring seat groove. The spring end must align with any positioning tabs or marks on the lower seat. Install spring compressor hooks on the new spring in the same configuration used for removal. Compress the new spring gradually and evenly until sufficient clearance exists to install upper components.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut components
    Install all upper components in reverse order of removal: bump stop (if separate), upper spring seat (verify orientation matches notes/photos), bearing plate with correct orientation, and upper strut mount. Verify the spring end seats properly in the upper spring seat groove. Thread the new strut shaft nut onto the shaft. Hold the shaft with a strut shaft tool and tighten the nut. Without factory torque specs, tighten until snug plus 1/4 turn, but recommend verification with factory specifications.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressor in an alternating pattern. Ensure all components remain properly seated as tension is transferred to the assembly. Once spring is fully seated and compressor hooks are loose, remove the compressor. Verify upper mount sits flush and spring ends are properly positioned in both seats. Repeat steps 6-11 for the second strut assembly.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assemblies
    Lift the completed strut and spring assembly into position in the wheel well. Guide the upper strut shaft studs through the mounting holes in the strut tower. Install upper strut mount nuts finger-tight. Raise the lower portion of the strut assembly using a jack and align the lower ball joint with the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the castle nut. Tighten castle nut and install new cotter pin if equipped.
13. 13

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut or control arm. Tighten the end link nut while holding the stud to prevent spinning. Reinstall any brake line brackets and mounting hardware. Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and secure the sensor wire to mounting clips. Verify all connections are secure and no wires are pinched or routed incorrectly.
14. 14

    Final tightening and wheel installation
    With the vehicle weight still on jack stands, tighten all upper strut mount nuts in a star pattern. Without factory torque specifications, tighten securely but do not over-torque. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the suspension, perform final torque on wheel lug nuts in a star pattern. Rock the vehicle side-to-side to settle suspension components.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners should be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension (at normal ride height) to prevent premature bushing wear.
2. If original torque specifications cannot be obtained from Rivian service documentation, this repair should not be completed as improper torque can result in component failure.
3. Replace any fasteners that show signs of thread damage, corrosion, or deformation during removal.
4. Verify all brake lines are properly secured in brackets and have adequate clearance through full suspension travel.

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all suspension components to ensure proper installation and no interference with brake lines, sensors, or CV axles.
• Start the vehicle and exit service mode. If equipped with electronic suspension, verify system initializes without fault codes.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area. Listen for any unusual noises such as clunking, rattling, or squeaking from the front suspension.
• Verify steering returns to center properly and vehicle tracks straight on level road surface.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after completing this repair. Provide alignment technician with information about spring replacement.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all fasteners for proper torque and check for any signs of component movement or unusual tire wear.
• Monitor tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to ensure sensors were not damaged during the procedure.

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