Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Shock mounting hardware kit (nuts, bolts, washers) × 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 vehicle is in Park mode and powered off completely
4. Allow suspension to settle to normal ride height before beginning work
5. Spray all shock mounting fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
6. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack positioned at the rear differential or approved rear lift point, raise the rear of the vehicle until wheels are off the ground. Immediately place jack stands under the frame rails at designated lift points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Shake vehicle to verify stability before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheels
   Remove the lug nuts and take off both rear wheels. Set wheels aside in a safe location. This provides access to the shock absorbers and suspension components.
3. 3

   Support rear axle or suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing or lower control arm near the shock mounting point on the side you will work on first. Raise jack just enough to contact and slightly support the suspension weight. This prevents the suspension from dropping excessively when the shock is removed.
4. 4

   Access upper shock mounting point
   Locate the upper shock mounting point, typically accessible from inside the cargo area or under a trim panel in the rear wheel well. Remove any interior trim panels, cargo area floor panels, or access covers as necessary to reach the upper shock mount nuts or bolts. Keep all fasteners organized for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove upper shock mounting fasteners
   While holding the shock shaft with a wrench (if necessary to prevent rotation), remove the upper mounting nut or bolts securing the shock to the body/frame. Do not allow the shock shaft to spin freely as this may damage internal components. On some configurations, a center nut secures the shock through a rubber bushing mount.
6. 6

   Remove lower shock mounting fasteners
   From under the vehicle, locate and remove the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the axle housing or lower control arm. Use a breaker bar if necessary to break the fastener loose. Support the shock as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove first shock absorber
   With both upper and lower mounting points disconnected, carefully remove the shock absorber from the vehicle. If equipped with a coil-over design where the spring is integrated with the shock, ensure the spring compressor is installed before complete removal. Guide the shock assembly out, being careful not to damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or other nearby components.
   ⚠If shock includes integrated spring, do not remove without proper spring compression.
8. 8

   Inspect and transfer components if necessary
   If the new shocks do not include upper mounting hardware, bushings, or bump stops, carefully transfer these components from the old shock to the new one. If dealing with coil-over shocks, use spring compressors to safely transfer the spring assembly. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush and inspect for damage or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Install first new shock absorber
   Position the new shock assembly into place, aligning the upper mount first. Insert the upper mounting studs or bolts through the body/frame mounting holes. Install upper mounting nuts or bolts finger-tight. Then align the lower shock mount with the axle or control arm mounting point and insert the lower bolt. Thread the lower fastener finger-tight but do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Torque first shock mounting fasteners
    With the suspension at normal ride height (supported by the jack), torque the upper shock mounting fasteners to manufacturer specification. Then torque the lower shock mounting bolt to specification. Since specific torque values are not available in the database, consult the Rivian service manual or fastener markings. Typical values range from 70-100 ft-lbs for lower mounts and 35-50 ft-lbs for upper mounts on vehicles this size.
11. 11

    Repeat process for second shock
    Lower the jack from under the first side. Reposition the jack under the opposite side rear suspension. Repeat steps 4 through 10 for the second shock absorber, ensuring both shocks are installed symmetrically and all fasteners are properly torqued.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with an impact wrench or breaker bar. Carefully raise the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack, remove the stands, and lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
13. 13

    Final torque of lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification (typically 140-150 ft-lbs for vehicles this size) in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers that were removed to reach upper shock mounts
2. Ensure all tools are removed from under and inside the vehicle
3. Verify no fasteners or components were left loose or forgotten

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights are illuminated related to suspension or ride height systems
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm both shocks are properly mounted and all fasteners are secure
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises and feeling for proper shock damping over bumps
• Check for any fluid leaks around new shock bodies after test drive
• Verify vehicle sits level from side to side with no leaning
• Recheck lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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