Tie Rod Assembly

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tie rod assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including separation from the steering knuckle and adjustment of toe alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod assembly (inner and outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end castle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Power off the vehicle completely and remove key fob from cabin
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for at least 4 tons per stand
7. Remove front wheel on affected side
8. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end castle nut and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark alignment reference position
   Before removal, measure and record the distance from the inner tie rod boot to the outer tie rod end. Use paint marker or masking tape to mark the threaded position of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod shaft. This will provide a rough alignment reference for reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin from tie rod end
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the castle nut on the tie rod end at the steering knuckle. Use pliers or side cutters to extract the cotter pin completely. Discard the old cotter pin as it cannot be reused.
3. 3

   Remove tie rod end castle nut
   Using an appropriate socket, remove the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Do not remove the nut completely yet - leave it threaded on by a few turns to protect the threads and prevent the tie rod from falling when separated.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Using a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork, break the taper connection between the tie rod ball joint and the steering knuckle. Position the separator tool between the knuckle and tie rod end, then strike firmly or turn the forcing screw until the taper releases. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Hold the flat section of the inner tie rod with a wrench to prevent it from rotating. Using another wrench on the outer tie rod hex flats, unthread the outer tie rod end counter-clockwise from the inner tie rod. Count the number of turns required for reference during installation.
6. 6

   Access and remove inner tie rod
   Peel back or cut the inner tie rod boot to access the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. The inner tie rod may be threaded or staked onto the rack. Using appropriate tools, loosen and remove the inner tie rod from the steering rack assembly. If staked, the stake must be removed before the tie rod can be unthreaded.
7. 7

   Clean steering rack threads
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the steering rack where the new inner tie rod will attach. Remove any debris, corrosion, or old thread locker material. Inspect threads for damage that could affect proper installation.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the new inner tie rod as specified by manufacturer instructions. Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand, ensuring it starts straight and does not cross-thread. Tighten to the manufacturer's specification (torque specification not available in database - consult service manual).
9. 9

   Install inner tie rod boot
   If the new tie rod assembly includes a new boot, slide it over the inner tie rod and secure it to both the steering rack and the inner tie rod body using the provided clamps. Ensure the boot is not twisted and is properly seated to prevent contamination.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod shaft clockwise. Use the alignment marks made during disassembly as a reference, threading it to approximately the same position. The outer tie rod should thread on the same number of turns noted during removal for a rough alignment starting point.
11. 11

    Connect tie rod end to steering knuckle
    Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Install the new castle nut and tighten by hand initially. Using a torque wrench, tighten the castle nut to manufacturer specification (specification not available in database - consult service manual). If necessary to align the castle nut slots with the ball stud hole, tighten further to the next alignment point - never loosen to align.
12. 12

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud hole. Bend the ends of the cotter pin outward and around the castle nut to secure it in place. Ensure the cotter pin is properly seated and cannot work loose.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but still allows the wheel to spin freely. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (specification not available in database - typically 130-150 ft-lb for this vehicle class). Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the castle nut is properly torqued and the cotter pin is securely installed
2. Verify that the tie rod boot is properly seated with no tears or twists
3. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from the work area
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to check steering response and verify the steering wheel is roughly centered
• Inspect the tie rod area for any fluid leaks from the steering rack boot
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately, as toe adjustment will be required after tie rod replacement
• After alignment, verify that the steering wheel is centered and the vehicle tracks straight with no pulling

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