This procedure involves removing and replacing the steering column assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnecting electrical connections, removing mounting fasteners, and ensuring proper alignment during reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column mounting bolt set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft coupling bolt × 1 — One-time use fastener
• Steering wheel bolt × 1 — One-time use fastener if removed
• Clockspring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position and mark steering wheel position relative to column with tape or marker
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
4. Access HV disconnect service panel and follow manufacturer lockout/tagout procedure to disable high voltage system completely
5. Remove driver's seat to provide better access to lower column area (slide seat fully rearward, disconnect electrical connectors, remove mounting bolts)
6. Cover dashboard, center console, and driver's floor area with protective material to prevent damage during column removal
7. Using Rivian diagnostic tool, document current steering angle sensor calibration and any stored fault codes
8. Photograph all electrical connector positions and wire routing around steering column for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel and airbag module
   Using T50 Torx driver, remove the two airbag module mounting screws from the sides of the steering wheel. Carefully pull airbag module straight out from wheel center. Disconnect the yellow airbag connector and horn connector. Set airbag module face-up in safe location away from work area. Using appropriate socket, remove the steering wheel center bolt (mark position first). Use steering wheel puller to remove steering wheel from column shaft. Do NOT strike or pry the wheel off.
2. 2

   Remove upper and lower column shrouds
   Remove the lower dash panel beneath steering column using trim removal tools. Locate and remove T20 Torx screws securing lower column shroud (typically 3-4 screws). Separate lower shroud from upper shroud by releasing retention clips. Remove upper column shroud by releasing clips and sliding upward off column. Label and disconnect any electrical connectors attached to shrouds (such as column lock indicator lights).
3. 3

   Disconnect clockspring assembly
   Locate the clockspring (spiral cable) assembly at the base of the steering wheel mounting area. Carefully disconnect the yellow airbag connector from clockspring. Disconnect any additional connectors (steering wheel controls, capacitive sensing). Secure the clockspring in its centered position using tape across the housing to prevent rotation. If replacing column, clockspring typically transfers to new column.
   ⚠️The clockspring must remain centered throughout this procedure. If it rotates while disconnected from steering wheel, it will be damaged and must be replaced.
4. 4

   Disconnect column electrical connectors
   Working from upper column area downward, disconnect all electrical connectors from steering column components. These typically include: ignition switch connector, column lock motor connector, steering angle sensor connector, turn signal/wiper stalk connectors, and electronic power steering motor connector. Use labeling tags on each connector. Some connectors may have secondary locks that must be released before disconnecting. Take photos of connector orientations.
5. 5

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   Locate the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the steering column where it connects to the steering gear input shaft. Mark the exact alignment of the coupling and both shafts using paint pen or scribe marks on multiple sides for reinstallation reference. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering column lower shaft. Carefully separate the coupling - you may need to use gentle leverage with a pry bar, being careful not to damage the shaft splines.
   ⚠The intermediate shaft alignment marks are critical. Improper alignment during reassembly will cause steering wheel misalignment and incorrect steering angle sensor calibration.
6. 6

   Remove column support bracket fasteners
   Locate the steering column mounting bracket at the firewall/dash junction point. There are typically two primary mounting bolts securing the upper column bracket to the dash structure, and two or more bolts securing the lower column support to the pedal support bracket. Remove the upper mounting bolts first (typically 13mm or 15mm). Support the column weight before removing lower fasteners. Remove lower support bracket bolts.
7. 7

   Remove steering column assembly
   With an assistant supporting the column weight, carefully maneuver the steering column assembly downward and toward the driver's seat area. The column may need to telescope fully to clear the dash opening. Guide all wire harnesses through their routing points as you remove the column. Be extremely careful not to impact the column shaft or internal components. Once clear, place column on padded clean surface. Inspect mounting points in vehicle for damage or corrosion.
8. 8

