This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray all control arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the suspension weight. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the control arm but not to lift the vehicle.
2. 2

   Remove the wheel speed sensor and brake line brackets
   Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector if it interferes with control arm removal. Remove any brake line or ABS sensor brackets attached to the control arm or frame that may restrict movement. Note routing for reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sway bar end link
   Remove the sway bar end link fastener from the lower control arm using a 19mm socket while holding the end link stud with an appropriate wrench. Allow the sway bar to hang free.
4. 4

   Separate the ball joint from the knuckle
   Remove the ball joint castle nut or pinch bolt securing the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper and separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Do not hammer directly on threads.
5. 5

   Mark control arm position
   Before removing control arm mounting bolts, mark the position of any cam bolts or eccentric washers used for alignment adjustment. Take photos of the orientation for reference during installation.
6. 6

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Remove the front control arm to subframe mounting bolt using a 21mm or 24mm socket (verify size before applying force). Support the control arm with your hand as you remove the bolt. This bolt typically passes through the front bushing.
7. 7

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Remove the rear control arm to subframe mounting bolt. The control arm may now be lowered and removed from the vehicle. Carefully maneuver it out of the suspension area.
8. 8

   Inspect the control arm
   Clean the control arm thoroughly with a wire brush. Inspect for cracks, bends, or damage to the ball joint. If the control arm shows any structural damage, replace the entire control arm assembly rather than just the bushings.
9. 9

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing press tool, press the old bushings out of the control arm. Apply pressure evenly and ensure the control arm is properly supported during pressing. Note the orientation of any directional bushings before removal.
10. 10

    Clean bushing bores
    Clean the bushing mounting bores in the control arm thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old rubber. Inspect bores for damage or distortion.
11. 11

    Install new bushings
    Apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushings. Using the bushing press tool, carefully press the new bushings into the control arm bores. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings.
12. 12

    Reinstall the control arm
    Position the control arm back into the mounting location on the subframe. Apply anti-seize to the mounting bolt threads. Insert both mounting bolts but do not fully tighten yet. The bolts should be snug enough to hold position but allow some movement.
13. 13

    Reconnect the ball joint
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to align the ball joint with the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and install the castle nut or pinch bolt. Ensure proper engagement before tightening.
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the control arm. Install the fastener and tighten securely while holding the end link stud to prevent spinning.
15. 15

    Final tightening at ride height
    With the vehicle still on jack stands, use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height. In this position, torque all control arm mounting bolts, ball joint fasteners, and sway bar link fasteners to manufacturer specifications. This prevents bushing wind-up. Remove the floor jack, reinstall the wheel, and lower the vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel speed sensor connectors and brake line brackets in their original positions
2. Install front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Bounce the front suspension several times to settle the new bushings

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Check that steering returns to center normally
• Inspect all fasteners for proper tightness after test drive
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible to prevent uneven tire wear

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