Panhard Bar/Track Bar

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the panhard bar (track bar) on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD, which controls lateral axle movement and maintains proper axle alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Panhard bar bushings (if separate) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
3. Power down vehicle completely using the touchscreen and wait 5 minutes for systems to shut down
4. Lift vehicle using a rated lift or floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove rear wheels to improve access (depending on panhard bar location)
6. Visually inspect the panhard bar for damage, worn bushings, or bent components
7. Apply penetrating lubricant to panhard bar mounting bolt threads and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Position a floor jack under the rear axle with a block of wood to distribute load

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position a hydraulic jack with a wood block under the center of the rear axle housing. Raise the jack just enough to take the weight off the suspension components but do not lift the axle. This prevents the axle from shifting laterally when the panhard bar is removed.
2. 2

   Locate panhard bar mounting points
   Identify the panhard bar running laterally from the axle housing to the frame rail. Note the frame-side mounting point and the axle-side mounting point. On the EDV 500, the panhard bar typically mounts to the passenger side of the frame and driver side of the axle housing (or vice versa depending on configuration). Document the orientation with photos for reference during installation.
3. 3

   Remove frame-side mounting hardware
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate metric socket, loosen and remove the frame-side panhard bar mounting bolt. This bolt passes through the panhard bar bushing and frame bracket. Support the panhard bar with one hand as you remove the bolt to prevent it from dropping. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting hardware
   Move to the axle-side mounting point and remove the mounting bolt securing the panhard bar to the axle bracket. Again, note the position of all washers, spacers, and hardware. The panhard bar may now be free to move laterally.
5. 5

   Remove panhard bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the panhard bar out from between the axle and frame. It may be necessary to slightly raise or lower the axle with the floor jack to create clearance. Be mindful of brake lines, ABS sensors, and wiring harnesses in the area. Once clear, remove the panhard bar from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Inspect the frame bracket and axle bracket for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. Check that mounting holes are not elongated or wallowed out. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove corrosion and debris. Inspect the removed hardware for thread damage or deformation. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
7. 7

   Prepare new panhard bar
   If installing a new panhard bar, verify that bushings are properly installed and in good condition. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads (avoid getting anti-seize on bushing contact surfaces). Ensure the new bar matches the length and mounting configuration of the original.
8. 8

   Position new panhard bar
   Maneuver the new panhard bar into position between the axle and frame. Align the bar so that the bushings are oriented correctly at both mounting points. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust axle height or lateral position to align the mounting holes. Do not force the bar into position.
9. 9

   Install axle-side mounting bolt
   Insert the axle-side mounting bolt through the bracket and panhard bar bushing. Install any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Thread the bolt by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug the bolt but do not torque yet, leaving enough freedom for the bar to pivot.
10. 10

    Install frame-side mounting bolt
    Insert the frame-side mounting bolt through the frame bracket and panhard bar bushing. Install washers and spacers as they were originally configured. Thread the bolt by hand, then snug it down without final torquing. The panhard bar should now be loosely secured at both ends.
11. 11

    Load suspension to ride height
    Use the floor jack to raise the axle until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height. This ensures the panhard bar bushings are torqued in their neutral, unstressed position. You can reference the suspension position with the vehicle on the ground or measure from the frame to the ground to estimate ride height.
12. 12

    Torque panhard bar mounting bolts
    With the suspension at ride height, torque both panhard bar mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications. Since specific torque values are not available in the database, follow Rivian service manual specifications (typically in the 100-130 ft-lb range for this application). Apply thread locker to fasteners as specified. Torque the axle-side bolt first, then the frame-side bolt.
13. 13

    Remove axle support and verify installation
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the axle. Visually verify that the panhard bar is properly seated at both mounting points and that all hardware is secure. Check for adequate clearance between the panhard bar and surrounding components throughout the suspension travel range.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification
2. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
3. Perform a final torque check on all panhard bar mounting hardware with the vehicle on the ground
4. Bounce the rear suspension several times to settle components and verify no unusual noises or binding
5. Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speeds to verify proper handling and no suspension noises

Verification

• Verify that the panhard bar is securely mounted with no visible movement at mounting points
• Check that the rear axle tracks properly with no excessive lateral play
• Confirm no contact between the panhard bar and surrounding components during suspension travel
• Listen for any clunking or knocking sounds from the rear suspension during test drive
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment to verify rear axle positioning and correct any alignment issues resulting from the repair

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