This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the trailing arm on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lock nuts (trailing arm to chassis) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lock nuts (trailing arm to hub) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open frunk and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift point
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at manufacturer-specified support points
7. Remove rear wheel completely
8. Spray all trailing arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position hydraulic transmission jack or equivalent under the rear suspension near the trailing arm to support weight. Raise jack until it just contacts the suspension but does not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the suspension from dropping when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Remove brake components (if necessary)
   If the trailing arm blocks access or interferes with brake components, remove the brake caliper and secure it to the frame using wire or zip ties. Do not let caliper hang by the brake line. Remove brake rotor if additional clearance is needed.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring connector near the trailing arm mounting area. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. Note the routing of the wire harness for reinstallation. If sensor cable is clipped to trailing arm, remove clips.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm to hub connection
   Locate the fasteners connecting the trailing arm to the rear hub/knuckle assembly. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the bolt(s) securing the trailing arm to the hub. Support the hub assembly to prevent it from dropping or rotating. Remove and discard the lock nuts as they should be replaced.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm to chassis/subframe forward mount
   Locate the forward mounting point where the trailing arm connects to the chassis or subframe. Remove the bolt and nut securing this connection. Note the position and orientation of any washers, bushings, or spacers for proper reinstallation. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the bushing from the mounting bracket.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm to chassis/subframe rear mount
   Locate the rear mounting point where the trailing arm connects to the chassis. Remove the bolt and nut securing this connection. Keep track of all hardware orientation. Slowly lower the transmission jack to allow the trailing arm to separate from the mounting points.
7. 7

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully maneuver the trailing arm out from the suspension area. May require rotation or angling to clear other components. Inspect the removed trailing arm for damage, cracks, or worn bushings to confirm replacement is necessary.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Inspect all chassis mounting points, bushings, and brackets for damage, corrosion, or wear. Use a wire brush to clean mounting surfaces and threads. Check that mounting brackets are not bent or cracked. Replace any damaged components before installing new trailing arm.
9. 9

   Install new trailing arm into position
   Position the new trailing arm into the suspension area, aligning it with the chassis mounting points. Use the transmission jack to support and position the arm at the correct height. Ensure any bushings or sleeves are properly oriented as per the removed component.
10. 10

    Install rear chassis mount
    Insert the bolt through the rear trailing arm mounting point and chassis bracket. Install the new lock nut but do not fully tighten yet. Thread nut hand-tight to hold the arm in position while aligning other mounting points.
11. 11

    Install forward chassis mount
    Insert the bolt through the forward trailing arm mounting point and chassis bracket. Ensure all bushings and spacers are correctly positioned. Install the new lock nut hand-tight. Verify the trailing arm moves freely without binding.
12. 12

    Connect trailing arm to hub assembly
    Align the trailing arm with the rear hub/knuckle connection point. Insert the connecting bolt and install new lock nut. Hand-tighten only at this stage. Ensure the hub assembly is properly positioned and aligned.
13. 13

    Torque all trailing arm fasteners
    With the vehicle weight still supported on jack stands and suspension supported by transmission jack, torque all trailing arm fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Begin with chassis mounts, then hub connection. Note: Torque specifications must be obtained from Rivian service documentation as they are not available in this database. Do not guess torque values.
14. 14

    Reconnect ABS sensor and routing
    Reconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector until it clicks into place. Route the sensor wire along the trailing arm following the original path. Secure with any clips or retainers that were removed. Ensure wire has adequate slack and will not be pinched or stretched during suspension travel.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    If brake rotor was removed, reinstall it onto the hub. Reinstall brake caliper onto mounting bracket and torque to specification. Remove transmission jack from under suspension. Reinstall wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle until wheel contacts ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands
2. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern while vehicle is partially supported
3. Remove jack stands and fully lower vehicle to ground
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Remove wheel chocks
6. Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed to verify no unusual noises or handling issues

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are properly torqued to manufacturer specifications
• Check that ABS sensor connector is secure and wire routing does not interfere with suspension movement
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle to ensure suspension moves freely without binding or unusual noises
• Verify wheel is properly secured with all lug nuts torqued to specification
• Test drive vehicle and verify proper handling, no pulling, and no unusual suspension noises
• Check for proper wheel alignment - vehicle should be taken to alignment shop for four-wheel alignment verification
• Scan for ABS/stability control system fault codes to ensure sensor is functioning properly

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