Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both front sway bar links on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, requiring lifting and supporting the vehicle for access to the suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link - driver side × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Front sway bar link - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Sway bar link mounting hardware kit × 1 — If not included with links

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify high-voltage system is in service mode if required by your service procedures
4. Allow suspension to settle and any compressed components to equalize before beginning work
5. Locate front jack points per Rivian service manual - do not use battery pack or motor housings as lift points
6. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link fasteners if vehicle has significant mileage or operates in corrosive environments

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle at the designated front center lift point. Once raised sufficiently, position jack stands under the designated front jack points on both sides. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding. The vehicle should be high enough to allow wheel removal and comfortable access to suspension components.
2. 2

   Remove front wheels
   Remove the lug nuts from both front wheels and remove the wheels completely. Set wheels aside in a safe location where they will not roll. This provides clear access to the sway bar links through the wheel wells.
3. 3

   Locate and inspect sway bar links
   Identify the front sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms on both sides. Inspect the condition of the links, noting any worn bushings, torn boots, or damaged studs. The links are typically vertical or near-vertical components with ball joints on each end. Document the orientation and positioning of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Support lower control arm - driver side
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the driver side lower control arm near the ball joint area. Raise the jack slightly to take tension off the sway bar link but do not lift the suspension significantly. This stabilizes the suspension geometry during link removal and prevents sudden movement.
5. 5

   Remove driver side upper fastener
   Locate the upper sway bar link fastener where the link connects to the sway bar. This typically requires holding the ball joint stud with a hex bit (often 6mm) while loosening the nut with an 18mm or 19mm wrench or socket. If the stud spins, use penetrating oil and attempt to grip the stud boot or use locking pliers carefully. Remove the nut, washer, and bushing components, noting their order.
6. 6

   Remove driver side lower fastener
   Locate the lower sway bar link fastener where the link connects to the lower control arm. Use the same technique as the upper connection - hold the stud with a hex bit while removing the nut. If the ball joint is seized in the taper, use a ball joint separator tool or carefully apply leverage with a pickle fork. Remove the complete link assembly and inspect mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and control arm for damage or corrosion.
7. 7

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Clean the mounting surfaces on the sway bar and lower control arm with a wire brush. Position the new sway bar link with the appropriate bushings and washers in the correct orientation as noted during removal. Insert the lower ball joint stud into the control arm mount first, then align the upper connection to the sway bar. Install washers and nuts finger-tight on both connections but do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Torque driver side sway bar link fasteners
   With the suspension at normal ride height (supported by the jack), torque the upper and lower sway bar link fasteners to specification. Since torque values are not provided in the database, consult Rivian service information. Typical sway bar link fasteners range from 35-55 ft-lbs, but verify exact specifications. Hold the ball joint stud with a hex bit while torquing the nut. Apply medium-strength thread locker if specified by manufacturer.
9. 9

   Support lower control arm - passenger side
   Reposition the floor jack with wood block under the passenger side lower control arm near the ball joint area. Raise slightly to stabilize the suspension and take tension off the sway bar link without significantly lifting the suspension.
10. 10

    Remove passenger side sway bar link
    Repeat the removal process for the passenger side sway bar link. Remove the upper fastener at the sway bar connection first, holding the ball joint stud while removing the nut. Then remove the lower fastener at the control arm connection. Use a ball joint separator if necessary. Remove the complete link assembly and inspect mounting points.
11. 11

    Install new passenger side sway bar link
    Clean mounting surfaces on the passenger side sway bar and control arm. Install the new sway bar link with correct orientation of bushings and washers. Insert the lower ball joint stud into the control arm first, then align the upper connection. Install all hardware finger-tight initially.
12. 12

    Torque passenger side sway bar link fasteners
    With suspension at normal ride height (supported by jack), torque both upper and lower fasteners to specification per Rivian service information. Hold ball joint studs with hex bit while torquing nuts. Apply thread locker if specified. Verify both connections are secure and ball joint boots are properly seated.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both front wheels onto the hubs, ensuring the mounting surfaces are clean. Thread all lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern initially, then prepare for final torquing after lowering vehicle.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground using the floor jack. Once the vehicle is resting on its wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (typically 130-150 ft-lbs for Rivian EDV, but verify exact specification). Remove wheel chocks and perform final verification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar link fasteners are torqued to proper specification with suspension at ride height
2. Verify ball joint boots are not torn or pinched during installation
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle
4. Confirm wheels are properly torqued in a star pattern after lowering vehicle

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of both sway bar links to ensure proper installation and alignment
• Bounce each corner of the front suspension and listen for any clunking or rattling noises that would indicate loose connections
• Take a test drive on a route with turns and uneven pavement, listening for abnormal suspension noises
• Verify the steering feels centered and the vehicle tracks straight without pulling
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule a follow-up inspection after 500 miles to verify fastener torque retention

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