This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including suspension disconnection and wheel hub removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lock nuts for trailing arm bolts × 4 — Replace if torque-to-yield type
• Lower control arm ball joint nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
3. If equipped with air suspension, enter service mode via vehicle settings to lower suspension and disable automatic leveling
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified rear lift point
6. Support vehicle on jack stands at reinforced frame rails, ensuring stability
7. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly on side being serviced
8. Spray all trailing arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a transmission jack or adjustable jack stand under the rear knuckle assembly to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and relieve load from the trailing arm mounting points. This prevents the suspension from dropping when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the trailing arm mount. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector. If sensor wiring is clipped to the trailing arm, carefully remove clips without damaging the wiring harness. Secure wiring away from work area.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang caliper from suspension using mechanic's wire or zip ties - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove brake rotor retaining screw (if equipped) and slide rotor off hub. This provides clearance for trailing arm removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt at the trailing arm or knuckle connection. Remove the mounting bolt while supporting the shock absorber to prevent it from dropping. Allow shock to hang or secure it out of the way with mechanic's wire.
5. 5

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   Locate the rear stabilizer bar end link connection to the trailing arm or control arm. Hold the link stud with a wrench to prevent spinning, then remove the mounting nut. Separate the link from the mounting point and move it aside. Inspect link for wear and replace if damaged.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting point at the chassis/subframe. This is typically a large through-bolt with bushing. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the rear mounting bolt while supporting the trailing arm with your jack. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting point at the chassis/subframe. Remove the front mounting bolt, again noting orientation of hardware. The trailing arm may need to be maneuvered slightly to align the bolt for removal. Keep supporting the arm with the jack.
8. 8

   Disconnect trailing arm from knuckle
   Locate the connection point between the trailing arm and the rear knuckle assembly. This may be a bolted connection or integrated into the knuckle. Remove mounting fasteners connecting the trailing arm to the knuckle. If a ball joint style connection is used, separate using an appropriate ball joint separator tool.
9. 9

   Remove trailing arm assembly
   With all mounting points disconnected, carefully lower the support jack while guiding the trailing arm out of the vehicle. The arm may need to be rotated or angled to clear surrounding components. Inspect the mounting area for damage or corrosion before installing the new arm.
10. 10

    Prepare new trailing arm
    Unpack new trailing arm and verify it matches the removed component. Inspect all bushing surfaces and mounting points. Apply anti-seize compound to all bolt threads and mating surfaces (avoid bushing contact surfaces). Transfer any brackets or hardware from old arm if not included with replacement.
11. 11

    Install trailing arm assembly
    Using the support jack, position the new trailing arm into place. Align the arm with the knuckle connection first, then maneuver into position for chassis mounting points. Insert mounting bolts finger-tight at all locations but do not torque yet - suspension must be at ride height for final torque.
12. 12

    Reconnect knuckle connection
    Align the trailing arm connection at the knuckle and install mounting hardware. If using a ball joint connection, ensure the taper is properly seated. Install new lock nut if applicable and torque to specification once suspension is loaded.
13. 13

    Reconnect shock and stabilizer link
    Reattach the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and install finger-tight. Reconnect the stabilizer bar end link and install the mounting nut finger-tight. These will be torqued to specification after suspension is loaded to ride height.
14. 14

    Load suspension and torque fasteners
    Raise the support jack under the knuckle to simulate vehicle ride height (suspension compressed to normal driving position). With suspension loaded, torque all trailing arm mounting bolts, shock mounting bolts, and stabilizer link nuts to manufacturer specifications. This ensures bushings are not pre-loaded in the wrong position.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake components and wheel
    Install brake rotor and torque retaining screw if equipped. Reinstall brake caliper and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect wheel speed sensor electrical connector and secure wiring with clips. Install wheel and tire, torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all mounting bolts were torqued with suspension at ride height to prevent bushing pre-load
3. If vehicle has air suspension, exit service mode to restore automatic leveling function
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Clear any suspension-related fault codes using diagnostic tool if equipped

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension or ABS system
• Perform test drive at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify brake operation is normal with no pulsation or dragging
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - trailing arm replacement significantly affects wheel alignment
• After alignment, recheck all fastener torque values
• After 50-100 miles, recheck all trailing arm mounting bolt torque values

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