This procedure covers the removal and replacement of subframe bushings on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van, requiring suspension disassembly and subframe support.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Subframe bushing kit (front or rear as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Subframe mounting bolts (if corroded or damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Open frunk and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using disconnect tool
4. Raise vehicle using hydraulic jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands at frame rails (minimum 3-ton capacity each)
6. Remove wheels on the side being serviced
7. Allow suspension to hang freely
8. Apply penetrating oil to all subframe mounting bolts and bushing hardware, allow to soak 15 minutes
9. Take photos of suspension and subframe alignment for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove underbody panels and shields
   Remove plastic underbody panels and skid plates to access subframe mounting points. Remove fasteners around perimeter and carefully lower panels. Set aside hardware in organized manner for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect steering linkage (if working on front subframe)
   Disconnect outer tie rod ends from steering knuckles using appropriate ball joint separator tool. Mark orientation of tie rod adjustment for reinstallation. Support steering rack to prevent strain on lines.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower control arms
   Remove lower control arm to subframe mounting bolts on both sides. Support control arms with wire or additional jack stands to prevent strain on CV axles and brake lines. Do not allow suspension to hang unsupported.
4. 4

   Disconnect stabilizer bar links
   Remove stabilizer bar end link connections from lower control arms or subframe mounting points. Use penetrating oil if fasteners are seized. Support stabilizer bar to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Support electric motor and drivetrain
   Position transmission jack or subframe support jack under the electric motor housing and drivetrain components mounted to subframe. Adjust jack to just contact components without bearing weight yet. Use wide load distribution pad on jack.
6. 6

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Identify and disconnect any electrical connectors attached to components mounted on subframe, including wheel speed sensors, brake wear sensors, and any motor position sensors. Label connectors for proper reconnection.
7. 7

   Remove subframe mounting bolts
   Locate all subframe to chassis mounting bolts (typically 4-6 bolts). Using breaker bar, loosen but do not remove all bolts. Remove bolts in sequence starting from rear and working forward, leaving front bolts slightly engaged until ready to lower.
8. 8

   Lower subframe carefully
   With assistant monitoring clearances, slowly lower transmission jack to drop subframe approximately 4-6 inches. Monitor all brake lines, electrical connectors, and CV axles for binding. Lower only enough to access bushing mounting points. Do not allow subframe to hang unsupported.
9. 9

   Remove old bushings
   With subframe lowered and accessible, locate bushing mounting hardware. Remove bushing mounting brackets or through-bolts. Use bushing press tool or hydraulic press to extract old bushings from subframe. Note orientation and positioning of bushings for proper installation of replacements.
10. 10

    Clean bushing mounting locations
    Wire brush all bushing mounting surfaces on subframe to remove rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect mounting points for cracks, excessive corrosion, or damage. Clean mounting bracket hardware and inspect threads.
11. 11

    Install new bushings
    Apply light coat of supplied lubricant to new bushings if provided. Using bushing press tool, carefully press new bushings into subframe mounting locations. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. Install mounting brackets and hardware finger-tight.
12. 12

    Raise subframe into position
    Using transmission jack, carefully raise subframe back to original position, aligning with chassis mounting points. Have assistant guide subframe and monitor clearances. Ensure all electrical connectors, brake lines, and CV axles are clear of pinch points.
13. 13

    Install and torque subframe bolts
    Install all subframe mounting bolts hand-tight, ensuring proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, torque to specification in cross-pattern sequence per Rivian service manual. Verify all bolts are properly seated before final torque application.
14. 14

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reconnect lower control arms to subframe mounting points. Install stabilizer bar end links. Reconnect steering linkage if previously disconnected. Torque all fasteners to specification per service manual. Reconnect all electrical connectors.
15. 15

    Final inspection and testing
    Reinstall underbody panels and shields. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle. Reconnect 12V battery. Perform lock-to-lock steering test to verify no binding. Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper operation before returning to service.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to Rivian specifications using service manual values
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify brake lines and CV axles have proper clearance throughout suspension travel
4. Double-check all underbody panel fasteners are secured
5. Reset any suspension fault codes that may have been triggered during service

Verification

• Perform visual inspection of all connections and fasteners
• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension or drivetrain
• Test steering operation lock-to-lock while stationary
• Perform test drive at low speed, checking for unusual noises, vibration, or handling issues
• Verify alignment by driving straight on level road - schedule professional alignment if steering pulls
• Recheck all subframe bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle