Panhard Bar/Track Bar

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the panhard bar (track bar) on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500, which controls lateral axle movement and maintains proper axle alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Panhard bar mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification if reuse not recommended
• Panhard bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification if replacement needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind front wheels
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Verify you have replacement panhard bar and associated hardware ready for installation
6. Spray penetrating oil on panhard bar mounting bolts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack at the rear jacking point, raise the rear of the vehicle until wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame rails at designated support points on both sides. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. Remove rear wheels completely.
2. 2

   Locate panhard bar assembly
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the panhard bar connecting the rear axle housing to the vehicle frame. On the EDV 500, this runs laterally across the rear suspension. The bar will have mounting points on the axle side (typically with a bushing) and frame side (typically with a bushing or ball joint). Inspect the routing and note any brake lines, wiring, or sensors in the vicinity.
3. 3

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a secondary floor jack under the center of the rear axle differential housing with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle and takes minimal weight. This prevents the axle from shifting laterally when the panhard bar is disconnected.
4. 4

   Mark alignment reference
   Before removing any fasteners, use a paint pen or marker to mark the position of the panhard bar relative to its mounting brackets on both ends. This provides a reference for proper alignment during reinstallation and helps maintain the vehicle's tracking characteristics.
5. 5

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Locate the frame-side mounting bolt of the panhard bar. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the mounting bolt while supporting the panhard bar with your free hand or a support strap. The bolt may be tight due to the load on the suspension. Set the bolt aside and inspect it for damage or thread wear.
6. 6

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   Move to the axle-side mounting point. Remove the mounting bolt securing the panhard bar to the axle bracket. Be prepared for slight axle movement when this fastener is removed, as the axle may shift laterally slightly even with the jack in place. Remove the bolt completely.
7. 7

   Remove panhard bar from vehicle
   Carefully extract the panhard bar from both mounting locations. You may need to use a pry bar to separate bushings from their mounting brackets. Inspect the bar for bending, damage, or excessive wear. Note the orientation of bushings and any spacers or washers.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   Thoroughly inspect both mounting brackets on the frame and axle for cracks, elongated holes, or damage. Check the condition of bushings in the old panhard bar - if they show cracking, tearing, or compression, replace them. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
9. 9

   Prepare new panhard bar
   If installing a new panhard bar, verify it matches the OEM part configuration. If reusing the original bar with new bushings, press or install new bushings per manufacturer specifications. Ensure all bushings are properly seated and oriented correctly. Apply a light coat of grease to bushing outer surfaces.
10. 10

    Position new panhard bar
    With the axle supported by the floor jack, position the new panhard bar into place, aligning it with both the frame and axle mounting points. Use your alignment marks as reference. You may need to gently adjust the axle position using the floor jack to align bolt holes. Insert bolts finger-tight at both ends.
11. 11

    Install and torque mounting bolts
    With the vehicle weight still on jack stands (suspension unloaded), thread both mounting bolts completely by hand first. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads if specified by manufacturer. Since factory torque specifications are not available in the database, contact a Rivian service center for proper torque values before final tightening. Typical panhard bar bolts on similar vehicles range from 90-150 ft-lb, but verify before proceeding.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Remove the floor jack from under the axle. Reinstall rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly off jack stands, remove stands, and lower the vehicle completely to the ground so suspension is at normal ride height. This ensures bushings are torqued in their normal operating position.
13. 13

    Final torque verification
    With the vehicle on the ground at normal ride height, perform a final verification of panhard bar mounting bolt torque using verified specifications from Rivian. Torque rear wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 150 ft-lb for this vehicle class). Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting hardware is properly torqued to manufacturer specifications before driving
2. Double-check that no tools or parts have been left under the vehicle
3. Verify rear wheels are properly torqued and seated
4. If any suspension geometry changes were made, note that alignment may be needed

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension or stability systems appear
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm panhard bar is properly seated at both mounting points
• Test drive at low speeds in a safe area, checking for unusual handling, clunking noises, or lateral axle movement
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect all panhard bar mounting bolts for proper torque and no loosening
• Have vehicle alignment checked at a qualified facility to ensure proper rear axle tracking and toe settings

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