Sway Bar Link - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar links on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link mounting nuts × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Power off vehicle completely and remove key fob from cabin
3. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands positioned at manufacturer-specified jacking points on frame rails
7. Remove both rear wheels and set aside
8. Inspect sway bar, bushings, and mounting points for additional wear or damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and inspect rear sway bar links
   Locate the rear sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension control arms. Inspect the ball joint boots for tears, check for excessive play, and look for corrosion on threads. Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes if corrosion is present.
2. 2

   Support sway bar
   Position a floor jack or support under the sway bar near the link being serviced to control its movement once the link is disconnected. Apply just enough pressure to take up slack without lifting the suspension.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link mounting nut
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the ball joint stud, remove the upper mounting nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar using a 15mm socket. If the ball joint spins, use a ball joint separator or apply additional holding force. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
   ⚠The sway bar may shift position once the link is disconnected. Ensure support jack is in place.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link mounting nut
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the lower ball joint stud, remove the lower mounting nut connecting the sway bar link to the suspension control arm using a 15mm socket. Keep track of any spacers, washers, or bushings in their original order.
5. 5

   Extract sway bar link
   Remove the sway bar link from between the sway bar and control arm. If ball joint studs are stuck in mounting points, use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break them free. If using a pickle fork, exercise caution not to damage suspension bushings or boots on adjacent components.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar and control arm mounting points, removing any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect the sway bar and control arm mounting holes for elongation or damage. Clean threads in mounting points if applicable.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link - lower connection
   Position the new sway bar link and insert the lower ball joint stud into the control arm mounting point. Install any washers or bushings in their correct orientation. Thread the lower mounting nut onto the stud by hand to prevent cross-threading. Do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar link - upper connection
   Align the upper ball joint stud with the sway bar mounting point. You may need to use the support jack to adjust sway bar position for proper alignment. Install any washers or bushings, then thread the upper mounting nut onto the stud by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Tighten sway bar link fasteners to specification
   Using an 18mm wrench to prevent the ball joint studs from rotating, tighten both the upper and lower mounting nuts. Since no torque specifications are available in the database, consult the official Rivian service manual for proper torque values. Tighten both connections while holding the ball joint stud to prevent damage to the ball joint.
   ℹ️Torque specifications are not available in the database for this component. Refer to official Rivian service documentation for exact torque values before final tightening.
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 2 through 9 for the sway bar link on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both rear sway bar links should be replaced together to maintain balanced suspension performance.
11. 11

    Verify installation and clearances
    Visually inspect both new sway bar links to ensure proper seating of ball joint studs, correct orientation of bushings, and adequate clearance from surrounding components. Check that nuts are fully seated and properly torqued. Remove support jack from under sway bar.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower vehicle to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar link mounting nuts are properly torqued per manufacturer specifications
2. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in proper sequence
3. Verify no tools or parts have been left in wheel wells or under vehicle

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the sway bar area
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm both sway bar links are properly installed with no gaps or misalignment
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns to verify proper suspension operation and absence of noise
• Re-check sway bar link mounting nut tightness after 50-100 miles of driving

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