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2022 RIVIAN EDV 500

Dual Motor AWD (EDV)•AWD•ev
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Repairs280Labor336Torque97Fluid8DTC557Battery1Maintenance0Recalls0
drivetrain

Rear Differential

for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
4.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
14
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear differential assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD configuration.

Warnings

⚠️This vehicle uses a high-voltage battery system. Ensure the high-voltage system is deactivated and lockout/tagout procedures are followed before beginning work.
⚠️The rear differential assembly is extremely heavy (approximately 150+ lbs). Use proper lifting equipment and assistance to avoid serious injury.
⚠Gear oil can be hot if vehicle has been recently operated. Allow adequate cooling time before draining.
⚠The rear motor is integrated with the differential assembly on this electric vehicle. Handle electrical connections with care.
ℹ️Document all electrical connector orientations and positions before disconnection for proper reassembly.

Tools required

Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Drain pan (minimum 3 quart capacity)Essential
Pry bar
Fluid pump or fill bottleEssential
Transmission jack or differential support fixtureEssential
Breaker barEssential
Impact wrench
Plastic trim removal tools
Wire brush
Shop towelsEssential

Parts

  • Rear differential assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Differential mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Axle shaft seals × 2 — Use OEM specification
  • Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

  1. Verify replacement differential is correct part number for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD configuration
  2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
  3. Follow manufacturer lockout/tagout procedure for high-voltage system deactivation
  4. Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
  5. Remove rear wheels and tires
  6. Place drain pan under rear differential assembly
  7. Take photos of all electrical connections and routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain rear differential fluid
    Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the rear differential housing. Clean the area around the drain plug. Remove the drain plug and allow all gear oil to drain completely into the drain pan. Inspect the drained fluid for metal particles or contamination. Remove the fill plug to ensure complete drainage.
  2. 2
    Disconnect rear axle halfshafts
    Remove the bolts securing both rear axle halfshafts to the differential output flanges. Mark the orientation of the halfshafts to the flanges for reinstallation. Support the halfshafts with wire or bungee cords to prevent damage to CV boots. Do not allow the halfshafts to hang unsupported.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connections
    Locate all electrical connectors on the rear motor/differential assembly. These include motor power cables, speed sensors, and temperature sensors. Carefully disconnect each connector, noting the orientation and securing clips. Label connectors if necessary. Secure wiring harnesses away from the differential assembly.
  4. 4
    Remove brake components and parking brake cables
    If necessary for clearance, disconnect parking brake cables from the rear calipers. Remove any brake line brackets or clips attached to the differential housing or mounting points that may interfere with removal. Support brake calipers with wire to avoid strain on brake hoses.
  5. 5
    Support differential assembly
    Position a transmission jack or suitable differential support fixture under the center of the differential assembly. Raise the jack until it makes contact and slightly supports the weight of the differential. Ensure the assembly is securely balanced on the jack before proceeding.
  6. 6
    Remove differential mounting hardware
    Locate all mounting bolts securing the differential assembly to the rear subframe or suspension cradle. There are typically multiple large bolts securing the differential. Remove the rear mounting bolts first, then front bolts, while ensuring the differential remains supported by the jack. Keep all hardware organized for reinstallation.
  7. 7
    Lower and remove differential assembly
    Carefully lower the transmission jack while guiding the differential assembly down and away from the vehicle. Watch for any remaining connections or interference points. The assembly is extremely heavy and may require assistance to maneuver. Once clear, remove from under vehicle and transport to work area.
  8. 8
    Prepare new differential for installation
    Inspect the new differential assembly for shipping damage and verify correct part number. Transfer any sensors, brackets, or components from the old differential if they are not included with the replacement unit. Clean all mounting surfaces on the vehicle where the differential will mate. Apply appropriate thread locker to mounting bolt threads if specified by manufacturer.
  9. 9
    Position and install new differential
    Using the transmission jack, carefully raise the new differential assembly into position. Align the mounting points with the subframe or suspension cradle. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, tighten in a cross pattern. Note: Specific torque values not available in database - consult factory service manual for exact specifications.
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the rear motor/differential assembly in the reverse order of removal. Ensure all connectors are fully seated and locking tabs are engaged. Verify no wiring is pinched or routed incorrectly by comparing to reference photos taken during disassembly. Secure all harness clips and brackets.
  11. 11
    Reconnect rear axle halfshafts
    Align the rear axle halfshafts to the differential output flanges using the alignment marks made during removal. Install new bolts if required. Tighten halfshaft bolts in a star pattern. Note: Specific torque values not available in database - consult factory service manual.
  12. 12
    Reconnect brake components
    Reinstall any brake line brackets or clips removed during disassembly. Reconnect parking brake cables if they were disconnected. Ensure all brake components are properly secured and nothing interferes with brake operation.
  13. 13
    Fill differential with gear oil
    Install new drain plug washer and reinstall drain plug. Using a fluid pump or fill bottle, add 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil through the fill hole until oil begins to drip from the fill hole opening. Install the fill plug. The rear differential capacity is approximately 2.0 quarts.
  14. 14
    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels and tires. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Perform final torque on lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels. Note: Specific torque values not available in database - consult factory service manual.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
  2. Ensure all mounting bolts are tightened to specification
  3. Confirm halfshafts are properly secured to differential flanges
  4. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area under the vehicle
  5. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal

Verification

  • Follow manufacturer procedure to reactivate high-voltage system and clear any fault codes
  • Check for gear oil leaks around drain plug, fill plug, and axle seals
  • Perform a test drive at low speeds in a safe area to verify proper operation
  • Listen for any unusual noises from the rear differential during acceleration and deceleration
  • Verify all drive modes and AWD functionality operate correctly
  • Recheck differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
  • Verify no warning lights or error codes are present on the instrument cluster
  • Inspect for any fluid leaks after test drive
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🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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