Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake
2. Power off the vehicle completely using the main power button
3. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
4. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
5. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated rear lift point
6. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands placed at the manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove both rear wheels completely and set aside
8. Visually inspect the rear suspension and sway bar for damage or unusual wear
9. Apply penetrating oil to the sway bar link fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the driver side rear sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link on the driver side. It connects the sway bar to the lower control arm or suspension knuckle. Identify the upper fastener (connecting to sway bar) and lower fastener (connecting to control arm/knuckle).
2. 2

   Support the rear suspension
   Place a floor jack under the lower control arm near the sway bar link mounting point. Raise the jack slightly to take tension off the sway bar link. This will prevent binding during removal.
3. 3

   Remove the upper sway bar link fastener
   Using the appropriate socket and wrench, hold the sway bar link stud with one wrench while removing the upper nut with another. If the stud spins freely, use a ball joint separator or vice grips to hold it. Remove the fastener completely and note the orientation of any washers or bushings.
4. 4

   Remove the lower sway bar link fastener
   Hold the lower sway bar link stud with one wrench while removing the lower nut with another. If corrosion prevents removal, apply additional penetrating oil and use a wire brush. Remove the fastener completely and note the orientation of any washers or bushings.
5. 5

   Remove the driver side sway bar link
   Extract the sway bar link from its mounting points. If bushings remain in the mounting points, remove them and inspect for wear. Clean the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and control arm using a wire brush.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Examine the sway bar and control arm mounting points for damage, elongation, or excessive wear. Check threads on studs for damage. Replace any damaged hardware. Verify the new sway bar link matches the original in length and configuration.
7. 7

   Install the new driver side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and control arm. Install bushings in the correct orientation if separate. Insert the upper stud into the sway bar mounting point and hand-thread the nut. Then insert the lower stud into the control arm mounting point and hand-thread that nut.
8. 8

   Torque the driver side sway bar link fasteners
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the fastener threads. Hold each stud with a wrench to prevent spinning. Torque the upper and lower fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Since factory torque specifications are not available, consult the Rivian service manual before proceeding. Typical values for this application range from 40-70 ft-lbs, but OEM specs must be verified.
   ⚠Do not guess at torque values. Under-torquing can cause the link to separate during operation; over-torquing can damage threads or break studs.
9. 9

   Repeat process for passenger side
   Lower the jack supporting the driver side suspension. Move to the passenger side and repeat steps 1-8 for the passenger side rear sway bar link. Ensure the suspension is properly supported before removing fasteners.
10. 10

    Verify installation and clearances
    Manually cycle the rear suspension through its travel range by carefully raising and lowering the floor jack under each control arm. Verify the sway bar links do not contact other components and move freely without binding. Check that all fasteners are tight.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts
2. Lower the vehicle slightly so the wheels contact the ground but weight is still on jack stands
3. Torque the wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
4. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle completely to the ground
5. Remove wheel chocks
6. Perform a final visual inspection of all work performed

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and verify no warning messages appear on the instrument cluster
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension
• Drive over small bumps and through gentle turns to verify proper sway bar link operation
• After the first 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect the sway bar link fasteners for proper torque
• If any unusual noises or handling characteristics are present, re-inspect the installation immediately

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