This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnection of electrical components and steering shaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower dash panel clips × 5 — Have spares available
• Wire ties/zip ties × 10 — Assorted sizes

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight ahead and verify steering wheel is centered
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait minimum 5 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Remove steering wheel using appropriate puller and disconnect airbag connector per manufacturer procedure
5. Take multiple photographs of wiring harness routing, connector positions, and component orientation for reference
6. Remove lower dash panel and knee bolster to access steering column mounting area
7. Mark steering shaft coupling alignment with paint pen before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and document electrical connections
   Working from beneath the dash, locate all electrical connectors on the steering column assembly. These include: turn signal/wiper switch module, ignition switch connector, steering angle sensor, electric column adjustment motor (if equipped), and any additional sensors. Photograph each connector's position and orientation. Use a multimeter to verify no voltage is present at airbag circuits before proceeding.
2. 2

   Disconnect all electrical connectors
   Starting from the top of the column, carefully disconnect each electrical connector. Press release tabs firmly while pulling connectors straight out to avoid damaging pins. For connectors with secondary locking tabs (typically colored red or gray), slide these out first before disconnecting. Cut any wire ties securing harnesses to the column but leave enough length for reconnection. Secure loose connectors away from work area.
3. 3

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   Locate the steering shaft coupling at the base of the column where it connects to the intermediate shaft leading to the steering rack. Verify alignment marks are clearly visible on both shaft and coupling. Remove the pinch bolt securing the coupling. This is typically a single bolt with a tab washer. Once bolt is removed, use a small pry bar if needed to separate the coupling, being careful not to damage the shaft splines or steering angle sensor.
4. 4

   Remove column support bracket fasteners
   Locate the steering column mounting brackets. The column is typically secured by two main mounting points: an upper bracket near the dash structure and a lower bracket at the firewall interface. Remove all bolts securing these brackets. On the EDV 500, these are typically Torx fasteners. Support the column weight as you remove the final fasteners to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Remove steering column assembly
   With all fasteners removed and shaft disconnected, carefully lower the steering column assembly while guiding wiring harnesses through mounting brackets. The column may need to be rotated or angled to clear the dash structure. Have an assistant support the assembly or use a column support stand. Once clear, place the column on a clean, protected work surface for inspection.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and prepare new column
   Inspect all mounting brackets, firewall penetration grommets, and dash structure for damage or wear. Clean mounting surfaces. If installing a new column, transfer any components from the old column as needed (verify with parts supplier what is included). Ensure the new column's adjustable features (tilt/telescope if equipped) operate smoothly before installation.
7. 7

   Position new steering column
   With assistance, carefully guide the new steering column assembly into position through the dash opening. Thread wiring harnesses through brackets and ensure no wires are pinched or kinked. Align the column with mounting brackets and loosely install mounting bolts. Do not fully tighten yet to allow for final alignment adjustments.
8. 8

   Connect intermediate steering shaft
   Align the steering column shaft splines with the intermediate shaft coupling, ensuring the alignment marks made during disassembly line up exactly. The shafts should slide together smoothly without forcing. Install new pinch bolt and tab washer. Verify shaft rotates freely through full steering range before final tightening. Without torque specifications available, consult Rivian service documentation for proper torque value.
9. 9

   Tighten column mounting fasteners
   With the steering shaft properly coupled and column properly positioned, tighten all column mounting bracket bolts in sequence from upper to lower. Verify column is properly seated against all mounting points before final tightening. Check that there is no binding in the column's adjustable functions (if equipped) after tightening.
10. 10

    Reconnect all electrical connectors
    Referencing photos taken during disassembly, reconnect each electrical connector to the steering column in reverse order of removal. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and any secondary locks are engaged. Route wiring harnesses as originally positioned and secure with new wire ties. Ensure no wires are stretched, kinked, or positioned where they could contact moving parts or hot surfaces.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering wheel and airbag
    Align steering wheel with column shaft ensuring wheels remain pointed straight ahead. Install steering wheel retention fastener and reconnect airbag connector per manufacturer procedure. Verify airbag connector is fully seated and locked. Install airbag module and any trim covers.
12. 12

    Perform system initialization
    Reconnect 12V battery. Using OBD-II scan tool with Rivian capability, access steering system menus. Perform steering angle sensor calibration according to tool prompts. This typically requires turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock with vehicle stationary. Clear any fault codes related to battery disconnection. Verify no active steering system faults remain.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall knee bolster and lower dash panels using new clips as needed
2. Verify all dashboard trim pieces are securely fastened and properly aligned
3. Check operation of all steering column-mounted controls including turn signals, wipers, cruise control, and column adjustment functions
4. Ensure no rattles or unusual noises are present when operating column functions

Verification

• Turn ignition on and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster related to steering, airbag, or safety systems
• With vehicle stationary, turn steering wheel full lock to lock in both directions, verifying smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position when released from turns
• Test all column-mounted switch functions (turn signals, wipers, cruise control, high beams) for proper operation
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, verifying steering response is normal and wheel is properly centered when driving straight
• Verify electric power steering assist is functioning normally at all speeds
• Re-scan vehicle with OBD-II tool to confirm no new fault codes have appeared
• CRITICAL: If any abnormality is detected in steering feel, response, or warning lights, do not drive vehicle and seek professional service immediately

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