Torsion Bar Adjustment

This procedure adjusts the torsion bar suspension system on the Rivian EDV 500 to correct ride height and restore proper vehicle stance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torsion bar adjustment bolt (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Torsion bar mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely using the infotainment system shutdown procedure
4. Verify high-voltage system is isolated (wait 5 minutes after shutdown)
5. Measure and document current ride height at all four corners from ground to wheel well lip
6. Inspect torsion bars, adjustment bolts, and mounting points for damage or excessive corrosion
7. Apply penetrating lubricant to torsion bar adjustment bolts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Using a vehicle lift or floor jack, raise the front of the vehicle until the front wheels are just off the ground (suspension still loaded). Place jack stands under the frame rails at designated lift points. Do not allow suspension to fully droop during adjustment process.
2. 2

   Locate torsion bar adjuster bolts
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the torsion bar adjuster bolts on each side. These are typically found at the rear anchor point of each torsion bar, near the lower control arm mounting area. Clean the adjustment bolt area with a wire brush to expose markings and threads.
3. 3

   Mark current adjustment position
   Before making any adjustments, count and record the number of threads visible on each adjustment bolt. Mark the current position of the adjuster nut relative to the anchor arm using a paint pen or marker. This allows you to return to the original setting if needed.
4. 4

   Measure initial ride height
   Lower the vehicle so the suspension is at normal ride height but wheels are still slightly off the ground (simulating curb weight). Measure from the ground to a fixed point on the frame at both front corners. Factory specification for the EDV 500 front ride height is typically between specific tolerances found in the service manual.
5. 5

   Adjust driver side torsion bar
   Raise the vehicle again to unload the suspension slightly. Using the torsion bar adjustment tool or appropriate socket, turn the adjustment bolt clockwise to increase ride height or counterclockwise to decrease. Make adjustments in quarter-turn increments. Each full turn typically changes ride height by approximately 3-5mm.
6. 6

   Adjust passenger side torsion bar
   Repeat the adjustment process on the passenger side torsion bar. Aim for equal adjustment on both sides to maintain proper cross-vehicle alignment. Make the same number of turns on each side as a starting point.
7. 7

   Cycle suspension and re-measure
   Lower the vehicle to the ground completely. Bounce the front end of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension. Re-measure ride height at both front corners. The vehicle should sit level side-to-side with proper ground clearance.
8. 8

   Fine-tune adjustment
   If ride height is not within specification, raise the vehicle and make additional adjustments in smaller increments (1/8 to 1/4 turn). Continue cycling the suspension and measuring until desired height is achieved. Target is equal height side-to-side within 5mm variance.
9. 9

   Verify adjustment bolt torque
   Once proper ride height is achieved, ensure the adjustment bolt lock nuts are properly seated against the anchor arm. While specific torque specifications are not provided in the database, verify that adjustment bolts are secure and will not back out during operation. Apply threadlocker if recommended by service manual.
10. 10

    Inspect suspension components
    With the vehicle at proper ride height, perform a visual inspection of all front suspension components including control arms, ball joints, and CV boots. Ensure torsion bar adjustment has not caused binding or interference with any components.
11. 11

    Test drive and final verification
    Lower the vehicle completely and remove jack stands. Perform a test drive on various road surfaces at moderate speeds. Listen for any unusual noises from the suspension. Verify steering feel is normal and vehicle tracks straight without pulling.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was required for this adjustment procedure
2. Ensure all tools and equipment are removed from under vehicle
3. Verify wheel chocks are removed before test drive

Verification

• Measure final ride height at all four corners and confirm front measurements are within 5mm of each other and meet factory specifications
• Verify vehicle sits level when viewed from front and rear on flat surface
• Test drive vehicle and confirm no pulling, wandering, or unusual suspension noises
• Schedule wheel alignment within 100 miles of torsion bar adjustment to ensure proper tire wear
• Re-check ride height after 500 miles of driving as torsion bars may settle slightly

More procedures for this vehicle