This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the lateral arm (control arm) on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lateral arm (control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lateral arm mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal to disable vehicle systems
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise vehicle using floor jack at designated lift point
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
7. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
8. Verify lateral arm condition and confirm which side requires replacement
9. Take photographs of assembly for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the suspension
   Position a floor jack under the lower suspension component or knuckle to support the suspension assembly. Raise slightly to take load off the lateral arm but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link (if equipped)
   If the lateral arm is connected to or interferes with the stabilizer bar link, disconnect the link from the lateral arm or strut assembly. Hold the ball joint stud with a wrench while loosening the nut to prevent spinning. Remove the fastener and separate the link.
3. 3

   Mark alignment reference points
   If the lateral arm has adjustable mounting positions or eccentric bolts, mark the current position using a paint pen or scribe on both the arm and the subframe/mounting bracket. This provides a baseline for initial alignment during reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove outer ball joint connection
   Locate the ball joint connection at the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) and loosen the castle nut or retaining nut. Use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper between the ball joint stud and knuckle. Do not strike the knuckle with a hammer as this may damage the steering components. Once separated, remove the nut completely.
5. 5

   Disconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor wire
   Locate any ABS sensor wiring or brake line brackets attached to the lateral arm. Carefully disconnect clips or remove fasteners securing the sensor wire to the arm to prevent damage during removal. Move wiring clear of work area.
6. 6

   Remove inner mounting bolts (front)
   Locate the inner mounting bolts or through-bolts connecting the lateral arm to the subframe or chassis. These are typically large diameter bolts. Support the arm with one hand and remove the front mounting bolt completely using a socket and breaker bar. The arm should remain supported by the rear bolt.
7. 7

   Remove inner mounting bolts (rear)
   While supporting the lateral arm, remove the rear inner mounting bolt. The arm is now free from the vehicle. Carefully lower and remove the lateral arm assembly from the suspension area. Note the orientation and position of any washers, bushings, or spacers for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   Inspect the subframe mounting points for damage, corrosion, or elongated bolt holes. Check the steering knuckle ball joint taper seat for damage. If reusing hardware, inspect bolts for thread damage or stretching. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush to ensure proper seating of new component.
9. 9

   Position new lateral arm
   Position the new lateral arm into the mounting location, aligning the inner mounting points with the subframe or chassis brackets. Ensure the ball joint end is oriented toward the steering knuckle. Thread the inner mounting bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet. Verify any bushings are properly seated in their housings.
10. 10

    Connect ball joint to knuckle
    Insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut or retaining nut and tighten until the ball joint taper is fully seated. The suspension should still be supported by the floor jack. Verify the ball joint boot is not torn or twisted during installation.
11. 11

    Torque inner mounting bolts
    With the suspension loaded at ride height (supported by floor jack), torque the inner lateral arm mounting bolts to manufacturer specification. Tightening suspension bolts at ride height prevents bushing pre-load and premature wear. Note: Since torque specifications are not provided in the database, consult the factory service manual for exact values. Typical values for this application range from 90-150 ft-lbs.
12. 12

    Torque ball joint nut
    Torque the ball joint castle nut to manufacturer specification. Install a new cotter pin if the design uses castle nut retention. If using a prevailing-torque nut, ensure it reaches the specified torque. Do not back off the nut to align cotter pin holes on a properly specified castle nut; advance to the next slot only.
13. 13

    Reconnect stabilizer bar link
    If previously disconnected, reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the lateral arm or strut assembly. Hold the ball joint stud while torquing the retaining nut to specification. Verify the link moves freely without binding.
14. 14

    Reattach ABS sensor wiring
    Secure the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring to any clips or brackets on the lateral arm. Ensure wiring has proper clearance from moving suspension components and the wheel/tire assembly. Verify the sensor connector is fully seated.

Reassembly

1. Remove floor jack from under suspension
2. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, torquing lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specification
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
4. Perform final torque on lug nuts with vehicle on ground
5. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
6. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no abnormal noises or handling issues

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and properly secured
• Check for proper suspension articulation with no binding or interference
• Confirm ABS warning light is not illuminated after test drive
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately after repair
• After alignment, verify steering wheel is centered and vehicle tracks straight
• Re-inspect all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle