This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 commercial delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushing set (frame mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end link assemblies × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushing bracket bolts × 4 — Replace if corroded or damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify vehicle is powered off completely
4. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands under manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Raise rear of vehicle slightly to unload suspension and support on jack stands to keep vehicle level
7. Remove both front wheels
8. Spray all sway bar mounting hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
9. Inspect sway bar and mounting points for damage or excessive wear

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver side sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Support the end link stud with a wrench to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut connecting to the sway bar. Remove the lower nut connecting to the control arm. Remove the end link assembly. Note the orientation and any spacers or washers for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the end link removal process on the passenger side. Support the end link stud with a wrench to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut connecting to the sway bar. Remove the lower nut connecting to the control arm. Remove the end link assembly and set aside.
3. 3

   Access sway bar frame mounting brackets
   Locate the sway bar mounting brackets on the vehicle subframe. There are typically two brackets securing the sway bar to the frame with rubber bushings. Clean debris around the mounting bolts. Note the position and orientation of the bushings and any identification marks on the sway bar indicating front/center positioning.
4. 4

   Remove driver side sway bar bracket
   Remove the bolts securing the driver side sway bar mounting bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and bushing assembly. Inspect the bushing for cracks, tears, or deterioration. If the bushing is split-style, note how it opens for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side sway bar bracket
   Remove the bolts securing the passenger side sway bar mounting bracket to the subframe. Remove the bracket and bushing assembly. Inspect the bushing condition.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from under the vehicle. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components, steering linkage, and the electric motor housing. On the EDV 500, route the bar toward the driver side for clearance around the front motor assembly. Support the bar to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Prepare new sway bar
   Compare the new sway bar to the old bar to verify correct part. Clean the mounting areas on the new bar with a wire brush. Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the areas where the bushings will contact the bar to prevent squeaking. Install new bushings onto the bar, ensuring they are positioned at the correct locations as marked or measured from the old bar.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar into position
   Maneuver the new sway bar into position under the vehicle, routing it the same path as removal. Ensure the bar is centered side-to-side with equal length extending toward each end link mounting point. The bar should sit naturally in position with minimal force.
9. 9

   Install sway bar mounting brackets
   Position the bushings in the mounting brackets. Install both bracket assemblies onto the subframe, capturing the sway bar. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not fully tighten yet. Verify the bushings are seated properly and the bar can move slightly within the brackets.
10. 10

    Install new end links
    Install the new end links on both sides, connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms. Install washers and nuts on both upper and lower studs but do not fully tighten yet. The suspension should be at or near normal ride height for final tightening.
11. 11

    Position suspension at ride height
    Using the floor jack, raise the lower control arms on both sides until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height. This ensures proper preload on the sway bar bushings and end links when tightened. The control arms should be roughly parallel to the ground.
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners
    With the suspension at ride height, torque all sway bar bracket bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Torque all end link nuts to specification, using a backup wrench to prevent the stud from spinning. Consult factory service manual for exact torque specifications as they are not currently available in the database.

Reassembly

1. Lower the suspension and remove the floor jack from under the control arms
2. Reinstall both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. Remove all four jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground
4. Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension or chassis systems
• Turn the steering wheel full lock in both directions while stationary to check for any interference or binding
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns to verify proper sway bar operation
• Listen for any unusual noises such as clunking or squeaking from the front suspension
• Perform a final visual inspection of all mounting points to ensure nothing has loosened
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all fasteners and re-torque if necessary

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