This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear control arm bushings on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, requiring the vehicle to be lifted and rear suspension components partially disassembled.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Power down the vehicle completely and wait 5 minutes for high-voltage system to discharge
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
6. Support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
7. Remove rear wheels and set aside
8. Spray all control arm fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a transmission jack or adjustable floor jack under the rear knuckle/hub assembly to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to take load off control arm without lifting the vehicle off jack stands.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt at the control arm or knuckle. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Secure shock absorber out of the way with wire or bungee cord to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Remove control arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt at the subframe or chassis mounting point. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the rear mounting bolt and nut. Note the orientation of any washers or shims for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove control arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt at the subframe or chassis. Remove the front mounting bolt and nut. Support the control arm as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower the supporting jack to allow the control arm to be maneuvered out of position. Remove the control arm from the vehicle. If the arm is stuck, use a pry bar to carefully separate it from mounting points. Inspect arm for cracks or damage.
6. 6

   Remove old bushings from control arm
   Place the control arm in a hydraulic press or use a control arm bushing press tool. Position the appropriate bushing driver to match the bushing size. Press the old bushings out of the control arm, working slowly to avoid damaging the control arm bore. If bushings are bonded, you may need to cut the rubber away first.
7. 7

   Clean control arm bushing bores
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the control arm. Remove all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect bores for damage, cracks, or excessive wear that would require control arm replacement.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin coat of supplied lubricant (if provided) or soapy water to the new bushing outer sleeve. Position the bushing at the bore opening, ensuring proper orientation if the bushing is directional. Using the press and appropriately sized driver, slowly press the new bushing into the control arm bore until fully seated and flush with the arm.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to vehicle
   Position the control arm back into its mounting locations. Insert the front mounting bolt through the control arm and subframe, but do not fully tighten. Insert the rear mounting bolt through the control arm and chassis, but do not fully tighten. Leave fasteners loose to allow for bushing alignment.
10. 10

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Raise the supporting jack to bring the suspension up to ride height position. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and nut, but do not fully tighten yet.
11. 11

    Torque control arm and suspension fasteners
    With the suspension at normal ride height (vehicle weight on jack stands, wheels off), torque all control arm mounting bolts and shock absorber mounting bolt to manufacturer specifications. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, consult Rivian service documentation for proper values before proceeding.
    ⚠Control arm bushings must be torqued with suspension at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure due to pre-loading.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat steps 1-11 for the opposite rear control arm. It is recommended to replace bushings in pairs to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack
3. Once vehicle is on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
4. Remove wheel chocks
5. Power on vehicle and verify no suspension warning lights are illuminated

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from rear suspension
• Perform figure-eight maneuvers to verify no clunking or binding in suspension
• Verify vehicle tracks straight with hands-off steering on level road
• Schedule a professional alignment check, as control arm removal typically affects rear alignment settings
• Recheck all fastener torque values after 50-100 miles of driving

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