This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm to knuckle bolt and nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm to subframe bolt and nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. If equipped with air suspension, set to service mode using vehicle interface
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
7. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping and damaging brake lines or ABS wiring when the control arm is disconnected. Apply just enough pressure to support the weight without lifting the vehicle.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS/brake line clips
   Locate any ABS sensor wiring or brake line clips attached to or near the lower control arm. Carefully disconnect these clips and secure the wiring and lines away from the work area using zip ties or wire. Take photos for reinstallation reference.
3. 3

   Remove control arm to knuckle connection
   Locate the ball joint or bolted connection where the lower control arm attaches to the rear knuckle. If equipped with a ball joint, use a ball joint separator to break the taper. If bolted, remove the through-bolt and nut connecting the control arm to the knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the components after fastener removal.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly with the floor jack to prevent it from dropping suddenly when the control arm is disconnected.
4. 4

   Remove control arm to subframe front bolt
   Locate the front mounting point where the control arm attaches to the rear subframe. This is typically a large through-bolt with a nut on the opposite side. Use a socket on one side and a wrench on the other to prevent the bolt from spinning. Remove the nut first, then drive the bolt out using a brass drift if necessary.
5. 5

   Remove control arm to subframe rear bolt
   Locate the rear mounting point where the control arm attaches to the rear subframe or chassis mounting bracket. Remove the bolt and nut in the same manner as the front mounting bolt. The control arm may be under tension, so control its movement as the final fastener is removed.
6. 6

   Remove the lower control arm
   With all fasteners removed, carefully extract the lower control arm from the vehicle. You may need to manipulate the suspension slightly or use a pry bar to create clearance. Inspect the mounting locations on the subframe and knuckle for damage, corrosion, or worn bushings in mating components.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces on the subframe and knuckle where the new control arm will attach. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Clean the threads on all mounting locations. This ensures proper torque values and prevents future corrosion.
8. 8

   Prepare new control arm
   Remove the new control arm from packaging and verify it matches the old part. Check that all bushings are properly seated. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads and contact surfaces where specified by manufacturer (typically not on thread-locking areas).
9. 9

   Install control arm to subframe
   Position the new control arm into place and align the mounting holes with the subframe brackets. Install both the front and rear subframe mounting bolts and hand-tighten the nuts. Do not fully torque these fasteners yet - they must be torqued at ride height per manufacturer specifications.
10. 10

    Connect control arm to knuckle
    Align the outer end of the control arm with the mounting point on the rear knuckle. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the knuckle to align the holes. Install the ball joint or through-bolt and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque yet.
11. 11

    Reconnect ABS and brake line clips
    Reinstall all ABS sensor wiring clips and brake line retainers to the control arm and surrounding areas. Refer to photos taken during disassembly. Ensure no wires or lines are pinched, stretched, or in contact with moving suspension components.
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners at ride height
    With the vehicle still on jack stands and the floor jack supporting the suspension at approximately ride height, torque all control arm fasteners to manufacturer specifications in the following order: subframe front bolt, subframe rear bolt, then knuckle connection. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, consult the Rivian service manual or contact a Rivian service center for exact values.
    ℹ️Torquing suspension fasteners at ride height is critical to prevent premature bushing failure. The suspension must be loaded to simulate normal vehicle weight distribution.
13. 13

    Remove jack and reinstall wheel
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the knuckle. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well
3. If air suspension is equipped, exit service mode through vehicle interface
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no unusual noises or handling issues

Verification

• Perform a complete visual inspection of all control arm mounting points to verify proper installation
• Check for adequate clearance between control arm and surrounding components through full suspension travel
• Verify ABS sensor wiring and brake lines are properly secured and not in contact with suspension components
• Schedule and complete a four-wheel alignment at a facility with Rivian alignment specifications
• After alignment, test drive vehicle and verify proper handling, no pulling, and no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle