This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the trailing arm bushing on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if fasteners are damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at opposite end of vehicle from repair location
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands rated for minimum 4 tons per stand
6. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
7. Spray all trailing arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
8. Visually inspect trailing arm and mounting points for damage or excessive corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Support trailing arm
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the trailing arm near the wheel hub to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping when fasteners are removed and maintains alignment reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt at the trailing arm. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt and swing the shock out of the way. This provides clearance for trailing arm removal.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm to hub mounting bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the trailing arm to the rear hub assembly. Remove all mounting bolts connecting the trailing arm to the hub carrier. Support the hub assembly to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm front bushing mounting bolt
   Locate the large through-bolt at the front bushing mount where the trailing arm connects to the chassis. Use a breaker bar to loosen and remove this bolt. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower the jack supporting the trailing arm. Maneuver the trailing arm out from the vehicle, noting the routing of any brake lines or ABS sensor wiring that may be clipped to the arm.
6. 6

   Press out old bushing
   Secure the trailing arm in a vise or press fixture. Using a hydraulic press or trailing arm bushing press tool, press the old bushing out of the trailing arm. Apply force evenly to avoid damaging the arm bore. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or deformation.
7. 7

   Install new bushing
   Apply bushing installation lubricant to the outer diameter of the new bushing and the trailing arm bore. Align the bushing with any orientation marks or voids matching the arm design. Using the press tool, carefully press the new bushing into the trailing arm until it is fully seated and flush with the arm surface. Ensure the bushing is not cocked or misaligned during installation.
8. 8

   Install trailing arm to chassis
   Position the trailing arm back into the vehicle, aligning the front bushing with the chassis mounting bracket. Insert the front mounting bolt through the bushing but do not tighten yet. Raise the jack under the trailing arm to support it at ride height.
9. 9

   Connect trailing arm to hub assembly
   Align the trailing arm with the hub carrier mounting points. Install all mounting bolts connecting the trailing arm to the hub. Hand-tighten bolts at this stage.
10. 10

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Position the shock absorber lower mount back to the trailing arm. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and hand-tighten.
11. 11

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    With the vehicle suspension at ride height (supported by jack under trailing arm), torque all fasteners in the following order: front bushing mounting bolt first, then trailing arm to hub bolts, then shock absorber lower bolt. Consult Rivian service manual for exact torque specifications as they are not currently available in this database. Do not final-torque suspension fasteners with the suspension hanging unsupported.
12. 12

    Remove jack and reinstall wheel
    Remove the floor jack from under the trailing arm. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification (typically 140-160 ft-lbs for this vehicle class, verify with OEM specs).

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with the vehicle at ride height or on the ground to prevent bushing bind
2. Inspect all brake lines and ABS sensor wiring to ensure they are properly routed and secured to the trailing arm
3. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after test drive

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all fasteners to ensure proper installation and torque
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises or handling issues from rear suspension
• Perform a post-repair alignment check to ensure rear suspension geometry is within specification
• Re-check all fastener torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify even tire contact and no abnormal wear patterns after repair

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