CV Axle - Rear

Procedure for removing and replacing the rear CV axle assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear CV axle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for side being replaced
• CV axle hub nut (32mm) × 1 — Use OEM specification - one-time use
• Differential output seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV axle circlip/snap ring × 1 — Usually included with new axle

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Use Rivian diagnostic tool to disable high voltage system and verify isolation
3. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
4. Raise vehicle using approved lift points for EDV 500 (refer to service manual for commercial van lift points)
5. Support vehicle on jack stands rated for commercial vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheel on side requiring CV axle replacement
7. Verify high voltage system is still disabled and display warning tags

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle hub nut
   With vehicle weight still on ground or with brake applied using helper, use 32mm socket to loosen and remove the CV axle hub nut. If nut was not loosened before raising vehicle, apply parking brake and use breaker bar for additional leverage. Discard the hub nut as it is single-use only.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts and carefully remove the brake caliper. Support the caliper using a bungee cord or wire - do not allow it to hang by the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line unless necessary.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor retaining screw if present. Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly. If rotor is stuck, use brass mallet to tap around the hat section to break it free.
4. 4

   Separate axle from hub
   Push the CV axle shaft through the hub bearing assembly. If axle is stuck in hub, use a brass mallet to tap on the end of the axle shaft while supporting the hub, or use a CV axle puller tool attached to the wheel studs to press the axle out of the hub bearing.
5. 5

   Position differential drain pan
   Place a minimum 3-quart capacity drain pan directly beneath the rear differential output where the CV axle enters. Approximately 1-2 quarts of gear oil will drain when the axle is separated.
6. 6

   Mark axle installation depth
   Before removing axle from differential, use a marker or scribe to mark the insertion depth of the axle into the differential housing. This reference will help ensure proper installation depth of the new axle.
7. 7

   Remove CV axle from differential
   Using a pry bar positioned against the differential housing and the inner CV joint, carefully pry the axle out of the differential. The internal circlip will release with firm pressure. Once the circlip releases, pull the axle straight out of the differential housing. Allow gear oil to drain into pan.
8. 8

   Inspect differential output seal
   Inspect the differential output seal for damage, wear, or leakage. If seal shows any signs of deterioration or if there was evidence of leaking prior to removal, replace the seal. Use seal puller to remove old seal if replacing, and clean the seal bore with shop rag.
9. 9

   Install new differential seal if needed
   If differential seal was removed, install new seal using appropriately sized seal driver or large socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal. Drive seal in until it is flush with the differential housing. Lightly lubricate seal lip with gear oil before installing axle.
10. 10

    Prepare new CV axle
    Inspect the new CV axle for shipping damage. Verify the new circlip is properly installed in the groove on the inner CV joint spline. Clean the axle splines with clean shop rag and apply thin layer of gear oil to the splines and seal contact area.
11. 11

    Install CV axle into differential
    Align the CV axle splines with the differential output splines. Push the axle firmly into the differential until the circlip seats with an audible click. Use previous depth marking as reference. Give the axle a firm pull outward to verify the circlip is properly engaged.
12. 12

    Install axle through hub assembly
    Guide the outer CV axle shaft through the hub bearing assembly. Ensure the splines are fully engaged but do not force. The shaft should pass through with minimal resistance if properly aligned.
13. 13

    Install new axle hub nut
    Thread the new 32mm CV axle hub nut onto the axle shaft by hand until snug. Do not fully torque at this time - final torque will be applied with vehicle weight on wheels. Apply medium-strength thread locker to threads if specified by manufacturer.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    Reinstall the brake rotor and rotor retaining screw if equipped. Reinstall the brake caliper assembly and secure with caliper mounting bolts. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned around the rotor.
15. 15

    Add differential fluid and final torque
    Add 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil to the rear differential as needed to bring to proper level (check fill plug or use fill procedure in service manual). Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts. Lower vehicle to ground. With full vehicle weight on wheels, torque the CV axle hub nut to final specification per service manual (typically 180-200 ft-lbs for this class of vehicle, but verify with Rivian documentation). Re-enable high voltage system using diagnostic tool.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications when available
2. Verify brake caliper mounting bolts are properly torqued
3. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in proper star pattern
4. CV axle hub nut must be torqued with vehicle weight on ground
5. Verify rear differential fluid level is correct after completion

Verification

• Use Rivian diagnostic tool to clear any fault codes and verify high voltage system status
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clicking, binding, or abnormal noise from CV axle during turns
• Verify no vibration during acceleration
• Inspect for any gear oil leaks around differential output seal after test drive
• Verify proper operation of traction control and rear motor torque delivery
• Re-check CV axle hub nut torque after 50-100 miles of operation

More procedures for this vehicle