This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van with dual motor AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front lower control arm bushing kit (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open rear access panel and disconnect 12V battery negative terminal
4. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 5 minutes to discharge capacitors
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
7. Remove both front wheels
8. Spray all control arm mounting bolts and ball joint connections with penetrating oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the suspension. Raise slightly to take load off the bushing mounting points but do not lift the vehicle.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sway bar link
   Remove the nut connecting the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Use a wrench on the stud to prevent spinning while removing the nut. Set aside the link and hardware.
3. 3

   Remove the ball joint pinch bolt
   Locate the pinch bolt securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Remove the bolt and nut completely. If the joint is tight, use a ball joint separator tool to break the taper loose. Do not use excessive force that could damage the knuckle.
4. 4

   Remove the rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the subframe through the bushing. Support the control arm with the jack and remove this bolt completely. The control arm should now pivot on the front bushing only.
5. 5

   Remove the front control arm mounting bolt
   Remove the front mounting bolt securing the control arm to the subframe. This bolt passes through the front bushing. Lower the jack slowly to release the control arm from the vehicle. Be prepared for the weight of the control arm and motor assembly proximity.
6. 6

   Extract the control arm assembly
   Carefully maneuver the control arm out from between the subframe and motor housing. On the EDV 500 with dual motors, space is limited. You may need to rotate the steering knuckle or adjust jack height to create clearance.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings from control arm
   Using a hydraulic press or control arm bushing press kit, press out the old bushings from the control arm. Note the orientation of any offset bushings or bushing sleeves. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of supplied lubricant or soapy water to the new bushings. Position the bushing correctly according to any orientation marks or offset design. Press the new bushings into the control arm using the bushing press, ensuring they are fully seated and aligned perpendicular to the arm.
9. 9

   Reinstall the control arm
   Maneuver the control arm back into position between the subframe and motor housing. Align the front bushing with its mounting point on the subframe and insert the front mounting bolt finger-tight. Use the jack to support and position the arm.
10. 10

    Install rear mounting bolt
    Align the rear bushing with the subframe mounting bracket. Insert the rear mounting bolt and thread on the nut finger-tight. Do not fully torque either bolt yet as the bushings must be torqued at ride height.
11. 11

    Reconnect the ball joint
    Raise the control arm with the jack to align the ball joint stud with the steering knuckle. Insert the stud into the knuckle and install the pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch bolt to manufacturer specifications found in the factory service manual.
12. 12

    Reconnect the sway bar link
    Align the sway bar end link with the mounting point on the control arm. Install the retaining nut while holding the stud with a wrench. Tighten to manufacturer specifications.
13. 13

    Torque bushing bolts at ride height
    Lower the vehicle so the suspension is at normal ride height (wheels on ground or jack stands positioned to simulate ride height). Torque the front and rear control arm bushing bolts to manufacturer specifications. This is critical to prevent premature bushing failure.

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if both bushings are being replaced
2. Reinstall both front wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specifications in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Apply thread locker to suspension fasteners if specified by manufacturer

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the front suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are properly tightened
• Check for proper wheel alignment - vehicle should track straight without pulling
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as bushing replacement affects suspension geometry
• Monitor for any clunking or knocking sounds during initial operation
• Re-torque all suspension fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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