maintenance

Differential Service

for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.

Service both front and rear differentials on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD system by draining old gear oil, inspecting condition, and refilling with fresh 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.

Warnings

⚠️This is an electric vehicle with high-voltage components. Ensure vehicle is fully powered down and follow EV safety protocols.

⚠Gear oil may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow differential housings to cool to ambient temperature before servicing.

⚠Properly support vehicle on jack stands or lift. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

ℹ️The Rivian EDV 500 uses separate differentials integrated with the electric drive units. Front and rear must be serviced independently.

Tools required

3/8" drive ratchet and socket setEssential

Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential

Oil drain pan (minimum 1 gallon capacity)Essential

Fluid transfer pump or fill bottleEssential

Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential

Magnetic drain plug inspection tool or magnet

Shop rags or absorbent padsEssential

Nitrile glovesEssential

Flashlight or work lightEssential

Wire brush for cleaning drain plugs

Parts

Front differential drain plug washer/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Front differential fill plug washer/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Rear differential drain plug washer/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
Rear differential fill plug washer/gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 3.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Ensure high-voltage system is fully powered down per Rivian service procedures
Raise vehicle on lift or jack stands to working height with all four wheels off ground
Allow differential housings to cool if vehicle was recently operated
Locate front and rear differential drain and fill plugs on drive unit housings
Position drain pan under front differential drain plug location

Procedure

1
Remove front differential fill plug first
Locate the front differential fill plug on the drive unit housing. Remove the fill plug first to ensure it can be removed before draining. If the fill plug is seized and cannot be removed, you will not be able to refill the differential. Clean area around fill plug before removal to prevent contamination.
2
Drain front differential
Position drain pan under front differential drain plug. Remove the drain plug and allow gear oil to drain completely. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles, discoloration, or burnt smell which may indicate component wear. Examine magnetic drain plug for excessive metal debris.
3
Clean and reinstall front differential drain plug
Clean drain plug threads with wire brush and wipe housing mounting surface clean. Replace drain plug washer/gasket with new OEM part. Thread drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - refer to Rivian service manual for proper torque value.
4
Refill front differential
Using fluid transfer pump or fill bottle, add 1.5 quarts of fresh 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through the fill hole. Fill until oil begins to seep from fill hole opening, indicating proper level. Allow excess to drain back, then proceed to install fill plug.
5
Install front differential fill plug
Replace fill plug washer/gasket with new OEM part. Clean threads and mounting surface. Thread fill plug in by hand first, then tighten to specification. Wipe away any spilled gear oil from housing exterior.
6
Remove rear differential fill plug
Reposition drain pan under rear differential. Locate rear differential fill plug on the rear drive unit housing. Remove fill plug first to verify it can be removed before draining. Clean area around fill plug before removal to prevent contamination.
7
Drain rear differential
Position drain pan under rear differential drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow all gear oil to drain completely. Inspect drained fluid condition for metal particles, contamination, or discoloration. Check magnetic drain plug for excessive metal debris accumulation.
8
Clean and reinstall rear differential drain plug
Clean drain plug threads with wire brush and wipe housing mounting surface. Replace drain plug washer/gasket with new OEM part. Hand-thread drain plug to avoid cross-threading, then tighten to specification per Rivian service manual.
9
Refill rear differential
Using fluid transfer pump or fill bottle, add 2.0 quarts of fresh 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through the rear fill hole. Fill until gear oil begins to seep from fill hole opening, indicating correct fill level. Allow excess to drain back before installing fill plug.
10
Install rear differential fill plug and clean
Replace fill plug washer/gasket with new OEM part. Thread fill plug in by hand, then tighten to specification. Wipe all spilled gear oil from rear drive unit housing exterior. Remove drain pan from under vehicle.

Reassembly

Verify both front and rear differential drain and fill plugs are properly tightened
Clean any spilled gear oil from underbody components and suspension parts
Lower vehicle to ground
Dispose of used gear oil properly at authorized recycling facility

Verification

Check both differentials for any signs of leakage around drain and fill plugs
Test drive vehicle and listen for any abnormal noises from front or rear drive units
Verify smooth operation during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering
After test drive, re-inspect differential plugs for leakage
Record service in vehicle maintenance log with mileage and date