Torsion Bar Adjustment

Adjust torsion bar settings to correct ride height and suspension geometry on the Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torsion bar adjustment bolt hardware (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, flat surface with sufficient clearance for undercarriage access
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify battery pack is in service mode or low-voltage state per Rivian service procedures
4. Allow suspension to settle for at least 15 minutes before taking initial measurements
5. Measure and record initial ride height at manufacturer-specified measurement points (typically front wheel center to fender lip)
6. Inspect torsion bars, adjustment bolts, and anchor arms for damage, corrosion, or wear
7. Apply penetrating oil to torsion bar adjustment bolts if corrosion is present and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Document initial ride height measurements
   Measure ride height from the ground to the manufacturer-specified measurement points on both front wheel arches. Record measurements for both driver and passenger sides. Typical measurement is from center of wheel hub to fender lip. Compare against Rivian EDV 500 specifications (consult service manual for exact specifications, typically 38-40 inches for unladen vehicle).
2. 2

   Raise and support vehicle
   Lift the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated front jacking point. Support the vehicle with jack stands placed at the frame rail support points. Ensure the suspension is hanging freely and both front wheels are off the ground. Do not support vehicle by battery pack or suspension components.
3. 3

   Locate torsion bar adjustment mechanisms
   Identify the torsion bar adjustment bolts located at the rear anchor points of each front torsion bar assembly. On the EDV 500, these are typically positioned near the lower control arm pivot points. Clean the adjustment bolt area with a wire brush to remove dirt and debris for accurate adjustment.
4. 4

   Mark current adjustment position
   Before making any adjustments, count and record the number of threads showing on each torsion bar adjustment bolt. Use paint or marker to mark the current position of the adjustment bolt relative to the anchor arm for reference. This allows you to return to the original position if needed.
5. 5

   Adjust driver side torsion bar
   Turn the driver side torsion bar adjustment bolt clockwise to increase ride height or counterclockwise to decrease ride height. Each full turn typically changes ride height by approximately 0.25-0.5 inches. Make adjustments in full-turn increments and count turns carefully. For the EDV 500's weight, be prepared for significant resistance.
6. 6

   Adjust passenger side torsion bar
   Adjust the passenger side torsion bar adjustment bolt by the same number of turns as the driver side to maintain level stance. Both sides must be adjusted equally unless compensating for a known side-to-side weight difference or existing ride height discrepancy.
7. 7

   Lower vehicle and settle suspension
   Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Gently bounce each front corner of the vehicle 3-4 times to settle the suspension and allow the torsion bars to stabilize in their new position. Allow vehicle to sit for 5 minutes before measuring.
8. 8

   Measure adjusted ride height
   Re-measure ride height at the same points used in the initial measurement. Compare measurements to the desired specification and verify both sides are within 0.25 inches of each other. If adjustment is insufficient, repeat steps 2-7 with additional turns of the adjustment bolts.
9. 9

   Verify adjustment bolt security
   Once target ride height is achieved, ensure both torsion bar adjustment bolts are secure and properly seated in their anchor points. While torque specifications are not available, verify bolts are snug and will not back out during operation. Apply thread locking compound if recommended by service manual.
10. 10

    Check suspension travel and clearances
    With vehicle on the ground, verify adequate clearance between all suspension components, wheels, and body panels through the full range of motion. Manually compress each front corner to check for interference. Rotate steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify no rubbing occurs at full turn and suspension compression.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly occurred during this procedure; all adjustments were made with components in place
2. Ensure all adjustment bolts are secure and properly seated
3. Clean any dirt or debris from suspension components disturbed during procedure

Verification

• Verify ride height measurements are within 0.25 inches side-to-side and meet Rivian specifications
• Test drive vehicle on a smooth road to verify handling feels balanced with no pulling to either side
• Confirm no unusual noises from suspension during driving over various road surfaces
• Re-check ride height after 50-100 miles of driving as torsion bars may settle slightly
• Verify tire wear patterns are even after 500-1000 miles; uneven wear indicates alignment issues requiring professional correction
• Schedule wheel alignment verification at a facility equipped for electric vehicle weight and specifications

More procedures for this vehicle