suspension

Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

for 2025 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

3.9 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both front sway bar links on a 2025 Rivian EDV 500, restoring proper suspension geometry and eliminating noise from worn links.

Warnings

⚠️This is a high-voltage electric vehicle. Do not work near or disconnect any orange high-voltage cables. Only work on suspension components as directed.

⚠️Ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (over 6,000 lbs). Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

⚠Sway bar links are under tension when vehicle is at ride height. Control components carefully during removal to prevent sudden movement.

ℹ️This vehicle does not have a traditional 12V battery disconnect procedure. Ensure vehicle is in Park and powered off completely before beginning work.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential

19mm socketEssential

21mm socketEssential

Ratchet and extension setEssential

Breaker bar

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Ball joint separator or pickle fork

Pry bar

Thread locker (medium strength)

Parts

Front sway bar link assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Front sway bar link assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, firm surface and place transmission in Park
Power off vehicle completely and remove key fob from cabin
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
Install jack stands under front suspension support points and lower vehicle onto stands
Remove both front wheels completely
Inspect sway bar links for damage, torn boots, or excessive play to confirm replacement is needed
Apply penetrating oil to all sway bar link fasteners and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1
Access left front sway bar link upper mount
From the wheel well, locate the upper mounting point where the sway bar link attaches to the lower control arm. Clean area around the fastener with wire brush if corroded. Note the orientation of the link and any washers or bushings for proper reinstallation.
2
Remove left upper sway bar link fastener
Using a 19mm socket and ratchet, hold the link ball joint stud with a 21mm wrench to prevent spinning. Remove the upper nut securing the link to the lower control arm. If ball joint spins, use a ball joint separator or apply upward pressure with pry bar while loosening.
3
Remove left lower sway bar link fastener
Locate the lower mounting point where the link attaches to the sway bar. Using the same technique, hold the ball joint stud and remove the lower mounting nut. The link may remain under slight tension from the sway bar.
4
Extract left sway bar link
Carefully remove the sway bar link from both mounting points. If ball joint studs are seized in mounting holes, use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break them free. Note the position of any spacers, washers, or bushings and set aside for comparison with new parts.
5
Inspect left mounting points
Examine the ball joint receptacles on both the control arm and sway bar for excessive wear, cracking, or damage. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush. Check sway bar bushings for deterioration while access is available.
6
Install new left sway bar link
Position new sway bar link between the control arm and sway bar. Insert upper ball joint stud into control arm mounting hole first, then align lower stud with sway bar mounting point. Install mounting hardware hand-tight only at this stage. Ensure any included washers or spacers are positioned correctly per manufacturer instructions.
7
Access right front sway bar link upper mount
Move to the right side wheel well and locate the upper mounting point where the sway bar link attaches to the lower control arm. Clean area around fastener with wire brush. Apply additional penetrating oil if needed.
8
Remove right upper sway bar link fastener
Using a 19mm socket, hold the link ball joint stud with a 21mm wrench to prevent spinning. Remove the upper nut securing the link to the lower control arm. Use the same techniques as left side if ball joint spins.
9
Remove right lower sway bar link fastener
Locate and remove the lower mounting nut where the link attaches to the sway bar. Hold the ball joint stud to prevent spinning while removing the fastener.
10
Extract right sway bar link
Carefully remove the sway bar link from both mounting points. Use ball joint separator if studs are seized. Note position of any spacers, washers, or bushings for proper installation of new link.
11
Inspect right mounting points
Examine the ball joint receptacles on both the control arm and sway bar for wear or damage. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly with wire brush to ensure proper seating of new link.
12
Install new right sway bar link
Position new sway bar link between the control arm and sway bar. Insert upper ball joint stud into control arm, then align lower stud with sway bar. Install mounting hardware hand-tight only. Verify correct orientation and positioning of all components.
13
Torque all sway bar link fasteners
Since manufacturer torque specifications are not available in the database, consult the service manual or parts supplier documentation for proper torque values. Typical specifications for similar vehicles range from 35-50 ft-lbs. Hold each ball joint stud with wrench while torquing nuts to prevent stud from spinning. Apply medium-strength thread locker if specified by manufacturer. Torque both upper and lower fasteners on both sides.
14
Verify installation and clearances
Visually inspect both sway bar links to ensure they are properly seated and aligned. Check for adequate clearance between links and surrounding components (brake lines, CV axles, control arms). Ensure no boots are torn and all hardware is secure.

Reassembly

Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
Raise vehicle slightly with jack to remove tension from jack stands
Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 120-140 ft-lbs for this vehicle) in star pattern
Remove wheel chocks

Verification

Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
Test drive vehicle at low speed over smooth surface, listening for any unusual noises
Drive over speed bumps or rough surfaces to verify sway bar links are operating quietly and properly
Check for clunking, rattling, or knocking sounds during cornering that would indicate improper installation
After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on all sway bar link fasteners to ensure they have not loosened
Verify improved handling response and reduced body roll if previous links were worn

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