Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links (stabilizer bar links) on the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and power off completely
2. Engage parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Verify vehicle is in Park mode and key fob is removed from vehicle
4. If links appear corroded, spray both ends of each rear sway bar link with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 30 minutes
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
6. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point
7. Support vehicle securely on jack stands positioned at manufacturer-specified lift points on frame rails
8. Remove both rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Visually inspect both rear sway bar links for damage, torn boots, or excessive wear. Note the orientation of the links and hardware before removal. Take photos if helpful for reassembly reference. Check for any signs of interference with high-voltage cables or brake lines.
2. 2

   Remove driver side lower link attachment
   Locate the lower mounting point where the sway bar link attaches to the rear suspension control arm or knuckle assembly. Use a 19mm socket to remove the lower mounting nut while holding the ball stud with an 18mm wrench to prevent spinning. If the ball stud spins freely, use a ball joint separator fork to apply pressure while removing the nut.
3. 3

   Remove driver side upper link attachment
   Locate the upper mounting point where the sway bar link attaches to the rear sway bar itself. Remove the upper mounting nut using a 19mm socket while holding the ball stud with an 18mm wrench. Carefully remove the link from both mounting points. Note the position and quantity of any washers or bushings.
4. 4

   Clean mounting points on driver side
   Use a wire brush to clean both the upper sway bar mounting point and the lower suspension mounting point. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker compound. Inspect threads on both mounting studs for damage. Check sway bar bushings for wear or cracking.
5. 5

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower suspension mounting point. Install the link with proper orientation (typically the longer end goes to the control arm, shorter end to sway bar). Install washers and bushings in the same order as removed. Thread on both mounting nuts finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side lower link attachment
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side. Use a 19mm socket to remove the lower mounting nut while holding the ball stud with an 18mm wrench. Apply penetrating oil if the hardware is seized. Use a ball joint separator if necessary.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side upper link attachment
   Remove the upper mounting nut from the passenger side sway bar link using a 19mm socket while holding the ball stud with an 18mm wrench. Remove the link completely and set aside. Inspect hardware and note any differences from driver side.
8. 8

   Clean mounting points on passenger side
   Clean both mounting points on the passenger side using a wire brush. Remove all corrosion, dirt, and old thread compounds. Inspect mounting studs and threads for any damage that could affect torque values.
9. 9

   Install new passenger side sway bar link
   Install the new passenger side sway bar link in the same manner as the driver side. Ensure proper orientation and that all washers and bushings are installed in the correct order. Thread both mounting nuts finger-tight but do not fully torque yet.
10. 10

    Torque all sway bar link fasteners
    With the vehicle weight still supported on jack stands and suspension in normal ride height position, torque all four sway bar link mounting nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten to manufacturer specifications. Note: Since torque specifications are not available in the database, consult the Rivian service manual or contact a Rivian service center for proper torque values (typically 35-50 ft-lbs for this type of fastener). Hold the ball stud with a wrench while torquing to prevent spinning.
11. 11

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts on by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Leave vehicle on jack stands for final inspection.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque
    Carefully remove jack stands and lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Once vehicle weight is on all four wheels, torque the rear wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 130-140 ft-lbs for the EDV 500) using a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar link hardware is tightened to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in the wheel well areas
3. Check that all high-voltage cables and brake lines have proper clearance from new sway bar links
4. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and verify no warning lights or error messages appear on the instrument cluster
• Perform a slow test drive in a safe area, listening for any rattling or clunking noises from the rear suspension
• Test vehicle handling through gentle left and right turns at low speed to verify proper sway bar function
• Perform a visual inspection of all mounting points after test drive to ensure no loosening has occurred
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as a precautionary measure

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