Wheel Alignment

Perform a four-wheel alignment on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 to ensure proper tire wear, handling, and stability using computerized alignment equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod end lock nuts (if adjustment needed) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Alignment cam bolts (if worn) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify tire pressures are set to specification (front and rear per door jamb label) and tires are cold
2. Inspect all suspension components, ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings for wear or damage
3. Check for any suspension modifications or non-OEM components that may affect alignment
4. Ensure alignment bay floor is level and alignment equipment is properly calibrated
5. Connect to Rivian diagnostic system to set suspension to alignment mode if equipped with adjustable air suspension
6. Verify vehicle load is at curb weight with full fuel (charge) and no cargo
7. Bounce each corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension before measurements

Procedure

1. 1

   Position vehicle on alignment rack
   Drive the vehicle onto the alignment rack ensuring all four wheels are centered on the turntables/slip plates. Engage parking brake and place transmission in Park mode. Turn off vehicle but keep it in accessory mode to allow steering adjustments.
2. 2

   Set suspension to alignment mode
   Using Rivian diagnostic tool, set the air suspension to alignment mode (normal ride height). Wait for system to stabilize. If vehicle has standard suspension, skip this step. Ensure vehicle weight is evenly distributed.
3. 3

   Install alignment heads and targets
   Attach wheel alignment targets/heads to all four wheels according to alignment system manufacturer instructions. Ensure clamps are secure and targets are level. Compensate for wheel runout as required by the alignment system.
4. 4

   Perform initial alignment readings
   Center the steering wheel and install steering wheel holder to prevent movement. Perform rolling compensation procedure per alignment system instructions. Take initial readings of camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle for all four wheels. Record all measurements.
5. 5

   Adjust rear toe
   If rear toe is out of specification, loosen the rear toe link adjustment lock nuts on both sides. The EDV 500 uses adjustable rear toe links on the multi-link rear suspension. Rotate the adjustment links equally on both sides to achieve proper individual toe and total rear toe. Ensure thrust angle is minimized. Apply penetrating lubricant to threads if needed.
6. 6

   Adjust rear camber (if necessary)
   If rear camber requires adjustment, locate the upper control arm cam bolts at the chassis mounting points. Loosen the cam bolt nuts and rotate the eccentric cam bolts to achieve proper camber specification. Adjust both sides equally to maintain cross-vehicle balance. Some adjustment may affect toe, so recheck after adjustments.
7. 7

   Adjust front camber (if necessary)
   If front camber is out of specification, loosen the upper strut mount cam bolts or lower control arm cam bolts (depending on EDV 500 suspension design). Rotate eccentric cams to achieve proper camber angle. Make equal adjustments side-to-side for balanced handling. Note that camber adjustment will affect caster.
8. 8

   Adjust front caster (if necessary)
   Front caster on the EDV 500 is typically adjusted via the same cam bolts used for camber. Moving the top of the strut rearward increases positive caster. Adjust both sides to achieve equal caster angles within specification. Caster affects straight-line stability and steering return.
9. 9

   Adjust front toe
   Center the steering wheel using the steering wheel holder. Loosen the tie rod end lock nuts on both inner tie rods. Rotate the tie rod adjuster sleeves equally on both sides to achieve proper individual toe and total front toe settings. The steering wheel must remain centered. Make small adjustments and recheck frequently.
10. 10

    Tighten all adjustment fasteners
    Torque all loosened fasteners to specification. For tie rod lock nuts, toe link lock nuts, and cam bolts, follow manufacturer torque specifications. Ensure all adjustment points are secure and no components can shift. Double-check that lock nuts are properly seated against adjustment components.
11. 11

    Perform final alignment verification
    With all adjustments complete and fasteners torqued, perform final alignment measurements. Verify all angles (camber, caster, toe, thrust angle) are within green/acceptable range. Print alignment report showing before and after readings. Remove steering wheel holder and alignment targets.
12. 12

    Return suspension to normal mode
    If air suspension was set to alignment mode, use diagnostic tool to return suspension to normal driving mode. Clear any service mode flags. Verify suspension returns to proper ride height and no fault codes are present.

Reassembly

1. Remove all alignment equipment from vehicle and wheels
2. Verify steering wheel is centered and turns freely lock-to-lock
3. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued and no tools are left under vehicle
4. Road test vehicle to confirm proper tracking and steering feel

Verification

• Verify final alignment readings are within manufacturer specifications for all four wheels
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Test drive vehicle on level road at moderate speed to verify straight tracking with no pull
• Verify no unusual tire scrub or noise during turns
• Check that steering returns to center properly after turns
• Provide customer with printed before/after alignment report

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