This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the radius arm bushings on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing (front) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm bushing (rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker compound (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front suspension
3. Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. If equipped with air suspension, set to service mode per manufacturer instructions
5. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove wheel and tire assembly on the side being serviced
7. Spray all radius arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access radius arm mounting points
   Locate the radius arm assembly connecting the front axle to the frame rail. Identify the front and rear mounting points where bushings are pressed into the arm. Clean the area around all mounting hardware with a wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion.
2. 2

   Support radius arm assembly
   Position a floor jack under the radius arm near the axle connection point to support the weight of the suspension components. Raise jack just enough to take light pressure off the bushings, but do not lift the vehicle.
3. 3

   Disconnect front mounting bolt
   Using the appropriate socket and breaker bar, remove the front radius arm mounting bolt that passes through the front bushing. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers. The bolt may be seized; apply additional penetrating oil if needed and allow to soak. Once loosened, remove bolt completely and set aside with hardware.
4. 4

   Disconnect rear mounting bolt
   Remove the rear radius arm mounting bolt that passes through the rear bushing assembly at the frame mounting point. Again note the orientation of all washers, spacers, and bracket positions. Remove bolt completely and set aside with hardware.
5. 5

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully lower the jack supporting the radius arm. Maneuver the radius arm assembly out of the mounting brackets. You may need to rotate or angle the arm to clear other suspension components. Inspect the arm for cracks, bending, or other damage while removed.
6. 6

   Press out old front bushing
   Secure the radius arm in a vise or on a sturdy work surface. Using a hydraulic bushing press or C-clamp press kit with appropriately sized adapters, press the old front bushing out of the radius arm. Apply pressure evenly and straight to avoid damaging the arm bore. If bushing is severely deteriorated, it may need to be cut out with a reciprocating saw (cutting carefully to avoid damaging the arm).
7. 7

   Press out old rear bushing
   Repeat the pressing procedure for the rear bushing. Use the hydraulic press or C-clamp setup with correct size adapters to remove the old bushing from the rear mounting location on the radius arm. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent once removed.
8. 8

   Prepare bushing bores
   Inspect both bushing bores in the radius arm for damage, burrs, or corrosion. Clean thoroughly with a wire brush and wipe clean with solvent. Check that bores are round and not deformed. If necessary, use fine sandpaper to smooth any minor imperfections. Apply a light coating of assembly lubricant to the bores.
9. 9

   Install new front bushing
   Position the new front bushing at the entrance of the front bore, ensuring correct orientation (note any offset or directional features). Using the bushing installation tool or press with appropriate adapters, press the new bushing straight into the bore until it seats completely and is flush with the radius arm housing. Verify the bushing is fully seated on all sides.
10. 10

    Install new rear bushing
    Position the new rear bushing at the rear bore entrance with correct orientation. Press the new bushing into place using the installation tool or press setup. Ensure even pressure and straight alignment during installation. Press until the bushing is fully seated and flush with the arm housing. Verify proper seating.
11. 11

    Reinstall radius arm assembly
    Maneuver the radius arm with new bushings back into position between the frame mounting brackets. Use the floor jack to support and align the arm with the mounting points. Align the front and rear bushing holes with the corresponding frame bracket holes.
12. 12

    Install rear mounting bolt
    Insert the rear mounting bolt through the frame bracket and rear bushing, ensuring all washers and spacers are in their original positions. Thread the bolt and hand-tighten. Do not torque at this time as the suspension must be at ride height for final torquing.
13. 13

    Install front mounting bolt
    Insert the front mounting bolt through the frame bracket and front bushing with all original washers and spacers in correct orientation. Thread the bolt and hand-tighten. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads per manufacturer recommendations.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height (tires on ground, full vehicle weight on suspension). This is critical as radius arm bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.
15. 15

    Torque mounting bolts to specification
    With the vehicle at ride height, torque the front and rear radius arm mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, consult Rivian service documentation for exact values. Typical values for this application range from 150-200 ft-lbs, but use only verified OEM specifications.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and tire assembly, torquing lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
2. If air suspension was set to service mode, return to normal operating mode
3. Reconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to suspension system
• Perform a slow test drive and listen for any unusual noises from the radius arm area
• Check for proper steering response and suspension operation
• Inspect all mounting bolts for proper torque and verify no looseness
• Schedule a follow-up inspection after 50-100 miles to recheck bolt torque and bushing seating
• Verify proper wheel alignment; schedule alignment service if vehicle pulls or handling is affected

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