This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the trailing arm bushings on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, requiring suspension disassembly and a hydraulic press for bushing installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels if servicing rear, or rear wheels if servicing front
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system shutdown
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for at least 7000 lbs at proper chassis lift points
7. Remove wheel and tire assembly
8. Spray all trailing arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear axle housing or knuckle assembly near the trailing arm mounting point. Raise jack just enough to take the load off the suspension but not to lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the suspension from dropping when bolts are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake line bracket
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the trailing arm. Remove the mounting bolt or clip securing the brake line to the trailing arm. Carefully position the brake line aside to prevent damage during trailing arm removal. Do not disconnect the brake line itself.
3. 3

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor and wiring
   Locate the wheel speed sensor wiring harness attached to or routed along the trailing arm. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove any clips or brackets securing the wiring to the trailing arm. Secure wiring out of the way to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Mark bushing orientation
   Before removing any fasteners, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the orientation of the trailing arm and bushings relative to the chassis and axle mounting points. Pay special attention to any offset or angled positioning of the bushings. Take photos for reference during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the bolt securing the rear of the trailing arm to the axle housing or knuckle assembly. Have an assistant support the trailing arm or use a strap to prevent it from dropping. The bolt may be seized; apply additional penetrating oil if needed and use heat carefully if permitted.
6. 6

   Remove front trailing arm mounting bolt
   Remove the bolt securing the front of the trailing arm to the chassis or subframe. This bolt passes through the bushing that will be replaced. The arm may be under tension; control its movement as the bolt is removed. Lower the jack slightly if needed to relieve pressure on the bolt.
7. 7

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on the chassis and axle for damage, corrosion, or wear. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush and wipe clean.
8. 8

   Press out old bushings
   Secure the trailing arm in a hydraulic press or use a portable bushing press tool. Select the appropriate bushing removal adapter that fits the outer shell of the bushing. Position the adapter and press the old bushing out of the trailing arm bore. Note the direction the bushing was installed. If the bushing is bonded and difficult to remove, carefully cut the rubber portion to collapse it before pressing.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect trailing arm bores
   Thoroughly clean the bushing bores in the trailing arm using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old bushing material. Inspect the bores for cracks, elongation, or damage. Measure bore diameter if possible to ensure it is within specification. Apply a light coating of lithium grease or approved bushing installation lubricant to the bore.
10. 10

    Install new bushings
    Position the new bushing at the bore opening, ensuring correct orientation based on your earlier markings and any alignment features (voids, flats, or directional indicators on the bushing). Use the hydraulic press with the appropriate installation adapter to press the bushing straight into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the arm housing. Verify the bushing is centered and the inner sleeve rotates freely.
11. 11

    Reinstall trailing arm to chassis
    Position the trailing arm back into the vehicle with the front end at the chassis mounting point. Raise the floor jack supporting the axle to align the rear mounting point. Install the front chassis mounting bolt through the new bushing by hand, ensuring proper alignment. Do not tighten yet.
12. 12

    Install rear mounting bolt
    Align the rear of the trailing arm with the axle housing or knuckle mounting point. Install the rear mounting bolt by hand. Verify all components are properly aligned and the arm moves freely without binding. The vehicle must be at normal ride height (wheels supporting vehicle weight) before final torquing.
13. 13

    Reconnect brake line and sensor wiring
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the trailing arm and secure with the mounting bolt or clip. Reconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and secure all wiring clips and brackets along the trailing arm. Ensure wiring has adequate slack and will not be pinched or stretched during suspension travel.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle to load suspension
    Install the wheel and tire assembly and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground and the suspension is at normal ride height. The bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent pre-loading.
15. 15

    Torque all trailing arm fasteners
    With the vehicle at ride height (tires on ground but vehicle still supported by jack stands under frame), torque the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts to manufacturer specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Note: Since torque specifications are not provided in the database, consult the official Rivian service manual for exact values, typically in the range of 100-150 ft-lbs for trailing arm bolts. Finish lowering vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued at normal ride height to prevent bushing pre-load and premature wear
2. Verify brake lines and wheel speed sensor wiring are properly secured with no interference points during suspension travel
3. Double-check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification (typically 150 ft-lbs for commercial vehicles, verify in service manual)

Verification

• Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights related to wheel speed sensors or brake system
• Perform a visual inspection of the trailing arm installation from multiple angles to confirm proper alignment
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any clunks, squeaks, or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and verify the vehicle drives straight with no pulling
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect all trailing arm fasteners and re-torque if necessary
• Schedule a professional alignment check as trailing arm bushing replacement may affect rear suspension geometry

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