This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar link(s) on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link assembly × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Sway bar link mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if not included with links

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely using the touchscreen shutdown procedure
4. Allow vehicle to sit for 5 minutes to ensure all systems are powered down
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
6. Inspect sway bar links for visible damage, torn boots, or separated ball joints before beginning
7. Apply penetrating oil to sway bar link fasteners if corrosion is present and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack positioned at the front jacking point per Rivian specifications, raise the front of the vehicle. Place jack stands under the manufacturer-designated support points on the frame rails. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. The front suspension must be in full droop (wheels hanging) for link removal.
2. 2

   Remove front wheels
   Fully remove the front wheel lug nuts and take off both front wheels. Set wheels aside in a safe location. This provides clear access to the sway bar links at the front of each lower control arm.
3. 3

   Locate sway bar link upper attachment
   Identify the sway bar link upper mounting point where it connects to the sway bar itself. The link will have a ball joint or bushing-style connection with a retaining nut. On the EDV 500, this is typically accessible from the wheel well. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
4. 4

   Remove upper sway bar link fastener
   Using a 15mm wrench to hold the ball stud, remove the upper mounting nut with an 18mm socket. If the ball stud spins, you may need to use a hex bit from below to hold it while loosening the nut. Keep track of any washers, bushings, or spacers in their original order for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Locate lower sway bar link attachment
   Identify the lower sway bar link mounting point where it attaches to the lower control arm. This connection typically uses a similar ball joint or bushing design with a retaining nut accessible from below or through the wheel well.
6. 6

   Remove lower sway bar link fastener
   Using the same technique as the upper mount, hold the ball stud with a wrench or hex bit and remove the lower mounting nut with an 18mm socket. If the fastener is seized or corroded, apply additional penetrating oil and use a breaker bar for extra leverage.
7. 7

   Remove sway bar link
   Once both fasteners are removed, pull the sway bar link out from between the sway bar and control arm. You may need to use a pry bar to gently separate the ball joint taper from the mounting points if it is stuck. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and control arm for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads and mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and lower control arm where the new link will attach. Remove any rust, dirt, or corrosion that could prevent proper seating or cause future issues. Inspect the sway bar and control arm bushings for damage.
9. 9

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Start by inserting the upper ball stud into the sway bar mounting hole, ensuring any bushings or spacers are in the correct orientation as noted during removal. Hand-thread the upper nut to hold the link in position.
10. 10

    Attach lower connection
    Align the lower ball stud with the mounting hole in the lower control arm. Install any required washers or bushings and hand-thread the lower mounting nut. Ensure the link hangs straight and is not twisted or binding before tightening.
11. 11

    Torque fasteners to specification
    Since manufacturer torque specifications are not available in the database, tighten both upper and lower mounting nuts to a standard specification for M12 suspension fasteners (typically 55-65 ft-lbs) or consult Rivian service information. Hold the ball stud with a wrench to prevent spinning while torquing. If OEM specifications recommend thread locker, apply blue thread locker before final tightening.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 3 through 11 on the opposite front sway bar link. It is recommended to replace both links at the same time to ensure balanced handling characteristics and prevent premature wear.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount both front wheels back onto the hubs, ensuring the mounting surfaces are clean. Hand-thread all lug nuts to prevent cross-threading. Do not fully torque lug nuts until vehicle is lowered to the ground.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the front wheel lug nuts to Rivian specification (typically 150-180 ft-lbs for commercial vehicles) in a star pattern to ensure even seating.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with no loose hardware
2. Verify sway bar links move freely through their range of motion without binding
3. Double-check that both wheels are properly torqued
4. Remove wheel chocks and tools from under the vehicle

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and check for any suspension-related warning messages on the dashboard
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, listening for any clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
• Drive over small bumps at low speed to verify the sway bar links are functioning properly without noise
• Perform gentle side-to-side steering inputs to confirm improved handling feel if old links were worn
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on all sway bar link fasteners and wheel lug nuts
• If any unusual noises persist, re-inspect the installation for proper orientation and torque

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