Replace the front strut mount assemblies on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including removal of the strut assembly and installation of new upper mount hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front strut mount (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if separate from mount) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mounting nuts × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open frunk and locate 12V service battery
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using battery disconnect tool and wait 5 minutes
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
7. Support vehicle on jack stands at frame rails rated for at least 3 tons each
8. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
9. Inspect strut mounts through engine compartment access - note any visible damage or deterioration
10. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
11. Take photos of strut orientation and mounting positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount area
   Open the frunk and remove any interior panels or covers obstructing access to the upper strut mount towers. On the EDV 500, you may need to remove plastic trim panels or insulation. Locate the three upper strut mount nuts visible from the top. Clean the area around the nuts to prevent contamination from entering during removal.
2. 2

   Mark strut position and disconnect upper mounting
   Using an alignment marker, mark the position of the strut shaft relative to the upper mount for reference. Support the strut assembly from below using a floor jack with a block of wood to prevent it from dropping. Remove the three upper strut mount nuts while maintaining support from below. Do NOT allow the strut to hang by the brake line or ABS sensor wiring.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line and sensor wiring
   Carefully disconnect any brake line mounting brackets attached to the strut housing. Remove any ABS wheel speed sensor wiring clips attached to the strut. Do not allow brake lines to stretch or become damaged. Use wire or zip ties to temporarily support brake lines and wiring away from the work area.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle connection
   Locate the bolts connecting the lower strut housing to the steering knuckle (typically 2 bolts). Mark the position of any alignment cams or eccentric washers if present. Support the knuckle assembly with a jack or support stand. Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts using a socket and wrench to prevent rotation. Carefully separate the strut from the knuckle - you may need to use a pry bar gently.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With all connections released, carefully lower the strut assembly and remove it from the vehicle through the wheel well. Work slowly and ensure no wiring or brake lines are caught. Place the strut assembly on a clean workbench with adequate space for spring compression.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Install heavy-duty coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged in the spring coils and seated properly. Install at least 3-4 coils up from the bottom of the spring for maximum safety. Thread the compressor bolts evenly and verify both sides are secure before applying pressure.
   ⚠️Spring compressors must be installed correctly and evenly. Uneven compression can cause the spring to slip from the compressor with lethal force.
7. 7

   Compress spring and remove center nut
   Using the spring compressor tools, compress the spring gradually and evenly, alternating between both compressors. Compress until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount (approximately 1-2 inches of relief). Secure the strut assembly in a vice or holding fixture if available. Using a wrench on the strut shaft to prevent rotation, remove the center strut shaft nut. Since torque specs are not available, note the nut size and effort required for removal.
   ⚠️The spring must be adequately compressed before removing the center nut. Insufficient compression can cause violent spring release.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut mount components
   Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and any spacers or bushings. Pay close attention to the order and orientation of all components. Take photos during disassembly. Inspect the spring for damage, corrosion, or cracks. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount
   Install the new strut mount components in the exact reverse order of removal. Ensure the bearing plate rotates freely and is properly seated. Position the spring seat and upper mount in the correct orientation per your reference photos and alignment marks. Verify all components are properly aligned before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install and torque center nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft while holding the shaft with a wrench to prevent rotation. Since manufacturer torque specifications are not provided, tighten the nut securely using the effort required during removal as a baseline reference. The typical range for strut shaft nuts is 40-70 ft-lb, but without specifications, use judgment and ensure the nut is fully seated and secure without over-tightening.
    ⚠Without manufacturer torque specifications, proper fastener tension cannot be guaranteed. If concerned, contact a Rivian service center for specification verification.
11. 11

    Release spring compression
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressors, alternating between both sides. Allow the spring to seat gradually into the upper and lower spring seats. Ensure the spring ends are properly positioned in the seat locators. Once fully released and verified properly seated, carefully remove the spring compressor tools.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assembly in vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position through the wheel well. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three upper mount nuts finger-tight initially. Ensure the strut shaft orientation matches your reference marks from disassembly.
13. 13

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Raise the steering knuckle to meet the strut housing using a jack for support. Align the strut-to-knuckle bolt holes and ensure any alignment cams or eccentric washers are in their original positions per your marks. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten securely. Without torque specifications, reference the effort required during removal and ensure bolts are fully seated.
14. 14

    Reconnect brake and sensor components
    Reattach all brake line mounting brackets to the strut housing. Reinstall ABS wheel speed sensor wiring clips in their original positions. Ensure no wiring or brake lines are stretched, kinked, or in contact with moving components. Remove any temporary support ties.
15. 15

    Final tightening and wheel installation
    Torque the three upper strut mount nuts securely, working in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Without specifications, ensure nuts are fully tight without over-torquing (typical range is 15-25 ft-lb for reference only). Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle slightly so weight is on the wheel but not fully on the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to proper specification in a star pattern. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any frunk interior panels or covers removed for strut tower access
2. Lower vehicle completely to the ground and remove jack stands
3. Perform final torque check on all wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
4. Reconnect 12V service battery negative terminal
5. Verify proper operation of all electrical systems affected by battery disconnect

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension or wheel speed sensors are displayed
• Turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while stationary and listen for any abnormal noises from strut mounts
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal steering response with no clunking or binding
• Check for any unusual noises over bumps or during turning
• SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL WHEEL ALIGNMENT IMMEDIATELY - this job affects suspension geometry and alignment is mandatory
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all fasteners for proper tightness, especially upper mount nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts
• Monitor for any unusual tire wear patterns over the next 500 miles which may indicate alignment issues

More procedures for this vehicle