Panhard Bar/Track Bar

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Panhard bar (track bar) on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD commercial delivery van, which controls lateral rear axle movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Panhard bar/track bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Panhard bar mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open rear cargo area and access low-voltage battery disconnect (consult service manual for exact location in EDV 500)
4. Disconnect 12V low-voltage battery using manufacturer-specified procedure
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
6. Support vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified rear frame locations
7. Remove both rear wheels to improve access to rear suspension area
8. Visually inspect Panhard bar mounting points for corrosion or damage
9. Apply penetrating lubricant to all Panhard bar mounting bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the center of the rear axle or differential housing. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle but does not lift it. This will prevent the axle from dropping or shifting laterally when the Panhard bar is removed. Ensure jack is positioned securely and will not slip during the procedure.
2. 2

   Locate Panhard bar mounting points
   Identify the Panhard bar running laterally from the rear axle housing to the vehicle frame. On the EDV 500, this will typically connect from the passenger side of the axle to the driver side frame rail or vice versa. Note the orientation of any washers, bushings, or spacers at both mounting points for proper reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Using the breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 21mm), loosen the frame-side Panhard bar mounting bolt. This bolt passes through the Panhard bar bushing and threads into a frame bracket. Support the Panhard bar with one hand while removing the bolt completely. If the bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating lubricant and allow to soak, or use heat if safe to do so on this area of the vehicle.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting bolt
   With the frame side disconnected, move to the axle-side mounting point. Use the breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 19mm or 21mm) to loosen the axle-side mounting bolt. This bolt secures the Panhard bar to a bracket on the rear axle housing. Remove the bolt completely while supporting the Panhard bar to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove Panhard bar from vehicle
   Carefully lower and remove the Panhard bar assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bushings at both ends for wear, cracking, or deterioration. Check the bar itself for bends, cracks, or damage. If bushings are worn but the bar is in good condition, bushings may be replaceable separately depending on the design.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Thoroughly inspect both frame and axle mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage. Check all mounting bolts and hardware for thread damage or excessive corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean mounting surfaces. Replace any damaged hardware with OEM parts. Verify that the rear axle has not shifted excessively to one side; it should remain relatively centered.
7. 7

   Position new Panhard bar
   Align the new or refurbished Panhard bar with the mounting brackets. Start by inserting the axle-side mounting location first, as this is typically more restrictive. You may need to use a pry bar to gently shift the axle laterally to align the mounting holes. Insert the axle-side bolt finger-tight but do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Install frame-side mounting bolt
   Align the frame-side end of the Panhard bar with its mounting bracket. You may need to use the floor jack under the axle to raise or lower slightly to achieve perfect alignment. Insert the frame-side mounting bolt through the bushing and bracket, ensuring any washers or spacers are in their correct positions. Thread the bolt finger-tight.
9. 9

   Torque mounting bolts
   With both mounting bolts installed finger-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten both bolts to manufacturer specification. Since specific torque values are not available in the database, consult Rivian service documentation for exact values (typically in the range of 100-150 ft-lbs for Panhard bar applications). Torque the frame-side bolt first, then the axle-side bolt. Ensure the vehicle is at normal ride height (loaded on suspension) when final torquing is performed for proper bushing preload.
10. 10

    Remove axle support jack
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the rear axle. Verify that the axle remains centered and that the Panhard bar is not binding or under unusual stress. Check that no brake lines, wiring harnesses, or other components are in contact with the Panhard bar through its full range of suspension travel.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove stands from under vehicle
3. Lower vehicle completely to ground
4. Reconnect 12V low-voltage battery using manufacturer procedure
5. Remove wheel chocks
6. Perform final visual inspection of all work performed

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights or error codes related to suspension or chassis systems
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, handling issues, or vibrations
• Drive slowly over speed bumps or uneven surfaces to verify proper suspension articulation without binding
• After test drive, re-inspect all mounting bolts for proper torque and verify no loosening has occurred
• Check rear axle alignment visually to ensure it remains centered under the vehicle during suspension movement
• If available, have a professional alignment check performed to verify rear axle tracking is within specification

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