Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both front sway bar links on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift point
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands at chassis support points per Rivian specifications
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Verify vehicle stability before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Access left front sway bar link
   Position yourself under the left front corner of the vehicle. Locate the sway bar link connecting the lower control arm to the sway bar. Inspect the link for visible damage, torn boots, or worn ball joints. Clean threads with wire brush if corroded.
2. 2

   Remove left sway bar link upper fastener
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the ball joint stud, remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar using a 15mm socket. If the ball joint spins, use a ball joint separator fork to apply pressure while loosening. Remove nut completely and note washer position if present.
3. 3

   Remove left sway bar link lower fastener
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the lower ball joint stud, remove the lower nut connecting the sway bar link to the lower control arm using a 15mm socket. If necessary, use a pry bar to gently separate the ball joint taper from the control arm once nut is removed. Remove the left sway bar link completely.
4. 4

   Inspect left mounting points
   Inspect the sway bar mounting point and control arm ball joint seat for damage, excessive wear, or cracks. Check that the tapered holes are clean and free of debris. Verify sway bar bushing condition at mounting point. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush.
5. 5

   Install new left sway bar link
   Position the new left sway bar link with the lower ball joint stud inserted into the lower control arm. Install the lower nut hand-tight. Insert the upper ball joint stud into the sway bar mounting hole and install the upper nut hand-tight. Do not torque at this time.
6. 6

   Access right front sway bar link
   Move to the right front corner of the vehicle. Locate the sway bar link connecting the lower control arm to the sway bar. Inspect for damage and clean threads with wire brush if necessary.
7. 7

   Remove right sway bar link upper fastener
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the ball joint stud, remove the upper nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar using a 15mm socket. Use ball joint separator if the stud spins. Remove nut completely.
8. 8

   Remove right sway bar link lower fastener
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the lower ball joint stud, remove the lower nut connecting the sway bar link to the lower control arm using a 15mm socket. Separate the ball joint taper from the control arm if needed. Remove the right sway bar link completely.
9. 9

   Inspect right mounting points
   Inspect the right side sway bar mounting point and control arm ball joint seat for damage or wear. Check tapered holes for cleanliness and verify sway bar bushing condition. Clean mounting surfaces thoroughly.
10. 10

    Install new right sway bar link
    Position the new right sway bar link with the lower ball joint stud inserted into the lower control arm. Install the lower nut hand-tight. Insert the upper ball joint stud into the sway bar mounting hole and install the upper nut hand-tight. Do not torque at this time.
11. 11

    Torque all sway bar link fasteners
    Using a torque wrench, torque all four fasteners (upper and lower on both sides) to manufacturer specification while holding the ball joint studs with an 18mm wrench to prevent spinning. Since torque specifications are not available in this database, consult Rivian service documentation for proper values before completing this step.
    ⚠Improper torque can result in fastener failure or component damage. Verify correct specification before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not torque while vehicle is on jack stands.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle
    Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to ground. Remove wheel chocks.
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle on ground, torque all front wheel lug nuts to specification using a star pattern. Consult Rivian documentation for lug nut torque value specific to the EDV 500.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to proper specification per Rivian service documentation
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or under vehicle
3. Check that sway bar links move freely through suspension travel range

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or rattling noises from front suspension
• Perform figure-eight maneuvers in safe area to confirm proper sway bar function
• Visually inspect all fasteners for proper seating and torque
• Check for any fluid leaks around suspension components disturbed during service
• Monitor handling characteristics during normal driving for any abnormalities

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