Sway Bar Link - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification if hardware is damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on sway bar link mounting nuts and bolts, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Visually inspect high voltage cables and battery enclosure for any damage before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear sway bar links
   Locate the rear sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms or suspension knuckles on both sides. The links are vertical components with ball joints or bushings at each end. On the EDV 500, these are typically positioned behind the rear wheels near the lower control arm mounting points.
2. 2

   Support the suspension (driver side)
   Position a floor jack under the driver side lower control arm or axle assembly near the sway bar link connection point. Raise jack just enough to take light pressure off the sway bar link, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents sudden movement when the link is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove driver side upper sway bar link connection
   Using an 18mm wrench to hold the ball joint stud (or backing nut), remove the upper mounting nut connecting the sway bar link to the sway bar using a 15mm or 18mm socket (size may vary). If the ball joint stud spins, use the ball joint separator tool to apply pressure while loosening. Remove the nut completely and separate the link from the sway bar.
4. 4

   Remove driver side lower sway bar link connection
   Using the same technique, remove the lower mounting nut connecting the sway bar link to the lower control arm or suspension knuckle. Hold the ball joint stud with an 18mm wrench while removing the nut with a 15mm or 18mm socket. If the connection is seized, use the ball joint separator to break the taper. Remove the complete sway bar link.
5. 5

   Inspect driver side mounting points
   Clean the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and lower control arm using a wire brush. Inspect the ball joint seats and threads for damage, corrosion, or deformation. Check the sway bar bushings and control arm mounting points for wear or cracking. Replace any damaged hardware.
6. 6

   Install new driver side sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Install the lower ball joint stud into the control arm first, threading the nut on by hand. Then align and install the upper connection to the sway bar, threading that nut on by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
7. 7

   Torque driver side sway bar link connections
   With the suspension still supported by the jack at ride height position, torque the lower and upper mounting nuts to manufacturer specification. Use the wrench to hold the ball joint stud while torquing the nut. Since torque specifications are not available in the database, consult the Rivian service manual for exact values (typically 35-55 ft-lbs for sway bar links).
   ℹ️Sway bar link fasteners must be torqued with suspension at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing wear.
8. 8

   Support the suspension (passenger side)
   Carefully lower the floor jack from the driver side. Reposition the jack under the passenger side lower control arm or axle assembly near the sway bar link connection point. Raise jack just enough to take light pressure off the sway bar link.
9. 9

   Remove passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side. Remove the upper mounting nut while holding the ball joint stud, separate from sway bar, then remove the lower mounting nut and separate from the control arm. Remove the complete sway bar link and inspect mounting points.
10. 10

    Install new passenger side sway bar link
    Install the new passenger side sway bar link following the same procedure as the driver side. Install lower connection first, then upper connection, threading both nuts on by hand before torquing.
11. 11

    Torque passenger side sway bar link connections
    With the suspension supported at ride height, torque both the upper and lower mounting nuts to manufacturer specification. Hold the ball joint stud with a wrench while torquing the nut. Verify both connections are secure and the link moves freely through its range of motion.
12. 12

    Final inspection and wheel installation
    Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Visually inspect both sway bar links to ensure they are properly seated and all hardware is installed. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area. Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts on by hand initially.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the rear wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 130-150 ft-lbs for Rivian vehicles) in a star pattern. Consult the service manual for the exact specification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all sway bar link mounting nuts are torqued to specification with suspension at ride height
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in a star pattern
3. Double-check that no tools or parts remain in the work area
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights appear on the dashboard
• Perform a slow test drive in a safe area, making gentle turns to verify proper sway bar function
• Listen for any clunking, rattling, or knocking noises from the rear suspension during turns or over bumps
• Verify the vehicle handles normally with no unusual body roll or instability
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect sway bar link mounting nuts for proper torque and re-tighten if necessary

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