Sway Bar Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar bushings on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushing bracket bolts (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Power off vehicle completely and wait 5 minutes for high-voltage system to discharge
4. Lift rear of vehicle using designated lift points and support securely on jack stands rated for at least 8,000 lbs
5. Remove rear wheels to improve access to sway bar area
6. Spray penetrating lubricant on all sway bar bushing bracket bolts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar and bushings
   Identify the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear suspension. Locate the two sway bar bushings mounted to the vehicle frame or rear subframe via U-shaped brackets. The bushings will be positioned approximately midway along the sway bar length, one on each side of the centerline.
2. 2

   Support sway bar
   Position a hydraulic jack or jack stand under the center of the sway bar to provide light support. This prevents the bar from dropping or shifting when the bushings are released. Do not apply significant upward pressure, just enough to stabilize the bar.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing bracket
   Working on the driver side, remove the bolts securing the sway bar bushing bracket to the frame or subframe. There are typically two bolts per bracket. Support the bracket as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully lower the bracket and bushing away from the sway bar.
4. 4

   Remove driver side bushing
   Inspect the removed bushing for wear, cracking, or deterioration. The bushing is typically a split rubber or polyurethane component that wraps around the sway bar. If the bushing is stuck to the bar, use a pry bar or utility knife to carefully separate it. Clean the sway bar surface with a wire brush to remove any rubber residue or corrosion.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side bushing bracket. Remove both mounting bolts and carefully lower the bracket and bushing assembly away from the sway bar. Keep the bracket in view to prevent it from interfering with other suspension components.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side bushing
   Remove the passenger side bushing from the sway bar using the same method as the driver side. Inspect for wear patterns and clean the sway bar surface thoroughly. Check the sway bar itself for any signs of damage, bending, or corrosion that may indicate additional issues.
7. 7

   Inspect brackets and hardware
   Examine both bushing brackets for cracks, deformation, or damage. Check all mounting bolts and hardware for thread damage or excessive corrosion. Replace any damaged brackets or fasteners before installation. Verify that the mounting surfaces on the frame or subframe are clean and free of corrosion.
8. 8

   Install new driver side bushing
   Position the new driver side bushing around the sway bar in the correct orientation. Most bushings have a split design with a larger opening on one side for installation. Ensure any alignment marks or flat spots on the bushing match the sway bar profile. The bushing should sit in the same position as the original.
9. 9

   Install driver side bracket
   Place the bushing bracket over the new bushing, ensuring the bushing is properly seated in the bracket recess. Align the bracket with the mounting holes on the frame or subframe. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening. Do not fully torque at this stage.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side bushing and bracket
    Repeat the installation process for the passenger side. Position the new bushing around the sway bar, install the bracket over it, and start both mounting bolts by hand. Ensure both bushings are positioned symmetrically and at the same distance from the vehicle centerline.
11. 11

    Torque bushing bracket bolts
    With the vehicle still supported on jack stands and suspension unloaded, torque all four bushing bracket bolts to manufacturer specification in a cross pattern. Since factory torque specifications are not available in this database, consult the Rivian service manual for proper values. Typical specifications for this application range from 35-50 ft-lbs, but verify before tightening.
12. 12

    Remove sway bar support
    Carefully lower and remove the hydraulic jack or support from under the sway bar center. Verify that the sway bar moves freely and is not binding in the new bushings. Check that all brackets are securely fastened and properly aligned.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully, ensuring stability throughout the process
3. Remove wheel chocks
4. Perform a final visual inspection of all bushing brackets and hardware to confirm proper installation

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, making gentle turns to verify sway bar operation
• Listen for any clunking, squeaking, or unusual noises from the rear suspension during turns
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect bushing bracket bolts to ensure they remain properly torqued
• Verify improved handling response and reduced body roll compared to worn bushings

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