This procedure covers the removal and replacement of wheel studs on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including bearing hub disassembly and stud press-out/press-in operations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Wheel studs × 5 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Hub bearing assembly (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (single use) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting hardware × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temp rated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels opposite to the corner being serviced
3. Open rear equipment access panel and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Allow vehicle to sit for 5 minutes to discharge capacitors
5. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (before lifting)
6. Raise vehicle on lift or jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove wheel and tire assembly
8. Clean work area around hub assembly to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang caliper from suspension using a wire or caliper hanger. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove brake rotor retaining screws (if present) and slide rotor off hub.
2. 2

   Remove axle nut
   Have an assistant apply brakes or use a hub holder tool to prevent hub rotation. Remove and discard the axle nut (single-use fastener). Mark the axle shaft position relative to the hub for reassembly reference.
3. 3

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the hub assembly. Disconnect the electrical connector and carefully remove the sensor from the hub bearing if it passes through the assembly. Secure sensor away from work area.
4. 4

   Remove hub mounting fasteners
   Remove the hub bearing assembly mounting bolts from the steering knuckle (front) or suspension carrier (rear). Note the location and orientation of any shims or spacers. On EDV 500, there are typically 4 bolts securing the hub assembly.
5. 5

   Extract hub assembly
   Use a 3-jaw puller or slide hammer with appropriate adapter to extract the hub assembly from the knuckle/carrier and off the axle shaft. Apply penetrating oil if assembly is seized. Work carefully to avoid damaging the knuckle or axle shaft threads.
6. 6

   Secure hub for stud removal
   Mount the hub assembly securely in a bench vise using protective jaw covers, or position on a sturdy workbench with the back side of the hub accessible. Identify the damaged or broken stud(s) requiring replacement.
7. 7

   Remove damaged wheel stud
   Using a hydraulic press or large brass drift punch and hammer, drive out the damaged wheel stud from the back side of the hub flange. Apply force to the stud head area, driving it through the hub. If using a hammer method, support the hub to prevent bearing damage. Repeat for all studs being replaced.
8. 8

   Clean stud bore
   Thoroughly clean the stud mounting bore in the hub flange using a wire brush and cleaning solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old thread locker material. Inspect the bore for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. If hub flange is damaged, hub assembly replacement is required.
9. 9

   Install new wheel stud
   Insert the new wheel stud into the bore from the back side of the hub flange. Ensure the serrated shoulder is properly aligned with the hub face. Using a hydraulic press or stud installation tool, press the stud through the hub until the serrated shoulder is fully seated and flush with the hub flange back face. Apply approximately 3-5 tons of press force for proper seating.
10. 10

    Verify stud installation
    Check that the stud shoulder is completely seated against the hub flange with no gap visible. The stud should not rotate when torque is applied. Measure stud protrusion on the front side and compare to adjacent original studs (should be within 0.5mm). If stud is not fully seated, repress with additional force.
11. 11

    Prepare hub for installation
    Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub pilot diameter and the mating surface of the axle shaft splines. Inspect the hub bearing for any damage that may have occurred during stud replacement. Rotate the bearing by hand to verify smooth operation without binding or noise.
12. 12

    Install hub assembly
    Carefully slide the hub assembly onto the axle shaft, aligning the splines. Position the hub into the knuckle/carrier mounting location. Install the hub mounting bolts with any original shims or spacers in their correct positions. Thread all bolts by hand first, then tighten in a cross pattern. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - consult Rivian service manual for proper values.
13. 13

    Install new axle nut
    Install a new axle nut onto the axle shaft. Have an assistant apply brakes or use hub holder tool to prevent rotation. Tighten the axle nut to proper specification. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - consult Rivian service manual for proper values. Stake or install cotter pin per manufacturer specification.
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    Clean the rotor mounting surface on the hub with brake cleaner. Install the brake rotor and secure with retaining screws if applicable. Reinstall the brake caliper assembly onto the mounting bracket and torque caliper bolts. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - consult Rivian service manual.
15. 15

    Reconnect wheel speed sensor and install wheel
    Reinstall the ABS wheel speed sensor and connect the electrical connector. Ensure proper seating and connector lock engagement. Mount the wheel and tire assembly. Thread all lug nuts by hand, then tighten in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Note: Torque specifications not available in database - consult Rivian service manual.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Verify all electrical connections are secure, particularly wheel speed sensor
3. Check that brake caliper is properly mounted and brake hose is not twisted or kinked
4. Perform final torque verification on all lug nuts after vehicle is on ground
5. Repeat procedure for any additional wheels requiring stud replacement

Verification

• Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises from the wheel hub area
• Apply brakes gently to verify proper brake function and ABS operation
• After 25-50 miles of driving, re-torque lug nuts to specification
• Visually inspect wheel stud area for any signs of movement or loosening
• Use a dial indicator to check hub runout if available (should be less than 0.002 inches)
• Verify no ABS warning lights are present on instrument cluster

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