Torsion Bar Adjustment

This procedure adjusts the torsion bar suspension components on the Rivian EDV 500 delivery van to restore proper ride height and handling characteristics.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torsion bar adjustment bolt (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Torsion bar key (if worn or damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system shutdown
3. Measure and record current ride height at factory measurement points (front frame to ground at rocker panel, 12 inches rearward of front wheel centerline)
4. Check tire pressures and inflate to specification (typically 80 PSI front on EDV 500) - incorrect tire pressure will affect ride height measurements
5. Mark current torsion bar adjustment bolt positions with chalk or paint for reference
6. Raise vehicle on lift ensuring proper lift point contact at reinforced frame rails
7. Remove front wheels to access suspension components
8. Spray penetrating lubricant on torsion bar adjustment bolts and allow 15 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate torsion bar adjustment mechanisms
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle. Locate the torsion bar adjustment bolts at the rear anchor point of each torsion bar, typically positioned in the lower control arm mounting area. The adjustment bolt extends through the torsion bar key and into the crossmember. Identify left and right sides and inspect for corrosion or damage.
2. 2

   Measure initial adjustment position
   Using a tape measure or depth gauge, measure the distance from the adjustment bolt head to the torsion bar key surface on both sides. Record these measurements. Count and record the number of threads visible on each adjustment bolt. These measurements serve as baseline reference points.
3. 3

   Support suspension at ride height simulation
   Place a floor jack under the lower control arm on the side to be adjusted first. Raise the jack slowly until the suspension is at approximately normal ride position (wheel nearly touching the ground if wheels were installed). This loads the torsion bar and relieves tension on the adjustment bolt.
4. 4

   Clean adjustment bolt threads
   Use a wire brush to clean the exposed threads of the torsion bar adjustment bolt and the adjustment nut area. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris that could cause binding during adjustment. Apply penetrating lubricant again if threads appear seized.
5. 5

   Loosen adjustment bolt
   Using the appropriate socket (typically 18mm or 22mm on Rivian EDV), loosen the torsion bar adjustment bolt. Turn counterclockwise to reduce tension or clockwise to increase tension. If bolt is seized, use a breaker bar with controlled force. Do not use impact tools as this can damage the adjustment mechanism or torsion bar anchor.
6. 6

   Adjust torsion bar tension
   To raise ride height, turn the adjustment bolt clockwise. To lower ride height, turn counterclockwise. Make adjustments in quarter-turn increments. Each full turn typically changes ride height by approximately 3-5mm. For the EDV 500, factory specification is typically 254-267mm from ground to rocker panel measurement point at curb weight. Adjust conservatively as small changes have significant effects.
7. 7

   Cycle suspension to settle adjustment
   After making initial adjustment, lower the jack to allow suspension to drop fully. Then raise the jack again to load the suspension. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times to allow the torsion bar to settle into its new position and eliminate binding.
8. 8

   Verify and fine-tune adjustment
   With suspension still supported by floor jack, measure from adjustment bolt head to torsion bar key again. Compare to your initial measurement to confirm the amount of adjustment made. Record the new measurement and thread count. Make additional small adjustments if needed.
9. 9

   Apply anti-seize to adjustment bolt
   Once the desired adjustment is achieved, apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the exposed threads of the adjustment bolt. This will facilitate future adjustments and prevent corrosion. Do not over-apply as excess can attract dirt.
10. 10

    Repeat adjustment on opposite side
    Lower the jack from the first side. Move to the opposite side of the vehicle and repeat steps 3 through 9. Adjust the second side to match the same number of turns or thread exposure as the first side to maintain vehicle level. Side-to-side ride height variance should not exceed 6mm.
11. 11

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and torque lug nuts in a star pattern according to Rivian EDV specifications (typically 140-150 ft-lb for commercial van). Carefully lower vehicle from lift until full weight is on wheels and vehicle is on level ground.
12. 12

    Measure final ride height
    With vehicle at curb weight on level ground, measure ride height at the factory specification points (rocker panel to ground, 12 inches rearward of front wheel centerline on both sides). Compare measurements to factory specifications and verify both sides are within 6mm of each other. EDV 500 specification is typically 254-267mm depending on configuration and load.
13. 13

    Test drive and settling procedure
    Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery. Drive vehicle for 10-15 miles over varied road surfaces including several moderate brake applications and turns. This allows suspension components to settle and seat properly. Park on level ground and re-check ride height measurements.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both torsion bar adjustment bolts are secure and have anti-seize applied
2. Verify all suspension components that were disturbed during access are properly seated
3. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification
4. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal

Verification

• Measure ride height at factory specification points - should be 254-267mm from ground to rocker panel measurement point with no more than 6mm side-to-side variance
• Visually inspect vehicle from front and rear to confirm it sits level with no visible lean
• Test drive vehicle and verify steering returns to center properly and handling feels balanced
• Check for any unusual noises from front suspension during test drive
• Verify regenerative braking and traction control systems function normally (no warning lights)
• Re-measure ride height after 50-100 miles of driving and make minor adjustments if needed as suspension settles

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