Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

This procedure covers the replacement of both front sway bar links on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring removal of wheels and disconnection from the sway bar and control arms.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front sway bar link - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if not included with links

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Locate front lift points per Rivian EDV 500 service manual (typically reinforced frame rails behind front wheels)
5. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link nuts and bolts on both sides if corrosion is visible
6. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetrant to work if applied

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and secure vehicle
   Using a floor jack at the front center lift point, raise the front of the vehicle until both front wheels are off the ground. Position jack stands under the designated lift points on both sides. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. Leave the floor jack in position as a backup safety measure but not supporting weight.
2. 2

   Remove front wheels
   Remove the lug nuts completely from both front wheels and set aside. Remove both front wheels and place them aside in a safe location. This provides access to the suspension components including the sway bar links.
3. 3

   Locate and inspect sway bar links
   Identify the front sway bar links on both sides. The links connect the sway bar (anti-roll bar) to the lower control arms. Inspect the mounting points for excessive corrosion, damage, or seized fasteners. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for proper reassembly.
4. 4

   Support lower control arm - driver side
   Position a floor jack or jack stand under the driver side lower control arm to support it and prevent sudden movement when the sway bar link is disconnected. Apply just enough pressure to slightly compress the suspension, which relieves tension on the sway bar link.
5. 5

   Disconnect upper sway bar link connection - driver side
   Using a 19mm wrench or socket to hold the stud, and a 21mm socket to remove the nut, disconnect the upper connection of the sway bar link from the sway bar itself. If the stud spins, use a 6-point socket or locking pliers on the stud. The link may be under slight tension, so control it as you remove the nut completely.
6. 6

   Disconnect lower sway bar link connection - driver side
   Using the same technique, disconnect the lower connection of the sway bar link from the lower control arm. Remove the nut while holding the stud stationary. If the ball joint is seized in the control arm, use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break it free, taking care not to damage the control arm or surrounding components.
7. 7

   Remove driver side sway bar link
   Once both connections are free, remove the driver side sway bar link from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on both the sway bar and control arm for damage or excessive wear. Clean threads with a wire brush if corrosion is present.
8. 8

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Position the new driver side sway bar link with the ball joint studs inserted into the sway bar connection point (upper) and the control arm connection point (lower). Ensure any bushings or washers are oriented correctly per the OEM part instructions. Hand-thread the nuts onto both studs to hold the link in position.
9. 9

   Torque driver side sway bar link fasteners
   With the suspension at normal ride height (supported by the jack), torque the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to manufacturer specification using a torque wrench. Hold the stud with a wrench while torquing the nut. Since manufacturer torque specs are not available in the database, refer to the specifications included with OEM replacement parts or consult Rivian service documentation. Typical values for this class of vehicle range from 75-100 ft-lbs, but verify before proceeding.
10. 10

    Support lower control arm - passenger side
    Move to the passenger side and position a floor jack or jack stand under the passenger side lower control arm. Apply slight upward pressure to compress the suspension and relieve tension on the sway bar link.
11. 11

    Disconnect upper sway bar link connection - passenger side
    Using a 19mm wrench or socket to hold the stud, and a 21mm socket to remove the nut, disconnect the upper connection of the passenger side sway bar link from the sway bar. Control the link as tension is released.
12. 12

    Disconnect lower sway bar link connection - passenger side
    Disconnect the lower connection of the passenger side sway bar link from the lower control arm using the same method. If the ball joint is seized, use a ball joint separator tool. Remove the link completely from the vehicle.
13. 13

    Install new passenger side sway bar link
    Install the new passenger side sway bar link by inserting the ball joint studs into both the sway bar and control arm connection points. Ensure proper orientation of bushings and washers. Hand-thread both nuts to secure the link in position.
14. 14

    Torque passenger side sway bar link fasteners
    With the suspension at normal ride height, torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to manufacturer specification while holding the stud stationary. Apply the same torque values used on the driver side for consistency.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully raise the vehicle with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification (typically 130-140 ft-lbs for this vehicle) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar link fasteners are properly torqued with the suspension at normal ride height
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after vehicle is on the ground
3. Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Perform a test drive at low speed (under 25 mph) in a safe area, making gentle turns in both directions
• Listen for any clunking, rattling, or knocking sounds from the front suspension during turns and over bumps
• Verify stable handling characteristics and that the vehicle tracks straight with no pulling to either side
• Re-check all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving
• Visually inspect sway bar links for proper seating and no signs of looseness after test drive

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