suspension

Subframe Bushing

for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of subframe bushings on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500, requiring the vehicle to be lifted and the subframe to be lowered for bushing access.

Warnings

⚠️Electric vehicle high voltage systems present electrocution hazard. Ensure 12V battery is disconnected and high voltage system is de-energized per manufacturer protocol before beginning work.

⚠️Subframe supports critical suspension and drivetrain components. Improper support during removal can cause catastrophic failure and serious injury.

⚠The 2022 Rivian EDV 500 weighs significantly more than conventional vehicles due to battery pack. Ensure all lifting equipment is rated appropriately.

⚠Battery pack is located in floor pan above subframe. Avoid contact with battery enclosure and associated wiring during subframe service.

ℹ️This procedure may require wheel alignment upon completion. Plan accordingly.

Tools required

Vehicle lift or jack stands (rated for electric vehicle weight)Essential

Hydraulic transmission jack or subframe support fixtureEssential

Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Pry bar

Bushing press kit or hydraulic pressEssential

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Pickle fork or ball joint separator

Battery disconnect toolEssential

Safety stands rated for EV weightEssential

Parts

Subframe bushing kit (front or rear as required) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Subframe mounting bolts (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
Verify high voltage system is in service mode per Rivian service procedures
Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight
Remove all four wheels to access subframe mounting points
Document or photograph routing of any wiring harnesses or brake lines attached to subframe
Spray penetrating oil on all subframe mounting bolts and allow to soak
Position hydraulic transmission jack or subframe support fixture under subframe

Procedure

1
Disconnect steering linkage and control arms
Disconnect the steering rack from the subframe if working on front subframe. Remove outer tie rod end connections. Disconnect lower control arms from the subframe mounting points. Mark orientation of eccentric bolts if present for alignment reference during reassembly.
2
Disconnect drive axles
Support drive axles with wire or bungee cords. Remove drive axle mounting bolts from motor flanges or differential outputs. Allow axles to hang supported, ensuring no strain on CV joint boots.
3
Disconnect brake lines and ABS sensors
Carefully disconnect any brake lines attached to subframe brackets. Cap or plug brake lines immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor wiring from subframe-mounted clips and brackets.
4
Disconnect motor and differential mounts
Support the electric motor assembly and differential with additional jack stands. Remove motor mounting bolts that connect motor housing to subframe. Keep all mounting hardware organized by location for proper reassembly.
5
Disconnect subframe-mounted components
Remove any additional components mounted to subframe including stabilizer bar links, suspension sensors, and wiring harness brackets. Verify all connections between subframe and chassis are disconnected before proceeding.
6
Support and lower subframe
Position transmission jack directly under center of subframe with adequate support surface. Remove subframe mounting bolts in a cross pattern to maintain even loading. Slowly lower subframe approximately 6-8 inches or as needed to access bushings. Maintain control of subframe at all times during lowering process.
7
Remove old subframe bushings
With subframe lowered and accessible, identify worn bushings requiring replacement. Use bushing press tool or hydraulic press to remove old bushings from subframe mounting points. If bushings are bonded, carefully cut away rubber material with utility knife before pressing out metal sleeve. Clean bushing bores thoroughly with wire brush, removing all rubber residue and corrosion.
8
Install new subframe bushings
Verify new bushings match orientation and design of original bushings. Apply light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to outer diameter of new bushings (do not use petroleum-based lubricants). Press new bushings into subframe bores using bushing press tool, ensuring bushings are fully seated and properly aligned. Verify bushings are at correct depth and orientation marks align if applicable.
9
Raise and align subframe
Using transmission jack, carefully raise subframe back to chassis mounting position. Use alignment pins or guide bolts to align subframe with chassis mounting holes. Verify all bushing voids align with chassis mounting points before installing bolts.
10
Install subframe mounting bolts
Install all subframe mounting bolts hand-tight initially. Verify subframe is properly positioned and all mounting points are aligned. Tighten subframe mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even loading and proper seating. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - consult Rivian service manual for proper torque values.
11
Reconnect drivetrain components
Reconnect motor mounts and differential mounts to subframe. Install drive axle mounting bolts to motor flanges or differential outputs. Ensure all mounting hardware is properly torqued per manufacturer specifications.
12
Reconnect suspension and steering
Reconnect lower control arms to subframe mounting points, aligning any marked eccentric bolts to original positions. Reconnect stabilizer bar links. Reconnect steering linkage and outer tie rod ends if removed. Install all fasteners but do not final torque until vehicle is at ride height.
13
Reconnect brake and electrical systems
Reconnect brake lines to subframe brackets and mounting points. Bleed brake system if lines were opened. Reconnect ABS sensor wiring and secure to subframe-mounted clips. Reconnect all wiring harness brackets and clips per original routing documented during disassembly.
14
Final torque and inspection
With vehicle lowered to ride height (wheels on ground or on alignment ramps), perform final torque on all suspension mounting bolts per manufacturer specifications. This ensures bushings are torqued in their normal operating position. Inspect all connections for proper installation and verify no components were missed during reassembly.

Reassembly

Install wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern per manufacturer specification
Lower vehicle to ground and bounce suspension several times to settle components
Reconnect 12V battery and clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have set during service
Exit high voltage service mode per Rivian procedures
Perform final inspection of all fasteners and connections

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
Inspect subframe mounting points for proper alignment and no gaps between bushings and chassis
Schedule wheel alignment to correct any alignment changes resulting from subframe removal
Perform final torque check on all subframe mounting bolts after 50-100 miles of driving