suspension
Control Arm Bushing - Rear
for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.0 h
Tools
13
Steps
15
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear control arm bushings on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD configuration.
Warnings
⚠️This is a high-voltage electric vehicle. Ensure 12V battery is disconnected and high-voltage system is locked out before beginning work.
⚠️Vehicle weight exceeds 7,000 lbs. Use appropriately rated lifting equipment and ensure vehicle is securely supported before working underneath.
⚠Suspension components are under tension. Use proper support before removing fasteners to prevent sudden movement.
⚠Wheel alignment will be required after this repair. Plan accordingly.
ℹ️Take photos of suspension component orientation before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
Tools required
Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Hydraulic floor jackEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Socket set (metric, 10mm-24mm)Essential
Torque wrench (50-250 ft-lbs range)Essential
Pry bar
Control arm bushing press tool or hydraulic pressEssential
Bushing driver setEssential
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Support stand for suspension componentsEssential
Breaker bar
Alignment equipment or access to alignment shopEssential
Parts
- Rear control arm bushing kit (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Control arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
- Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
- If equipped, disable high-voltage system using manufacturer lockout procedure
- Raise vehicle using lift or jack stands rated for at least 10,000 lbs capacity
- Remove rear wheel on side requiring bushing replacement
- Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
- Take reference photos of rear suspension assembly from multiple angles
Procedure
- 1Support rear suspension assemblyPosition hydraulic floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the suspension weight. Raise jack until suspension is at normal ride height position. Place a support stand as backup safety measure.
- 2Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mountLocate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the control arm or knuckle. Remove the mounting bolt and carefully swing the shock absorber out of the way. Do not allow shock to hang by brake lines or wiring.
- 3Disconnect stabilizer bar end linkIf the stabilizer bar end link attaches to the control arm requiring bushing replacement, remove the end link mounting nut and bolt. Support the stabilizer bar to prevent stress on opposite side components.
- 4Remove control arm to frame mounting boltLocate the inboard control arm mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the frame or subframe. This is typically the bolt through the bushing requiring replacement. Support the control arm with your jack and remove the mounting bolt. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
- 5Remove control arm to knuckle mounting boltLocate the outboard control arm mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the rear knuckle. Remove this bolt while supporting the control arm. Carefully lower the jack to allow the control arm to pivot away from the knuckle.
- 6Remove control arm from vehicleOnce both mounting points are disconnected, carefully maneuver the control arm out of the vehicle. Note routing around brake lines, ABS sensors, and rear motor/differential assembly. Mark control arm orientation for reinstallation.
- 7Press out old bushingSecure control arm in a vise or position on hydraulic press. Using appropriate bushing press tooling or drivers, press the old bushing out of the control arm bore. Press from the side that provides cleanest removal path. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with wire brush, removing all rust and debris.
- 8Inspect control arm and bushing boreExamine the control arm for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear in the bushing bore. Check that bore is round and not elongated. If control arm shows damage, replacement of entire control arm is required rather than just bushing replacement.
- 9Install new bushingApply light coating of soapy water or assembly lubricant to outer diameter of new bushing and inside of control arm bore. Position bushing squarely in bore, ensuring proper orientation if bushing has directional marking or offset design. Using bushing press and correct size driver, press new bushing into control arm until fully seated and flush with control arm housing.
- 10Reinstall control arm to knucklePosition control arm back into vehicle, routing around brake lines and sensors as noted during removal. Align control arm with knuckle mounting point and install bolt finger-tight. Use jack to support control arm and achieve proper alignment.
- 11Reinstall control arm to frame mountRaise or lower jack supporting control arm to align with frame or subframe mounting point. Install mounting bolt through new bushing and frame bracket finger-tight. Ensure any washers or spacers are reinstalled in original positions.
- 12Reconnect stabilizer bar end linkIf removed, reconnect stabilizer bar end link to control arm or knuckle. Install mounting bolt and nut finger-tight at this stage.
- 13Reconnect shock absorber lower mountPosition shock absorber lower mount to control arm or knuckle mounting point. Install mounting bolt finger-tight.
- 14Torque all fasteners to specificationWith vehicle still raised and suspension at ride height on jack, torque all fasteners in the following order: control arm to frame bolt, control arm to knuckle bolt, shock absorber lower bolt, stabilizer bar end link nut. Note: Specific torque values not available in database - refer to Rivian service manual for exact specifications. Typical values for this class of vehicle range from 80-150 ft-lbs for control arm bolts.
- 15Final inspection and wheel installationRemove jack from under suspension. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts are left in wheel well. Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts to specification. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final lug nut torque check.
Reassembly
- Ensure all suspension components are properly torqued with suspension at ride height
- Verify no interference between control arm and brake lines, ABS sensors, or drivetrain components
- Double-check that shock absorber and stabilizer bar are properly connected
- Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
- If high-voltage system was locked out, restore to operational status following manufacturer procedure
Verification
- Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
- Check for proper suspension operation over bumps and during turns
- Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after repair - bushing replacement affects rear suspension geometry
- After alignment, re-verify all fastener torque values
- Monitor the repair area for the first 100 miles for any unusual noises or handling characteristics