Oil leak - maybe rear drive? [RESOLVED]

[SanClementeRivian]

I found oil spots in my garage, looked under the rear end and saw oil dripping down from the center of the rear axle area. The oil feels like a lightweight motor oil, not really like a brake fluid. I don’t know if this could be an oil in the drive motors or maybe something from the suspension?

I called for service and they are going to get the truck in and advised that I minimize driving it.

[UPDATE] Rivian inspected the leak and found a failed seal on the upper drain plug of the rear drive unit. They replaced the seal, drained and refilled the unit with fluid, road tested it, did general diagnostics, and returned it to me. Overall it was a very good service experience. They provided me a rental car and coordinated to pick up the truck (on a flatbed) around my schedule.

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[Blueassassin]

What's it taste like?

 

[kanundrum]

Overfill on hydraulic fluid probably like the other person who had the same item

 

[AltaTruck]

I had a bad rear drive unit and also a suspension leak. See if the color is blue on a clean paper towel. They took mine in, with one day in my possession, and replaced the rear drive unit and the compressor. Good luck, but they seem to want to do the right thing to make sure it is perfect. They had it back to me in less than a week.

 

[SanClementeRivian]

What's it taste like?

It doesn’t really taste like anything. Smells like a light weight motor oil or mineral oil.

Does that give you any ideas?

 

[SanClementeRivian]

I had a bad rear drive unit and also a suspension leak. See if the color is blue on a clean paper towel. They took mine in, with one day in my possession, and replaced the rear drive unit and the compressor. Good luck, but they seem to want to do the right thing to make sure it is perfect. They had it back to me in less than a week.

It is not blue… more light honey color like motor oil.

Which is the blue fluid from the drive unit or suspension?

 

[Aroohoo]

It doesn’t really taste like anything.

I really hope there wasn't any tasting going on...else there will be some of this

 

[SanClementeRivian]

It is not blue… more light honey color like motor oil.

Which is the blue fluid from the drive unit or suspension?

Never mind… I found the fluid color decoder ring on another similar thread:

Notes about the colors of fluids in the Rivian:
- Brake fluid is Red
- Drive lube is Yellow-Brown
- Hydraulic dampener fluid is Blue
- Coolant of engines and battery is Blue

So I think mine is drive lube, and hopefully it was just overfilled like someone else mentioned.

 

[R1Sky Business]

I really hope there wasn't any tasting going on...else there will be some of this

He needs to do what he needs to do

 

[E.S.]

It could be an overflow (they may have over-topped the fluid, hence why it's spilling out), or it can be a legit leak. Definitely put in a call for Rivian to check that out.

 

[lostpacket]

Search the forums for "diaper"

No, really.

 

[Blueassassin]

It doesn’t really taste like anything. Smells like a light weight motor oil or mineral oil.

Does that give you any ideas?

hmm what was the aroma? was it full bodied? if it had some earthy tones it was Hydraulic from the sway bar system.

 

[SanClementeRivian]

Search the forums for "diaper"

No, really.

That’s actually how I found this forum! Was searching for a tailgate diaper for my mountain bikes.

Rivian is picking up the truck this Friday and estimate 1 day to inspect the rear drive system. We’ll see!

 

[FormerRIVTech]

I found oil spots in my garage, looked under the rear end and saw oil dripping down from the center of the rear axle area. The oil feels like a lightweight motor oil, not really like a brake fluid. I don’t know if this could be an oil in the drive motors or maybe something from the suspension?

I called for service and they are going to get the truck in and advised that I minimize driving it.

Anyone else seen a similar issue or have any ideas what this might be?

If ur in SoCal I can inspect for you? Former Tesla Technician and former Rivian Tech 14+ years Auto Tech experience.

 

[FormerRIVTech]

I'd recommend taking off the lower shield and inspection of mating surfaces on DU assembly, as tradition with all leaks, it good to wipe, spray brake clean, wipe,use leak detection spray, on fittings and seals, drive on freeway for 3 exits, bring back for inspection. You'll like find the problem urself. I specialize in EV inspections, EV purchase inspections, and DIY assistance is primarily my experience after release from Rivian.

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