Strut Bearing

Replace the front strut upper bearing assembly to restore smooth steering and eliminate clunking noises during suspension articulation on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut bearing assembly (upper mount) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Strut top mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut dust boot (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect and replace if necessary

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Open frunk and disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rail jacking locations. Never rely solely on floor jack
7. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
8. Take photos of strut orientation and suspension alignment marks for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount
   Open the hood (frunk). Locate the upper strut tower mount accessible from the frunk area. Remove any plastic covers or panels obscuring access to the three upper strut mount nuts. On EDV models, you may need to remove cargo management accessories or the frunk liner for full access.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor harness connector on the strut assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. Carefully unclip the sensor wire from any routing clips on the strut body to prevent damage during removal.
3. 3

   Remove stabilizer link connection
   Locate the stabilizer bar end link where it connects to the strut assembly. Using a 15mm wrench to hold the ball joint stud, remove the upper nut securing the link to the strut. If the ball joint spins, use penetrating oil and allow to soak, or carefully apply heat. Disconnect the link and support it to prevent strain on the bushing.
4. 4

   Remove brake line bracket
   Identify the brake line bracket(s) attached to the strut body. Remove the mounting bolt(s) securing the brake line to the strut. Support the brake line to prevent strain on the hose. Do not disconnect any brake hydraulic fittings.
5. 5

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm, as close to the strut mounting point as possible. Raise the jack slightly to take up suspension weight and compress the strut approximately 1 inch. This relieves tension and prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is removed.
6. 6

   Remove lower strut mounting bolt
   Locate the large horizontal bolt securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. This is typically an 18mm bolt. Use a breaker bar to loosen and remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation and any alignment marks. You may need to tap the bolt out with a brass drift if corrosion is present. Support the strut assembly as the bolt is removed.
7. 7

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   From inside the frunk, locate the three nuts securing the upper strut mount (typically 21mm). While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove all three nuts. Keep the strut supported to prevent it from falling. Carefully lower the floor jack under the control arm and guide the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
8. 8

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut vise fixture. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coils at least 2-3 coils apart. Alternate tightening each compressor evenly and gradually until the spring tension is removed from the upper mount (the mount should move freely by hand). Compress the spring at least 2 inches beyond the point where tension is released.
9. 9

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   With the spring fully compressed, use a wrench to hold the strut shaft at the top (use flats if provided, or carefully clamp the shaft). Remove the large center nut securing the upper mount assembly. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing assembly, spring seat, and any spacers or dust covers. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly. Inspect the strut shaft for damage or scoring.
10. 10

    Replace strut bearing
    Remove the old strut bearing from the upper mount assembly. Clean the mounting surfaces thoroughly, removing all dirt and corrosion. Install the new strut bearing, ensuring it is properly seated and oriented according to manufacturer markings (directional arrows or 'FRONT' markings must face forward). Inspect the spring seat and rubber isolators for damage and replace if necessary.
11. 11

    Reassemble upper strut mount
    With the spring still compressed on the strut, reinstall the upper mount components in the exact reverse order of removal: dust boot (if equipped), spring seat, bearing assembly, and upper mount. Ensure the spring end seats properly in the mount locator. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten while holding the shaft from rotating. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the shaft nut threads. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, tighten firmly to manufacturer specification (typically 50-70 ft-lb for this vehicle class, but consult Rivian service documentation).
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Verify the spring is properly seated in both the upper and lower spring seats. Gradually and evenly loosen both spring compressors, alternating between them to release tension uniformly. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully seated, remove the compressor tools completely. Verify the upper mount rotates freely without binding, confirming proper bearing installation.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well. Guide the upper mount studs through the mounting holes in the strut tower. From inside the frunk, install the three upper mount nuts and hand-tighten. Use the floor jack under the lower control arm to raise the suspension and align the lower strut mounting hole with the knuckle. Insert the lower mounting bolt and hand-tighten the nut.
14. 14

    Torque mounting fasteners and reconnect components
    With the suspension at normal ride height (floor jack supporting control arm), torque the upper strut mount nuts and lower strut-to-knuckle bolt to Rivian specifications. Since no torque values are provided in the database, consult the Rivian service manual for exact specifications (typically 35-45 ft-lb upper, 85-100 ft-lb lower for this vehicle class). Reconnect the stabilizer link and torque to specification. Reattach the brake line bracket. Reconnect the ABS sensor harness and secure all wire routing clips.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and perform final checks
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to Rivian specification (typically 130-150 ft-lb for EDV models, verify in owner's manual). Remove jack stands. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Reinstall any frunk panels or covers removed for access. Bounce the front end several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify brake lines have adequate clearance throughout full suspension travel
3. Confirm all mounting hardware is torqued to specification
4. Install wheel with lug nuts torqued in proper star pattern sequence

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights are illuminated on dash (ABS, traction control, suspension warnings)
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation without binding or noise from the strut bearing
• Perform a slow test drive in a safe area, testing over bumps and during turns to confirm strut bearing operates smoothly without clunking or binding
• Listen for any abnormal noises from the strut area during suspension articulation and steering input
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately after this repair to restore proper handling and prevent premature tire wear
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all fastener torque values to ensure nothing has loosened
• If any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues are present, stop driving immediately and have the repair inspected by a qualified technician

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