   Transfer components to new column if replacing
   If installing a new steering column, transfer the following components from old to new column: clockspring assembly (if not pre-installed), ignition switch module, column lock motor, turn signal/wiper stalks, any adjustable tilt/telescope mechanisms, and steering angle sensor. Ensure clockspring remains centered during transfer. Match all adjustment settings (tilt/telescope positions) to documented original positions.
9. 9

   Install steering column assembly
   With assistant supporting column, guide the steering column assembly into position, routing all wire harnesses through their proper channels. Align the column mounting brackets with the dash and pedal support mounting points. Start all mounting bolts finger-tight before torquing any fasteners. Verify column moves smoothly through full tilt and telescope range (if equipped) before final tightening. Torque all mounting fasteners per service manual specifications working from upper to lower mounts.
   ℹ️Without verified torque specifications in database, consult factory service information for exact torque values. Typical column mount bolts are 15-25 ft-lbs, but verification is essential for safety-critical installation.
10. 10

    Connect intermediate steering shaft
    Align the intermediate shaft coupling to the steering column lower shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure splines are fully engaged. Install NEW pinch bolt through coupling (single-use fastener). Verify alignment marks are properly indexed before tightening. Torque pinch bolt per service manual specification. Verify coupling has no play or binding when rotated through steering range.
11. 11

    Reconnect all electrical connectors
    Working from bottom to top of column, reconnect all electrical connectors in reverse order of removal using your labels and photos as reference. Ensure all connector locks and secondary retention features are properly engaged. Route harnesses away from moving column components and adjust mechanisms. Verify no wires are pinched or kinked. Reconnect: steering angle sensor, ignition switch, column lock motor, turn signal/wiper stalks, power steering motor, and all other connectors.
12. 12

    Install clockspring and steering wheel
    Verify clockspring is still in centered position (tape should still be in place). Remove centering tape only when ready to install steering wheel. Reconnect clockspring electrical connectors (airbag, steering wheel controls). Align steering wheel to column shaft matching your original position marks with wheels straight ahead. Install steering wheel ensuring proper spline engagement. Install NEW steering wheel bolt (single-use) and torque per service manual. Reconnect horn and airbag connectors to airbag module. Install airbag module ensuring proper alignment, then install and torque airbag mounting screws.
13. 13

    Install column shrouds and trim
    Reinstall upper column shroud, ensuring it properly seats over clockspring and all connectors. Install lower column shroud and secure with T20 Torx screws. Reconnect any electrical connectors to shrouds. Install lower dash panel and secure all trim fasteners. Reinstall driver's seat if removed, ensuring all seat electrical connectors are properly engaged and seat mounting bolts are torqued to specification.
14. 14

    System initialization and calibration
    Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal. Re-enable high voltage system following manufacturer procedure. Using Rivian diagnostic tool, clear any stored fault codes. Perform steering angle sensor calibration procedure per manufacturer protocol with wheels straight ahead. Initialize airbag system and verify proper operation. Verify all column functions: tilt/telescope adjustment, turn signals, wipers, column lock, ignition switch. Test electric power steering operation at idle and verify no abnormal noises or binding.
    ⚠️Do not operate vehicle until steering angle sensor calibration is successfully completed and verified through diagnostic tool. Uncalibrated sensor can cause stability control malfunction.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications - consult official service information for exact values not listed in this database
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Verify steering column moves smoothly through full range of tilt and telescope adjustment without binding
4. Confirm steering wheel is properly centered with front wheels in straight-ahead position
5. Double-check that clockspring was properly centered before steering wheel installation

Verification

• With vehicle at idle (ready mode), turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify all column-mounted controls function properly: turn signals, wipers, high beams, cruise control, and any steering wheel buttons
• Using diagnostic tool, verify steering angle sensor shows 0 degrees (±5 degrees) with wheels straight ahead
• Verify no airbag warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster after system initialization
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, verifying proper steering feel, returnability, and that stability control functions correctly
• Verify electric power steering provides appropriate assist at all speeds with no warning messages
• Perform final diagnostic scan to ensure no fault codes are present in steering, airbag, or body control systems
• Verify column lock and ignition switch operate correctly through all positions

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