This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including disconnecting suspension components and ensuring proper alignment preparation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushings (if not included with arm) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel hub mounting hardware (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. If equipped with air suspension, set to service mode per manufacturer procedures
4. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points on frame rails
7. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
8. Spray all trailing arm mounting hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak
9. Take photos of assembly for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a transmission jack or axle support stand under the rear differential/axle assembly near the trailing arm mounting point. Raise slightly to take weight off the trailing arm but do not lift the suspension. This prevents the assembly from dropping when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake and ABS components
   Remove any brake line brackets or clips attached to the trailing arm. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector if it routes along the trailing arm. Use care not to damage the sensor wiring. Secure brake lines and sensor wiring out of the way with zip ties or wire.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt where it attaches to the trailing arm or axle assembly. Using a socket and wrench, remove the lower shock mounting bolt while supporting the shock. Allow the shock to hang freely or secure it with wire to prevent strain on the upper mount.
4. 4

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   If equipped with a rear stabilizer bar, locate the stabilizer bar end link where it connects to the trailing arm or axle housing. Remove the link mounting nut/bolt. Use a hex key or second wrench to prevent the stud from spinning if necessary. Swing the link away from the trailing arm.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the forward trailing arm mounting bolt where it attaches to the frame or subframe. This is typically a large bolt with bushing. Using a breaker bar if necessary, loosen and remove the front mounting bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt where it attaches to the axle housing or knuckle assembly. Loosen and remove this bolt completely. The trailing arm may need to be manipulated or pried slightly to release it from the mounting brackets.
7. 7

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully work the trailing arm out of its mounting positions. It may be necessary to lower or raise the axle support jack slightly to create clearance. Remove the trailing arm from the vehicle and inspect mounting points for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare mounting points
   Clean all mounting bolt holes and surfaces with a wire brush. Inspect frame and axle mounting points for cracks, elongated holes, or corrosion. Check that bushings in the new trailing arm are properly seated and not damaged. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to bolt threads.
9. 9

   Install new trailing arm
   Position the new trailing arm into place, aligning the front mounting point with the frame bracket first. Insert the front mounting bolt finger-tight. Then align the rear mounting point with the axle housing and insert the rear bolt finger-tight. Do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Reconnect stabilizer bar link
    Reattach the stabilizer bar end link to the trailing arm or axle housing. Install the mounting hardware finger-tight. Ensure the link is not twisted and moves freely.
11. 11

    Reinstall shock absorber lower mount
    Align the shock absorber lower mounting eye with the bracket on the trailing arm or axle. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and hardware. Ensure the shock is not twisted or bound. Leave hardware finger-tight for now.
12. 12

    Load suspension and torque fasteners
    Lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height (wheels just touching the ground but weight still on jack stands). This loads the suspension bushings in their operating position. Now torque all trailing arm mounting bolts, shock bolt, and stabilizer link hardware to manufacturer specifications. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, refer to Rivian service manual or contact a dealer for proper values.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical components and inspect
    Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector. Reinstall any brake line brackets or clips to the trailing arm, ensuring proper routing and no interference with moving parts. Verify all fasteners are tight and no tools or parts remain in the work area.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
5. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
6. If air suspension was set to service mode, return to normal operation
7. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all mounting points to ensure bolts are properly installed and torqued
• Check that ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secure
• Verify brake lines have adequate clearance and are properly secured
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check that vehicle tracks straight with hands lightly on steering wheel
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry has been altered
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect all trailing arm mounting bolts for proper torque
• Verify no ABS or traction control warning lights are illuminated on dashboard

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