This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering wheel on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including airbag disconnection and steering angle sensor calibration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering wheel (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Driver airbag module (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel bolt (recommended replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel trim ring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure gear selector is in Park
2. Turn off all vehicle systems using the center display
3. Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery located in the front storage compartment
4. Wait a minimum of 15 minutes for all airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
5. Set steering wheel to center position with wheels pointing straight ahead before beginning disassembly
6. Document or photograph steering wheel position and any control positions for reference during reassembly
7. Ensure work area is clean and free of debris that could contaminate electrical connectors

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column covers
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry off the lower steering column cover panels. Start at the bottom edge and work around the perimeter. Remove the two Torx T30 screws securing the lower cover halves and separate the panels. Set aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Access airbag module fasteners
   Locate the airbag module access holes on the rear sides of the steering wheel. Insert a Torx T30 bit through the access holes (one on each side) to access the airbag module retaining bolts. Turn the steering wheel as needed to align the access holes.
3. 3

   Remove airbag module bolts
   Using the Torx T30 bit, remove both airbag module retaining bolts by turning counterclockwise. Support the airbag module as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Store bolts in a secure location for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect airbag electrical connectors
   Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel hub. Locate the yellow SRS connector and horn connector on the back of the airbag module. Press the connector release tabs and disconnect both electrical connectors. Place the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
5. 5

   Disconnect steering wheel electrical connections
   Identify all electrical connectors behind the steering wheel hub, including the paddle shifter connectors (if equipped with regenerative braking paddles), heating element connector (if equipped with heated steering wheel), and any capacitive touch sensor connectors. Carefully disconnect each connector by pressing release tabs and pulling straight back.
6. 6

   Remove steering wheel center bolt
   Using a socket and ratchet, remove the large center steering wheel retaining bolt. This bolt is typically a 19mm or 21mm size. Do not fully remove the bolt yet - loosen it until it is flush with the end of the steering shaft but still threaded. This will prevent the steering wheel from flying off during removal.
7. 7

   Remove steering wheel from shaft
   With the center bolt loosened but still engaged, attach a proper steering wheel puller to the wheel. Apply gradual, even pressure with the puller until the steering wheel releases from the splined shaft. Once loose, remove the center bolt completely and lift the steering wheel off the column. Note the orientation of any alignment marks or keys on the shaft.
8. 8

   Inspect components
   Examine the steering column shaft splines, clockspring (spiral cable) condition, and all electrical connectors for damage, wear, or corrosion. Verify the clockspring is centered - there should be alignment marks or a centering window visible. Do not rotate the clockspring if steering wheel is removed, as this will damage the internal ribbon cable.
9. 9

   Install new or replacement steering wheel
   Align the steering wheel with the shaft splines, ensuring any alignment keys or marks match the original position. The wheel should only fit in one orientation. Slide the wheel onto the shaft, routing all electrical connectors through the wheel hub opening. Ensure the clockspring connector is properly positioned and not pinched.
10. 10

    Install center retaining bolt
    Thread the new steering wheel center bolt (or cleaned original bolt if reusing) onto the steering shaft by hand. Tighten the bolt to the manufacturer's specified torque value using a torque wrench. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, follow the value embossed on the bolt or consult Rivian service documentation. Typical range is 25-40 ft-lbs for this application.
11. 11

    Reconnect steering wheel electrical connections
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering wheel, including paddle shifter connectors, heating element connector, and capacitive touch sensors. Ensure each connector clicks securely into place and verify proper seating by gently tugging on each connection.
12. 12

    Reinstall airbag module
    Connect the yellow SRS connector and horn connector to the back of the airbag module. Ensure both connectors are fully seated with audible clicks. Carefully align the airbag module with the steering wheel hub, ensuring no wires are pinched. Insert and hand-thread both Torx T30 retaining bolts through the rear access holes.
13. 13

    Secure airbag module
    Tighten both airbag module retaining bolts using the Torx T30 bit through the rear access holes. Alternate between bolts to ensure even seating. Tighten to a snug fit - these bolts typically require 6-8 ft-lbs of torque. Do not overtighten as this can damage the airbag module mounting points.
14. 14

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Align the lower steering column cover panels and secure with the Torx T30 screws removed during disassembly. Ensure all trim clips are properly seated and the panels fit flush without gaps. Verify that no wires are pinched between cover sections.
15. 15

    Calibrate steering angle sensor
    Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery. Using the Rivian diagnostic tool or compatible OBD-II scanner, access the steering angle sensor calibration procedure. Follow the on-screen prompts, which typically involve confirming wheels are straight ahead and executing the calibration routine. Clear any fault codes related to the SRS or steering system that may have been set during the procedure.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and no connectors were missed during reassembly
2. Confirm the airbag module is properly seated and both retaining bolts are tight
3. Test all steering wheel controls including horn, scroll wheels, regenerative braking paddles (if equipped), and heated steering wheel function (if equipped)
4. Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointing straight ahead

Verification

• Turn on the vehicle and verify the airbag warning light performs its normal self-test (illuminates briefly then extinguishes)
• If the airbag light remains illuminated or flashing, use diagnostic scanner to identify fault codes before operating the vehicle
• Test horn operation by pressing the center of the airbag module
• Verify all steering wheel-mounted controls function properly including paddles, buttons, and scroll wheels
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area to confirm proper steering operation and verify no pulling or unusual handling characteristics
• Confirm steering angle sensor calibration was successful by checking for absence of stability control or steering-related fault codes
• Verify power steering assist functions normally throughout the steering range

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