Replace worn radius arm bushings on the front or rear suspension to restore proper alignment and eliminate clunking noises or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm mounting hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels that will remain on ground
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for systems to power down
4. Lift vehicle using appropriate lift points specified in owner's manual
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for EV weight
6. Remove wheel on side being serviced
7. Spray all radius arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the suspension
   Place a hydraulic floor jack under the lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and relieve load from the radius arm.
2. 2

   Remove radius arm frame mounting bolt
   Locate the forward mounting point where the radius arm attaches to the frame rail. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the frame-side mounting bolt. This is typically the larger diameter bolt and may require significant force to break free.
3. 3

   Remove radius arm axle mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting point where the radius arm attaches to the axle housing or control arm bracket. Remove the mounting bolt while supporting the radius arm weight. The arm may drop slightly when bolt is removed.
4. 4

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   Carefully pull the radius arm free from both mounting points. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the arm from the mounting brackets if bushings are seized. Note the orientation and positioning of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting points
   With the radius arm removed, inspect both frame and axle mounting brackets for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush and check for thread damage on mounting bolt holes.
6. 6

   Remove old bushing from radius arm
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press tool, press the old bushing out of the radius arm. Apply pressure evenly and note the direction of bushing installation. If bushing is severely deteriorated, you may need to cut away outer sleeve first.
7. 7

   Clean radius arm bore
   Thoroughly clean the bushing bore in the radius arm using wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, old rubber residue, and debris. Inspect bore for damage or deformation that could affect new bushing installation.
8. 8

   Install new bushing
   Apply light coating of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to new bushing outer sleeve. Using press tool, carefully press new bushing into radius arm bore, ensuring it is oriented correctly and seats fully. Bushing should be flush with or slightly recessed from arm surface per manufacturer specification.
9. 9

   Install radius arm to frame mount
   Position radius arm into frame bracket first, aligning mounting holes. Insert frame mounting bolt through bracket and bushing, but do not fully tighten yet. Leave bolt loose enough for suspension to articulate during final positioning.
10. 10

    Install radius arm to axle mount
    Align rear mounting point of radius arm with axle bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust suspension height for proper alignment. Insert axle mounting bolt through bracket and bushing.
11. 11

    Torque mounting bolts to specification
    With vehicle weight supported on jack stands and suspension at normal ride height, torque both radius arm mounting bolts. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, contact Rivian service for official values before final tightening. Typical values for this application range from 100-150 ft-lbs, but DO NOT proceed without verification.
12. 12

    Remove support jack and reinstall wheel
    Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle from jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to Rivian specifications before driving
2. Do not fully tighten radius arm bolts until vehicle is at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind
3. Reinstall any protective covers or shields removed during disassembly
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify elimination of clunking or handling issues
• Check for any unusual noises from suspension during turns and over bumps
• Perform visual inspection of radius arm mounting points for proper positioning
• Schedule four-wheel alignment as radius arm replacement affects suspension geometry
• Re-torque all mounting bolts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle