This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front or rear radius arm on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including suspension disassembly and alignment considerations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm bushing kit × 1 — If bushings are serviceable separately

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind wheels opposite to service side
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal using battery disconnect tool
4. Disable high voltage system according to manufacturer shutdown procedure
5. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove wheel and tire assembly from side being serviced
8. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
9. Document or photograph the installation orientation of the radius arm for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the suspension
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents excessive droop when the radius arm is disconnected and maintains component alignment during removal.
2. 2

   Remove underbody protective panels
   Remove any underbody skid plates, splash shields, or protective panels that obstruct access to the radius arm mounting points. These are typically secured with plastic push clips and/or bolts. Store hardware in a labeled container.
3. 3

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor wire
   If the wheel speed sensor wire is routed along or clipped to the radius arm, carefully disconnect any retaining clips to prevent damage during removal. Note the routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove front radius arm mounting bolt
   Locate the forward mounting point where the radius arm connects to the frame rail or subframe. Use a breaker bar to loosen the through-bolt. Support the radius arm as you remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers, spacers, or alignment shims.
5. 5

   Remove rear radius arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting point at the axle housing, knuckle, or lower control arm connection. Remove the through-bolt while supporting the radius arm. The arm may be under slight tension, so control its movement as the bolt is withdrawn.
6. 6

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the radius arm out of the suspension assembly. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the floor jack supporting the suspension to create clearance. Inspect mounting points for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting locations
   Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Inspect bushings in the frame and axle mounting points for wear, cracking, or deformation. Check threaded holes for damage. If frame-side bushings are replaceable and damaged, service them before installing the new radius arm.
8. 8

   Prepare new radius arm
   Inspect the new radius arm for shipping damage. Verify that bushings are properly installed and correctly oriented. Compare the new arm to the old one to confirm correct part application, including length, bushing orientation, and mounting hole positions.
9. 9

   Install new radius arm
   Position the new radius arm into the suspension assembly, aligning it with both mounting points. It may be necessary to adjust the floor jack height to align the mounting holes. Insert both mounting bolts loosely to hold the arm in position but do not tighten yet.
10. 10

    Adjust suspension to ride height
    Use the floor jack to raise or lower the suspension until it is at normal ride height position. This ensures bushings are installed without preload twist, which prevents premature bushing failure. Verify alignment of all mounting holes.
11. 11

    Torque radius arm mounting bolts
    With the suspension at ride height, torque both radius arm mounting bolts to manufacturer specification. Since torque specifications are not available in this database, consult the Rivian service manual or contact a dealer for exact values. Typically, suspension bolts require 100-200 ft-lb for this class of vehicle.
12. 12

    Reconnect wheel speed sensor wire
    Reattach any wheel speed sensor wire clips to the radius arm or nearby mounting points, following the original routing pattern. Ensure the wire has adequate slack and will not be pinched or stretched during suspension travel.
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody panels
    Reinstall all protective panels, splash shields, and skid plates that were removed. Ensure all fasteners are secure and panels are properly seated.

Reassembly

1. Remove floor jack from under the suspension
2. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, torquing lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final lug nut torque check
4. Reconnect high voltage system according to manufacturer procedure
5. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
6. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set during service

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all mounting points to ensure bolts are fully seated and torqued
• Check that wheel speed sensor wire is properly routed and secured
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any unusual noises from the suspension
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after repair - alignment is mandatory and vehicle should not be driven extensively until aligned
• After alignment, recheck all radius arm mounting bolts for proper torque
• Verify proper suspension operation and no warning lights on instrument cluster

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