This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm mounting bolts (if corroded or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bushing hardware kit (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Power off the vehicle completely and remove the key fob from the cabin
3. Chock the front wheels
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated rear lift point
6. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight
7. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced
8. Spray all control arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear suspension knuckle or lower suspension component to support its weight. Raise the jack just enough to take up the weight without lifting the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the control arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect the outer control arm mounting point
   Locate the lower control arm's outer mounting point where it connects to the rear knuckle or hub assembly. Remove the through-bolt or ball joint fastener. If the connection is a ball joint type, use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the joint from the knuckle. Note the orientation and any alignment shims or washers for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove the inner control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the inner mounting point where the control arm attaches to the vehicle frame or subframe. This typically consists of one or two large through-bolts. Using a breaker bar, loosen and remove these bolts. Support the control arm as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove the lower control arm
   Carefully maneuver the control arm out of its mounting position. You may need to angle it or lower the suspension jack slightly to create clearance. Inspect the mounting points on the frame and knuckle for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the control arm mounting surfaces on both the frame and knuckle. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread compound. Inspect the frame mounting bushings and the knuckle mounting bore for damage. Check that threads on mounting points are clean and undamaged.
6. 6

   Prepare the new control arm
   Remove the new control arm from packaging and compare it to the old unit to verify correct fitment. Check that all bushings are properly seated and that any protective coatings or plugs have been removed from mounting holes. Apply a light coating of anti-seize to bolt threads if recommended by the manufacturer.
7. 7

   Install the new control arm to the frame
   Position the new control arm at the inner mounting point on the frame or subframe. Insert the through-bolts and thread them by hand. Do not fully tighten at this stage. The suspension should be at ride height (supported by the floor jack) before final torquing. Ensure any alignment shims or spacers are positioned correctly.
8. 8

   Connect the outer control arm mounting point
   Raise or lower the floor jack supporting the suspension to align the outer end of the control arm with the knuckle mounting point. Insert the outer through-bolt or reconnect the ball joint. Thread the fastener by hand. If using a ball joint, ensure it is fully seated in the taper before installing the retaining nut.
9. 9

   Set suspension to ride height
   Adjust the floor jack supporting the suspension until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height. This ensures the control arm bushings are not pre-loaded when fasteners are torqued. The vehicle should appear level with a normal stance when viewed from the side.
10. 10

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all control arm fasteners to the manufacturer's specified torque values. Begin with the inner frame mounting bolts, then proceed to the outer knuckle connection. Follow the specified tightening sequence if provided. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, consult the vehicle service manual or contact a Rivian dealer for exact values before final assembly.
11. 11

    Remove support jack and reinstall wheel
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern with the vehicle weight on the ground
2. Remove jack stands and fully lower the vehicle
3. Perform a visual inspection of all mounting points to ensure proper installation
4. Rock the vehicle side-to-side to settle the suspension components

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are tight and properly torqued
• Check for adequate clearance around the control arm throughout suspension travel
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment as soon as possible to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure proper handling

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