This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including alignment considerations for the electric delivery van platform.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Tie rod end castle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - typically not reusable
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Copper or nickel-based

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely and remove the key fob from the cabin
4. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground
5. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the manufacturer-specified front lift point
6. Secure the vehicle on jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight at the designated support points
7. Remove the front wheel on the side requiring tie rod replacement
8. Spray penetrating oil on the tie rod end threads, castle nut, and taper connection if corrosion is present
9. Allow penetrating oil to soak for 10-15 minutes if used

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark existing tie rod position
   Before loosening any components, use a paint marker or masking tape to mark the exact position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. Measure and record the distance from the inner tie rod jam nut to the end of the outer tie rod end. This measurement will help approximate the toe setting during reassembly and minimize alignment deviation.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the castle nut securing the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin. Discard the cotter pin as it should not be reused. Using an appropriately sized socket, loosen and remove the castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Keep the nut accessible as you may need to thread it back on partially for the next step.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Using a tie rod end separator tool (pickle fork or ball joint separator), carefully separate the outer tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Insert the tool between the knuckle and the tie rod end boss and strike with a hammer or apply pressure until the taper releases. Alternatively, thread the castle nut back on a few turns to protect the threads, then strike the knuckle boss area with a hammer while applying upward pressure on the tie rod end. Avoid damaging the steering knuckle or ball joint boot.
4. 4

   Loosen jam nut on inner tie rod
   Locate the jam nut (lock nut) connecting the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod shaft. This is typically a thin nut located where the outer tie rod threads onto the inner tie rod. Use two wrenches to break the jam nut loose - one to hold the outer tie rod end and one to loosen the jam nut. Turn the jam nut counterclockwise to loosen but do not remove it completely yet.
5. 5

   Count and remove outer tie rod end
   While holding the jam nut stationary, unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by rotating it counterclockwise. Count the exact number of full rotations required to remove the outer tie rod end and record this number. This count will be used during installation to approximate the original toe setting. Inspect the threads on the inner tie rod for damage or excessive wear.
6. 6

   Prepare new outer tie rod end
   Clean the threads on the inner tie rod using a wire brush to remove any dirt, rust, or debris. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the inner tie rod threads to prevent future seizing and facilitate future removal. Inspect the new outer tie rod end to ensure it matches the old part and that the ball joint boot is intact with no tears or damage.
7. 7

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod clockwise, using the same number of rotations counted during removal. Align the tie rod end with the reference marks made in Step 1. This approximation will get the toe setting close enough for safe driving to an alignment shop. Do not fully tighten the jam nut yet.
8. 8

   Install tie rod end to steering knuckle
   Insert the outer tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Ensure the taper seats properly and the stud passes completely through the knuckle. Thread the new castle nut onto the stud and tighten by hand initially. Use a torque wrench to tighten the castle nut to the manufacturer's specification. Note: Since specific torque values are not available in the database, refer to the Rivian service manual or use typical specifications for this class of vehicle (typically 35-50 ft-lb for tie rod castle nuts, but verify with OEM documentation).
9. 9

   Align castle nut and install cotter pin
   After reaching the specified torque, check if the castle nut slots align with the hole in the tie rod stud. If not aligned, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole. Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud hole. Bend the ends of the cotter pin outward to secure it in place, ensuring it cannot work loose.
10. 10

    Tighten jam nut
    Using two wrenches, tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod end to lock it in position. Hold the outer tie rod end to prevent it from rotating while tightening the jam nut. Tighten the jam nut securely to prevent the outer tie rod from loosening during operation. Typical torque for jam nuts is 40-60 ft-lb, but verify with Rivian specifications.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts to the Rivian EDV 500 specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform a final lug nut torque check with the vehicle on the ground.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and the cotter pin is securely installed
2. Check that the tie rod jam nut is tight and the outer tie rod cannot rotate on the inner tie rod threads
3. Inspect the steering boot for proper seating and no damage
4. Test steering wheel rotation lock-to-lock while stationary to ensure no binding or interference

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights appear related to steering or traction control systems
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area to verify steering response and that the vehicle tracks straight
• Listen for any unusual noises from the front suspension during turns and over bumps
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately - the vehicle should not be driven at highway speeds or for extended distances until a proper four-wheel alignment is performed
• After alignment, verify the steering wheel is centered when driving straight and that tire wear patterns are normal after several hundred miles

More procedures for this vehicle