Tire Mount and Balance

This procedure covers the complete process of mounting and balancing tires on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including proper lifting, wheel removal, tire mounting, balancing, and TPMS sensor handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tire(s) × 4 — Use OEM specification or equivalent load rating
• Valve stem assembly (TPMS compatible) × 4 — Use OEM TPMS valve stem
• Wheel weights (assorted) × 1 — Adhesive type for alloy wheels
• Lug nuts (if damaged) — OEM replacement M14x1.5

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Set vehicle to 'Transport Mode' if available in vehicle settings to disable auto-park function.
2. Verify replacement tires match OEM specifications for size, load rating, and speed rating (typically LT245/70R19.5 or similar commercial rating).
3. Check work order to confirm whether tire rotation, replacement, or remount is requested.
4. Inspect TPMS sensors on all wheels using TPMS tool to verify functionality before dismounting tires.
5. Note and record current tire pressures and TPMS sensor IDs for each wheel position if performing rotation.
6. Ensure tire changing machine and wheel balancer are calibrated and appropriate for heavy commercial wheels (likely 19.5-inch diameter).
7. Prepare workspace with all tools, new tires, valve stems, and balancing weights within reach.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift vehicle and remove wheels
   Raise vehicle using lift at manufacturer-specified lift points located on frame rails near each corner. If using floor jack, position jack stands at reinforced frame points. Loosen all lug nuts one full turn before fully lifting. Once vehicle is securely supported and stable, remove all lug nuts and remove all four wheels. Place wheels on clean work surface with valve stems accessible.
2. 2

   Deflate tires and remove valve cores
   Using valve stem tool, remove valve core from each tire to fully deflate. For TPMS-equipped wheels, press valve stem firmly while removing core to avoid damaging sensor. Allow tires to fully deflate and press sidewalls to release any remaining air. Mark each tire with its original position (LF, RF, LR, RR) if rotation is part of service.
3. 3

   Break tire beads
   Position wheel on tire changing machine. Use bead breaker arm to press sidewall approximately 2 inches from rim edge, working around entire circumference of both inner and outer beads. Ensure beads are completely broken free from rim on both sides before proceeding. Apply bead lubricant generously to both beads and rim edges.
4. 4

   Remove tire from wheel
   Position tire with top bead centered on tire machine's demount head. Using tire spoons or machine arm, lift top bead over rim edge and work around circumference to completely remove top bead. Rotate tire 180 degrees and repeat process for bottom bead. Carefully lift tire away from wheel, being extremely cautious around TPMS sensor location. Remove TPMS sensor from valve stem hole if sensor is staying with wheel.
5. 5

   Inspect wheel and TPMS sensor
   Thoroughly inspect wheel for cracks, bends, or damage, particularly in bead seating areas and around lug nut holes. Clean rim flanges with wire brush to remove rust, dirt, and old rubber. Inspect TPMS sensor for physical damage, corrosion on battery compartment, or cracked housing. Test sensor with TPMS tool to confirm it transmits properly. If sensor is faulty, replace with new unit.
6. 6

   Install TPMS sensor and valve stem
   If using new valve stem assembly, install TPMS sensor into valve stem according to sensor manufacturer torque specification (typically 30-55 in-lbs). Insert valve stem through wheel hole from inside, ensuring rubber grommet seats properly. Thread on retaining nut and hand-tighten, then torque to specification (if available) or snug firmly with valve stem tool. Do not over-tighten as this can damage sensor.
7. 7

   Mount new tire bottom bead
   Verify tire direction and rotation markings match intended wheel position. Apply generous amount of tire mounting paste to both tire beads and rim flanges. Position tire on wheel with bottom bead in drop center of rim. Using tire machine mount head, work bottom bead over rim edge, starting opposite the valve stem and finishing near valve stem. Ensure bead is seated in drop center around entire circumference.
8. 8

   Mount top bead and seat tire
   Position top bead using machine mount head, again starting opposite valve stem. Work bead over rim edge carefully to avoid pinching or damaging TPMS sensor. Once both beads are over rim, install valve core. Inflate tire rapidly to 40-50 PSI while watching beads. You should hear audible 'pops' as beads seat against rim flanges. Verify both beads are properly seated by checking bead line is uniform distance from rim edge all around both sides.
9. 9

   Set tire pressure
   Adjust tire pressure to specification found on vehicle door jamb placard (typically 65-80 PSI for commercial delivery van, front and rear may differ). Use accurate digital pressure gauge. Allow tire to stabilize for 1-2 minutes, then verify pressure again. Record pressure and check for any air leaks around valve stem and bead areas.
10. 10

    Balance wheel assembly
    Place wheel assembly on balancing machine. Follow machine prompts to enter wheel diameter, width, and offset measurements. Spin wheel and allow machine to calculate imbalance. Machine will indicate weight placement locations on both inner and outer rim surfaces. Clean weight placement areas with solvent. Apply adhesive wheel weights as indicated by balancer, pressing firmly for 5 seconds. Re-spin to verify balance is within specification (typically less than 0.25 oz imbalance).
11. 11

    Repeat for remaining wheels
    Repeat steps 2 through 10 for each remaining wheel assembly. If performing tire rotation, ensure each wheel is balanced and prepared for its designated new position according to rotation pattern (typically front-to-rear on AWD vehicles).
12. 12

    Install wheels on vehicle
    Match each wheel to correct position based on rotation pattern or original position markings. Lift wheel onto hub, aligning holes with studs. Install all lug nuts by hand, threading each at least 3-4 turns to ensure proper thread engagement. Using star pattern, snug all lug nuts with hand tools.
13. 13

    Torque lug nuts to specification
    With vehicle still supported on lift or jack stands, use calibrated torque wrench to torque all lug nuts in star pattern. The 2023 Rivian EDV 500 typically requires 160-170 ft-lbs for lug nuts (verify exact specification in owner's manual or door jamb sticker if available). Make at least two complete passes in star pattern to ensure even torque distribution and proper wheel seating.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque check
    Carefully lower vehicle to ground. Once full vehicle weight is on wheels, perform final lug nut torque check in star pattern on all four wheels. This ensures proper seating under vehicle weight.
15. 15

    Relearn TPMS sensors and test system
    Using TPMS scan tool or Rivian diagnostic software, perform TPMS relearn procedure to register sensor IDs to vehicle computer. This typically involves activating each sensor in sequence starting with LF, RF, RR, LR. Follow tool prompts. Start vehicle and verify TPMS warning light extinguishes within 2 minutes of driving. Test drive vehicle briefly to confirm all TPMS sensors are reading correctly on instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts have been torqued to specification in proper star pattern
2. Verify all valve caps are installed on TPMS valve stems to protect from dirt and moisture
3. Double-check tire pressures are set to specification for vehicle load conditions
4. Clean any tire mounting paste or lubricant from wheel faces and tire sidewalls

Verification

• Verify TPMS system displays correct pressure for all four tires on instrument cluster with no warning lights
• Confirm all lug nuts are torqued to specification using calibrated torque wrench
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 25 mph) and verify no vibration or unusual handling characteristics
• After test drive, re-check lug nut torque on all wheels as a safety verification
• Perform visual inspection of all wheels to ensure proper seating and no visible damage
• Advise customer to return after 50-100 miles for lug nut re-torque check (standard practice for wheel service)
• Document TPMS sensor IDs and tire positions in service records for future reference

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