This procedure covers the complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnection of electrical systems and steering shaft coupling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Single-use fastener - replace
• Steering column mounting bolts × 4 — Single-use fasteners - replace per service manual
• Airbag clockspring assembly × 1 — Replace if damaged or contaminated
• Steering column wiring harness clips × 1 — Replace any damaged clips

Preparation

1. Review complete Rivian service manual procedure and technical service bulletins for this vehicle
2. Ensure vehicle is on level surface with parking brake engaged and wheel chocks installed
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
4. Place ignition in OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle interior
5. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait minimum 5 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Install anti-static wrist strap connected to vehicle chassis ground point
7. Connect scan tool and document any pre-existing fault codes
8. Photograph all connector orientations and wiring routing before disconnection
9. Remove driver's seat to improve access to lower column area (recommended)
10. Cover driver's side instrument panel and seats with protective material

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel and airbag module
   Remove access covers from both sides of steering wheel. Disconnect airbag module connectors (note connector positions for clockspring orientation). Remove airbag module retaining fasteners using T50 Torx driver. Carefully lift airbag module away and place face-up in secure location away from work area. Mark steering wheel position relative to steering shaft. Remove steering wheel center bolt. Use proper steering wheel puller to remove wheel - do not strike or pry.
2. 2

   Remove upper and lower column shrouds
   Locate and remove all shroud fasteners (typically T20 or T30 Torx). Carefully separate upper column shroud, noting any clips or tabs. Remove lower shroud, disconnecting any courtesy lighting or switches. Set shrouds aside in clean area to prevent scratching.
3. 3

   Disconnect steering column electrical connectors
   Identify all electrical connectors: clockspring/airbag connector, steering angle sensor connector, column lock actuator (if equipped), ignition switch connector, and multi-function switch connectors. Photograph each connector before removal. Release connector locks and carefully disconnect each connector. Secure connectors away from work area to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Remove clockspring assembly
   If clockspring is being reused, lock it in center position using locking pin or tape before removal. Remove clockspring retaining fasteners (typically 3-4 screws). Carefully lift clockspring assembly from column, keeping it level and centered. If installing new clockspring, verify it arrives in locked/centered position and do not remove centering lock until installation.
5. 5

   Access and mark intermediate shaft coupling
   From under dash, locate steering column intermediate shaft coupling at base of column. Clean area around coupling to identify marks and fasteners clearly. Using paint pen or scribe, mark the relationship between column shaft and intermediate shaft coupling for alignment reference. This is critical for maintaining proper steering angle sensor calibration.
6. 6

   Disconnect intermediate shaft coupling
   Support steering column to prevent it from dropping when coupling is released. Remove coupling pinch bolt using appropriate socket. If bolt is single-use type (check service manual), discard and prepare new bolt for installation. Carefully separate coupling from column shaft - do not allow intermediate shaft to rotate or drop, as this will affect rack alignment and steering angle calibration.
7. 7

   Remove column mounting fasteners
   Locate all steering column mounting bracket bolts (typically 2-4 bolts securing column to instrument panel support structure). Support column weight before removing fasteners. Remove upper mounting bolts first, then lower mounting bolts. Note any shims or spacers present and their exact positions for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove steering column assembly
   With all fasteners and connections removed, carefully lower and guide steering column assembly out from under dash. Route wiring harness carefully to avoid snagging. Note the path of column removal for reinstallation. Place column on clean, padded work surface. Inspect mounting points on vehicle for damage or wear.
9. 9

   Install replacement steering column assembly
   Transfer any reusable components from old column to new column per service manual (verify what should be transferred). Guide new column into position, routing wiring harness through same path as original. Align column with mounting bracket holes. Install new mounting bolts finger-tight only at this stage. Ensure column is properly seated against all mounting surfaces.
10. 10

    Connect intermediate shaft coupling
    Align column shaft with intermediate shaft coupling using alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide coupling onto column shaft ensuring proper engagement. Install new coupling pinch bolt and torque per OEM specification (consult service manual for exact value as none provided in database). Verify coupling is secure and properly aligned.
11. 11

    Torque column mounting fasteners
    Following OEM-specified torque sequence (typically starting with upper bolts), torque all column mounting fasteners to specification. Consult Rivian service manual for exact torque values as none are provided in the available database. Verify column has no excessive play but moves freely through tilt/telescoping range if applicable.
12. 12

    Install clockspring and reconnect electrical connections
    With steering system still in centered position, install clockspring assembly (remove centering lock only after clockspring is secured to column). Torque clockspring fasteners per specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors in reverse order of removal, using photographs as reference. Ensure all connector locks are fully engaged and connectors are properly seated.
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel and airbag module
    Align steering wheel with shaft using marks made during removal. Install steering wheel and torque center bolt per OEM specification. Position airbag module, reconnect airbag connectors ensuring proper seating and locking. Install airbag module retaining fasteners and torque per specification. Install steering wheel access covers.
14. 14

    Perform system calibration and verification
    Reinstall column shrouds and any removed trim. Reconnect 12V battery. Using Rivian diagnostic scan tool, perform steering angle sensor calibration procedure per OEM instructions. Clear any fault codes related to column disconnection. Perform steering system initialization. Verify all steering wheel controls function properly. Test column lock operation if equipped.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall driver's seat to original position if removed
2. Verify all electrical connectors have been reconnected and no loose wiring remains
3. Ensure all column shrouds, covers, and trim pieces are properly installed
4. Verify steering wheel is centered and all controls operate correctly
5. Check that clockspring connector routing does not interfere with column movement through full tilt/telescope range

Verification

• With engine off, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Start vehicle and verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated after system check completes
• Verify all steering wheel controls function: horn, cruise control, audio controls, and any other switches
• Using scan tool, verify steering angle sensor reads correctly and tracks steering input smoothly
• Confirm no fault codes are present in airbag system, steering system, or body control modules
• Perform test drive in safe area: verify steering response is normal, proper centering, and no vibration or noise
• Verify electric power steering assist functions normally at all speeds
• Recheck all mounting fasteners for proper torque after test drive
• Document completion in vehicle service records and note any calibration values recorded

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