Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushing set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end link kit (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Verify high-voltage system is in safe mode according to Rivian service procedures
4. Lift rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove both rear wheels to access sway bar components
6. Spray all sway bar mounting hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
7. Visually inspect sway bar, bushings, end links, and mounting brackets 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 or suspension knuckle on the driver side. Support the end link with one hand while removing the upper and lower fasteners. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly. Remove the end link completely.
2. 2

   Remove passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the end link removal process on the passenger side. Support the end link during removal to prevent it from falling. Keep all hardware organized and separated by side for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar bushing bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar bushing brackets that secure the sway bar to the vehicle frame or subframe. There are typically two brackets, one on each side of center. Remove the bolts securing each bushing bracket. The sway bar may begin to drop as the brackets are loosened, so be prepared to support it.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar bushing brackets and bushings
   With the bolts removed, take off the bushing brackets. Note the orientation of the bracket halves and any alignment marks. Remove the rubber bushings from the sway bar and inspect them for cracks, tears, or compression damage. Mark the position of the bushings on the bar for proper reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove rear sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from the suspension area. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components, exhaust shields, or battery pack underbody protection. Work slowly to avoid damaging surrounding components or high-voltage wiring.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect mounting areas
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar mounting locations on the frame or subframe. Remove any rust, debris, or old rubber residue. Inspect the mounting surfaces for cracks, damage, or elongated bolt holes. Check all threaded holes for damage and clean threads if necessary.
7. 7

   Prepare new sway bar and bushings
   If installing a new sway bar, verify it matches the old bar in length, diameter, and mounting point locations. Install new bushings onto the sway bar at the marked locations, ensuring the bushing split faces forward or according to manufacturer specifications. Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the inside of the bushings if recommended.
8. 8

   Install sway bar into position
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar with bushings installed back into position under the vehicle. Align the bar so that the bushing locations match the frame mounting points and the end link connection points align with the suspension attachment points. The bar should sit naturally without excessive force or binding.
9. 9

   Install bushing brackets
   Position the bushing bracket halves over the bushings and align the bracket bolt holes with the frame mounting holes. Start all bracket bolts by hand before tightening. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the bolts as specified. Tighten the bushing bracket bolts evenly in a cross pattern to avoid binding the bushings. Since torque specifications are not provided, tighten to manufacturer specification from the service manual.
10. 10

    Install passenger side end link
    Position the passenger side end link between the sway bar and suspension mounting point. Install all washers and bushings in the correct order as noted during disassembly. Start the fasteners by hand and verify free movement of the joint before tightening. Apply thread locker and tighten fasteners to manufacturer specification.
11. 11

    Install driver side end link
    Install the driver side end link using the same procedure as the passenger side. Ensure proper bushing and washer orientation. Verify the end link rotates freely at both joints before final tightening. Apply thread locker and tighten to manufacturer specification.
12. 12

    Verify sway bar installation and clearances
    Visually inspect the entire sway bar installation. Verify adequate clearance between the sway bar and all surrounding components including the driveshaft, exhaust components, battery pack housing, suspension arms, and frame members. Manually cycle the suspension through its travel range by pushing down on the rear body to ensure no contact or binding occurs.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specification
2. Lower vehicle to the ground and perform final torque check on all lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels
3. If a torque angle procedure is specified for any sway bar fasteners, perform this with the vehicle at normal ride height
4. Check that all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection underneath the vehicle to verify all fasteners are installed and tight
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and make several gentle turns to verify proper sway bar function
• Listen for any clunking, rattling, or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Verify stable handling and reduced body roll during cornering
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all sway bar mounting hardware for proper torque and no looseness

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