This procedure covers the removal and replacement of front and rear shock absorbers on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locking compound (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal to prevent airbag deployment and allow vehicle systems to sleep
4. Wait minimum 3 minutes after battery disconnect for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Lift vehicle using manufacturer-specified lift points on chassis rails, ensuring clear access to all four shock absorbers
6. Support vehicle on jack stands rated for commercial vehicle weight at reinforced frame points
7. Remove all four wheels and set aside
8. Apply penetrating oil to shock absorber mounting fasteners and allow to soak for 15 minutes
9. If equipped, disable adaptive suspension system using diagnostic tool to place dampers in service mode

Procedure

1. 1

   Access front upper shock mounts
   Open hood and locate upper shock tower mounts. On EDV 500, upper mounts are accessible through the engine bay. Remove any plastic covers or access panels that obstruct the upper shock nuts. Identify the upper mounting nuts (typically three nuts per side on a strut-style mount).
2. 2

   Support front lower control arm
   Position a hydraulic jack with block of wood under the lower control arm near the shock mount point. Raise jack until it just contacts the control arm, supporting the weight of the suspension but not lifting the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove front shock lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt at the lower control arm or knuckle connection point. Hold the bolt head with a wrench while removing the nut from the opposite side. If bolt spins freely, use penetrating oil and allow additional time to soak. Remove bolt completely and set aside hardware.
4. 4

   Remove front shock upper mounting nuts
   From the engine bay, hold the shock shaft with a wrench to prevent spinning, then remove the upper mounting nuts. On strut-style assemblies, remove all mounting nuts securing the strut tower plate. Carefully lower the hydraulic jack under the control arm while guiding the shock assembly down and out of the wheel well.
5. 5

   Disassemble front shock if required
   If replacing only the shock absorber and reusing the spring, install coil spring compressor tools following manufacturer instructions. Compress the spring evenly on both sides until tension is released from the upper mount. Remove the center shaft nut while holding the shock shaft, then carefully remove upper mount, spring, and isolators. Mark spring orientation for reassembly. If replacing complete assembly, skip this step.
6. 6

   Install new front shock absorber
   If spring was compressed, transfer components to new shock in reverse order: lower isolator, spring (in correct orientation), bump stop, upper mount. Ensure spring seats properly in upper and lower perches. Install and tighten center shaft nut per part instructions. Carefully release spring compressor tools. Raise complete shock assembly into position through wheel well and align upper mounting studs with strut tower holes.
7. 7

   Secure front shock upper mount
   Install new upper mounting nuts onto studs protruding through strut tower. Apply thread locking compound to threads. Hand-tighten all nuts, then torque in star pattern per OEM part instructions. If specifications not provided with parts, consult Rivian service information or follow typical strut mount torque values for commercial vehicles.
8. 8

   Secure front shock lower mount
   Raise the hydraulic jack to bring the lower control arm or knuckle into alignment with the shock lower mounting point. Insert new lower mounting bolt through shock eye and mounting bracket. Install new nut on opposite side. Apply thread locking compound. Torque per OEM specifications provided with replacement parts.
9. 9

   Access rear upper shock mounts
   From underneath vehicle or through rear cargo area access panels, locate rear shock upper mounting points. EDV 500 may have upper mounts accessible from inside cargo area or through frame access holes. Remove any interior panels or covers necessary to access upper mounting nuts. Clean mounting area with wire brush.
10. 10

    Support rear axle or control arm
    Position hydraulic jack under rear axle housing or lower control arm near the shock mounting location. Raise jack to support weight of rear suspension without lifting vehicle. This prevents sudden suspension drop when shock is removed and maintains alignment of mounting points.
11. 11

    Remove rear shock lower mounting bolt
    Locate and remove the lower shock mounting bolt at the axle or control arm connection. Hold bolt head with wrench while removing nut. Extract bolt completely. Note presence of any spacers, bushings, or washers and their orientation for reinstallation.
12. 12

    Remove rear shock upper mounting hardware
    From upper access point, hold shock shaft with wrench to prevent spinning and remove upper mounting nut. Remove any upper mounting brackets or hardware. Carefully lower hydraulic jack while guiding shock out of mounting position. Extract shock from vehicle.
13. 13

    Install new rear shock absorber
    Transfer any reusable bushings or hardware to new rear shock if required. Raise new shock into position, aligning upper mounting shaft with frame mount. Install new upper mounting hardware with thread locking compound applied to threads. Hand-tighten upper nut while holding shock shaft.
14. 14

    Secure rear shock mounting points
    Raise hydraulic jack to align lower shock eye with axle or control arm mounting bracket. Insert new lower mounting bolt with any required spacers and bushings in correct orientation. Install new nut with thread locking compound. Torque upper and lower fasteners per OEM part instructions. Repeat entire rear shock procedure for opposite side.
15. 15

    Complete installation
    Remove all hydraulic jacks from under vehicle. Reinstall all wheels and torque lug nuts to specification (typically 140-150 ft-lbs for commercial vehicles, verify with EDV 500 door jamb sticker). Carefully lower vehicle to ground. Reinstall any interior panels or engine bay covers removed for access. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. If adaptive suspension was disabled, use diagnostic tool to reactivate system and clear any fault codes.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting hardware is torqued to specification and thread locking compound has been applied where specified
2. Verify shock absorbers move freely through full suspension travel without binding or interference
3. Confirm all electrical connectors for sensors or adaptive dampers (if equipped) are properly reconnected
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or suspension components
5. Reinstall all protective covers and access panels removed during procedure

Verification

• Bounce each corner of vehicle to verify shock absorbers are functioning and dampening properly without unusual noises
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all mounting bolts are installed and no components are loose
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify suspension feels controlled over bumps with no excessive bouncing or bottoming out
• If equipped with adaptive suspension, verify system is active and no warning lights are displayed on instrument cluster
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all shock mounting hardware torque specifications

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