This procedure covers the removal and installation of the lateral arm (control arm) on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery vehicle with dual motor AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lateral arm (control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lateral arm mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, firm surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground
3. Deactivate high-voltage system following Rivian service procedures and verify deactivation
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if components show corrosion
6. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated jacking point nearest the lateral arm being replaced. Once raised to working height, position jack stands under the frame rails at approved support points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. Remove the wheel completely and set aside.
2. 2

   Document original alignment position
   Before removing any fasteners, mark the position of adjustable components with a paint pen or alignment marks. Take photos of the lateral arm mounting positions from multiple angles for reference during reinstallation. This will help approximate the original alignment settings.
3. 3

   Support the lower suspension
   Position a floor jack under the lower suspension arm or knuckle assembly to support the weight and prevent the suspension from dropping suddenly when fasteners are removed. Raise jack just enough to take up slack but not to lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
4. 4

   Disconnect outer ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut at the outer end of the lateral arm where it connects to the steering knuckle. Using appropriate socket, remove the castle nut completely. Use a ball joint separator tool to disconnect the ball joint taper from the knuckle. If using a pickle fork, note that this may damage the ball joint boot if reusing the arm.
5. 5

   Remove inner mounting bolts
   Locate the inner mounting bolts that secure the lateral arm to the subframe or chassis mounting bracket. These are typically through-bolts with nuts on the back side. Using a socket on the bolt head and another on the nut, break the fasteners loose. Support the lateral arm as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove lateral arm from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully guide the lateral arm out of its mounting position. You may need to maneuver the knuckle or suspension components slightly to clear the arm. Inspect the removal path to avoid damaging brake lines, wiring harnesses, or other components. Remove the arm completely and set aside.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   Thoroughly inspect the subframe mounting points for cracks, elongated holes, or damage. Check the lateral arm bushings (if separate from the arm) for wear, cracking, or deterioration. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Inspect the ball joint stud bore in the knuckle for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Prepare new lateral arm
   Unpack the new lateral arm and verify it matches the old unit in configuration and mounting points. If bushings are pressed into the arm, inspect them for proper seating. If ball joint is integrated, check the boot for damage and verify protective caps are removed from mounting surfaces. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to bolt threads (unless they have factory thread locker).
9. 9

   Install lateral arm to chassis
   Position the new lateral arm into the chassis mounting bracket, aligning the bushings with the mounting points. Insert the inner mounting bolts through the bushings and chassis brackets. Thread the nuts on by hand but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the arm moves freely on the bushings and is not binding or cross-threaded.
10. 10

    Connect outer ball joint to knuckle
    Guide the ball joint stud into the tapered hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the suspension slightly to align the components. Once seated, install the new castle nut and tighten to proper specification per factory service manual. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
11. 11

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    With the suspension at normal ride height (vehicle weight on wheels or suspension loaded with jack), torque all lateral arm mounting fasteners to factory specifications. Note: Torque specifications are not available in this database - consult the Rivian factory service manual for exact values. Torque inner mounting bolts first, followed by outer ball joint nut if not already completed. Use proper torque wrench and verify all fasteners.
12. 12

    Remove support jack and reinstall wheel
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Inspect the area to ensure no tools or parts have been left in the wheel well. Reinstall the wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower vehicle partially so wheel contacts ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final checks
    Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower completely to ground. With vehicle on ground, perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts. Bounce the corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension. Visually inspect all connections and verify no parts or tools remain in work area.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to factory specifications with the suspension at normal ride height or loaded to simulate ride height
2. Always use new cotter pins and castle nuts as specified by manufacturer
3. Do not reuse thread-locking fasteners unless approved by manufacturer

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Check that steering returns to center properly and vehicle tracks straight
• Re-inspect all fasteners after test drive to ensure none have loosened
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately after completing this repair - alignment is critical for proper vehicle handling and tire wear
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on all lateral arm fasteners

More procedures for this vehicle