Strut Mount - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of the rear strut mount (upper strut bearing and mount assembly) on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, requiring removal of the rear strut assembly and suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lock nuts for upper mount × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. If vehicle has been driven, allow suspension components to cool completely
4. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
5. Verify high-voltage system is in service mode per Rivian service documentation
6. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
7. Lift rear of vehicle using designated lift points and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
8. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
9. Support rear suspension with a secondary floor jack positioned under the lower control arm to control suspension movement
10. Remove interior cargo area trim panels to access upper strut mount nuts from inside vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut assembly. Remove the bracket mounting bolt and carefully position the brake line aside without kinking or stretching it. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and remove any sensor wire clips attached to the strut. Secure the brake line and sensor wire to the chassis with safety wire or zip ties to prevent damage during strut removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   Locate the rear stabilizer bar end link connection at the strut assembly. Use a wrench to hold the ball joint stud while removing the upper nut with another wrench. If the ball joint rotates freely, use an Allen key from below to hold it stationary. Separate the stabilizer link from the strut. Note: Apply penetrating oil if fasteners are corroded.
3. 3

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the lower strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts (typically two large through-bolts). Spray with penetrating oil if needed. Use a breaker bar and socket to remove both mounting bolts while supporting the strut assembly with the floor jack. The knuckle and strut will separate once bolts are removed. Keep the floor jack positioned to support the weight of the strut and spring assembly.
4. 4

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   From inside the vehicle cargo area, locate the three upper strut mount nuts accessible through the trim opening. Using a socket and ratchet, remove all three nuts while supporting the strut assembly from below with the floor jack. Do NOT allow the strut to drop suddenly - lower the jack slowly and guide the strut assembly out of the wheel well. Have an assistant help control the strut if working alone is difficult.
5. 5

   Install strut spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly on a stable workbench with the spring oriented safely. Install the strut spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils and positioned 180 degrees apart for balanced compression. Verify the compressor is properly aligned and centered before beginning compression. This is the most dangerous step of the procedure.
6. 6

   Compress the spring
   Slowly and evenly tighten the spring compressor, alternating between sides to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until all tension is released from the upper strut mount - you should be able to move the mount freely when adequate compression is achieved. Continue to verify the compressor hooks remain fully engaged throughout compression. Stop if you hear any unusual sounds or see any movement of the compressor hooks.
   ⚠️Ensure the spring is compressed evenly and the compressor is stable before proceeding. An improperly compressed spring can suddenly release with lethal force.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   Using a socket on the strut shaft nut and an Allen key to hold the strut shaft from rotating (insert through top of shaft), remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, spring seat, and any bushings or insulators. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly - take photos if helpful. Inspect the strut shaft for damage or corrosion.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect components
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Inspect the spring for cracks, chips, or damage. Inspect the strut body for leaks, damage, or excessive wear. If the strut shows signs of fluid leakage or the shaft moves with inconsistent resistance, the strut should also be replaced. Check the dust boot for tears or deterioration.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount assembly
   Install components onto the strut shaft in the exact reverse order of removal: spring seat (with proper orientation), new bearing plate (if separate), and new upper mount assembly. Ensure all components are properly aligned and seated. The mount must be oriented correctly - verify alignment marks or reference photos taken during disassembly. Thread the new strut shaft nut onto the shaft hand-tight.
10. 10

    Torque strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key and torque the upper strut shaft nut to manufacturer specification using a torque wrench. Without manufacturer torque specifications, DO NOT proceed - contact Rivian service for this critical torque value. This fastener directly affects suspension safety and must be torqued correctly.
    ⚠Do not proceed without proper torque specification from Rivian. This is a safety-critical fastener.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, alternating between adjustment points to maintain even release. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper mount and lower spring seat as tension is released. Once all tension is transferred to the mount assembly and the spring is fully seated, carefully remove the spring compressor tool.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    With assistance or using a floor jack, guide the strut assembly up into the wheel well. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the body mounting location. Start all three upper mount nuts by hand from inside the vehicle to hold the assembly in position. Do not fully tighten yet. Position the lower strut mounting points to align with the steering knuckle.
13. 13

    Connect lower strut mounting
    Align the lower strut mounting bolts with the steering knuckle. Install both through-bolts and start the nuts hand-tight. Use a floor jack under the lower control arm to manipulate suspension geometry if needed to align bolt holes. Once both bolts are started, tighten to manufacturer specification. Without OEM torque specs, contact Rivian service - these are safety-critical fasteners.
    ⚠Lower strut mounting bolts are safety-critical. Do not guess at torque values.
14. 14

    Reconnect stabilizer bar and sensors
    Reconnect the stabilizer bar end link to the strut assembly and install the retaining nut. Torque to specification if available. Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector and secure all sensor wiring to the strut with clips in original locations. Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut and torque mounting bolt to specification.
15. 15

    Final torquing and inspection
    From inside the vehicle, torque all three upper strut mount nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Without OEM torque specifications, contact Rivian for these critical values. Perform a final visual inspection of all connections, ensuring no brake lines or wiring are pinched or under tension. Verify all fasteners are installed and properly tightened.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall interior cargo area trim panels, ensuring all clips are properly seated
2. Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully, ensuring stability
4. With vehicle on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (consult owner's manual or Rivian service for proper torque value)
5. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
6. Disengage service mode and restore high-voltage system to normal operation per Rivian procedures
7. If only one side was replaced, strongly consider replacing the opposite side for balanced handling characteristics

Verification

• Before driving, press down firmly on the rear corner of the vehicle where work was performed and verify the suspension rebounds normally without unusual noises
• Check for any fluid leaks around the strut body
• Verify the wheel is centered in the wheel well with normal ride height
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) and verify normal suspension operation with no clunking, rattling, or unusual noises
• Perform gentle steering inputs and verify stable, predictable handling
• Check all suspension mounting bolts are secure and properly torqued
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry has been altered and alignment is essential for safe operation and tire wear
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all fasteners for proper torque and check for any signs of loosening or abnormal wear

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