suspension
Sway Bar Link - Front
for 2024 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front sway bar links on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD.
Warnings
⚠️This vehicle weighs significantly more than conventional vans due to battery pack. Ensure jack stands and lifts are rated for at least 9,000 lbs.
⚠️High voltage system present. Do not attempt to remove or service any orange-colored cables or components during this procedure.
⚠Sway bar links are under spring tension. Control the sway bar and suspension components when disconnecting to prevent sudden movement.
ℹ️Rivian recommends replacing sway bar links in pairs even if only one side shows wear.
Tools required
Vehicle lift or jack stands rated for electric vehicle weightEssential
Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential
19mm socket and ratchetEssential
18mm wrenchEssential
T40 Torx bit
Breaker bar
Wire brush
Penetrating oil
Pry bar or suspension spreader tool
Ball joint separator or pickle fork
Parts
- Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Sway bar link mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Verify high voltage system is not in service mode (no orange warning indicators on dash)
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
- Raise vehicle using appropriate lift points per Rivian service manual (frame rail lift points, avoid battery pack area)
- Support vehicle on jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight if not using a lift
- Remove both front wheels completely
- Spray sway bar link fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if corrosion is present
Procedure
- 1Access the front sway bar link assemblyLocate the front sway bar link connecting the lower control arm to the sway bar. The link will be positioned vertically between these two components. Inspect the link for damage, torn boots, or excessive play before removal.
- 2Support the lower control armPosition a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the suspension and relieve tension on the sway bar link. Raise the jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension, which will reduce binding on the link fasteners.
- 3Remove upper sway bar link attachmentUsing an 18mm wrench to hold the stud from rotating, remove the upper nut securing the sway bar link to the sway bar using a 19mm socket. If the ball stud spins, use a T40 Torx bit from below to hold it. Once nut is removed, note the position and orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
- 4Remove lower sway bar link attachmentUsing the same technique, hold the lower stud with an 18mm wrench while removing the lower nut with a 19mm socket. The link is now free. If the ball joint is seized in the control arm, use a pry bar or ball joint separator to carefully separate the link from the mounting point. Avoid damaging the control arm or sway bar mounting surfaces.
- 5Remove the sway bar linkExtract the complete sway bar link assembly from the vehicle. Note the orientation and any spacers or bushings on both ends. Inspect the sway bar and control arm mounting points for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary.
- 6Prepare new sway bar linkUnpack the new sway bar link and verify it matches the removed part. Check that all bushings, washers, and hardware are included. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of both studs to prevent future corrosion and ensure proper torque readings.
- 7Install new sway bar link to control armPosition the new sway bar link with the lower stud through the control arm mounting hole. Ensure any bushings or spacers are oriented correctly per the original configuration. Thread the lower nut onto the stud by hand. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
- 8Connect upper end to sway barWhile supporting the link, align the upper stud with the sway bar mounting hole. You may need to raise or lower the floor jack supporting the control arm to align the holes properly. Insert the stud through the sway bar and install the upper nut with any required washers. Thread nut by hand initially.
- 9Torque sway bar link fastenersWith the suspension at ride height (support under control arm maintaining normal position), torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to manufacturer specifications. Since specific torque values are not available in the database, consult the Rivian service manual or follow OEM replacement part torque specifications. Hold the stud with a wrench while torquing the nut to prevent rotation. Typical sway bar link torque ranges from 40-60 ft-lbs, but verify with official documentation.
- 10Repeat for opposite sidePerform steps 2 through 9 for the opposite side front sway bar link. Ensure both sides are torqued to the same specification and that the suspension is at ride height during final torquing.
- 11Reinstall wheelsMount both front wheels back onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still raised, then lower vehicle to ground for final torquing.
- 12Final torque wheel lug nutsWith vehicle on the ground, torque all front wheel lug nuts to Rivian specification (typically 150 ft-lbs for this vehicle class) in a star pattern. Remove wheel chocks.
Reassembly
- Ensure all sway bar link fasteners are torqued with suspension at ride height to prevent binding
- Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
- Double-check that wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after test drive
Verification
- Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights appear related to suspension or stability systems
- Perform a slow test drive and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
- Make several low-speed turns in both directions to verify sway bar links are functioning properly
- Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm no contact between sway bar links and other components
- Check that both front sway bar links have equal movement and no binding when suspension compresses and extends
- Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving