R1S clicking / creaking noises from self adjusting suspension - Service Center Update

[zor]

Rivian Service Center in Costa Mesa said NOTHING can be done about this. This is the R1S self-adjusting the suspension while driving. Apparently, after the lastest software update the adjustments are more frequent ergo more frequent, audible clicks. Again, nothing can be done about this except a software update that will lessen the frequency of suspension self-adjustments which ultimately impact how the car rides. The clicking noises sound as if they generate from mid-rear of R1S (they're coming from the suspension).

Zor




Per the Service Center in Costa Mesa, apparently, during a suspension adjustment (such as the case when the R1S goes into "kneel mode" when putting the R1S in Park, or unlocking, or locking) there are some vents up front which are visible from the grill that open and shut. There are some bolts they pivot on and the creaking noise is generated from those vent slats pivoting against that bolt. I'll upload a picture later but if you want to eliminate this creaking noise from the front you need to lubricate it (potentially after a tough car wash, pressure wash, or just after a long period of time) with dry silicone spray.


Zor

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[Mathme]

Mine makes a clicking sound coming from behind the passenger compartment. I've had several vehicles with air suspension, and this is the first that's ever made a clicking sound.

 

[zor]

Mine makes a clicking sound coming from behind the passenger compartment. I've had several vehicles with air suspension, and this is the first that's ever made a clicking sound.

That could be the creaking noises from the slats up front which are also a consequence of suspension self adjustments

 

[Dark-Fx]

Some clicking is normal but if it happens a LOT, you have a leak in your air suspension somewhere. If you can avoid driving your vehicle for a weekend, I suggest putting it at High or Highest, measure after it adjusts, then remeasure after the weekend is over. Take photos of the measurements. If you lose more than an inch or so in any corner, there is a leak.

 

[R1TS]

Clicking noises are, unfortunately, “within spec” with these Rivians. They just need to reengineer the air suspension system. Along with the constant adjustment to get the right combination of various settings and the clicking, it just seems too much for a $100K car.

 

[theadonnan]

You didn’t notice it during a test drive? It’s an odd quirk of an otherwise impressive suspension system.

 

[superfly_snook]

I know! The suspension acts up sometimes for seemingly no reason. My R1S decided to dry-hump the road at a stop light a couple days ago. Fortunately it finished before the light changed.

 

[SDH]

Think of this noise as a standard feature of the R1. You’d only miss it if it was gone.

 

[zor]

You didn’t notice it during a test drive? It’s an odd quirk of an otherwise impressive suspension system.

did NOT notice it during test drive.

 

[GGinSD]

Agree, Air suspension self adjustments need work on an otherwise super impressive vehicle. Feels like I’m on a boat at a stoplight…like it can’t make up it’s mind.

Had a Lexus SUV w air susp and never noticed it. R1S air susp movements are all too noticeable. Hoping future software updates address.

Also agree clicks are annoying but would be less frequent if it stopped trying to make minor adjustments when vehicle is standing still.

 

[DaveA]

Couldn't you just turn off auto adjusting?...its just excessive wear and tear and unneeded.

 

[Willyspu]

It is always there, it is part of the suspension. If it had a gasoline or diesel motor you would probably not hear it. EV's have many different sounds that ICE cars do not. Our Volvo XC40 Recharge makes all sorts of clicks, fans noise, groans and our Chevy Bolts used to make different noises but they are all part of the cars "personality". It is just the electronics doing their stuff.

 

[sherold]

The suspension clicking I have encountered during height adjustment is perfectly normal behavior. Valves need to open and close to move air in the suspension system. The fact that people can hear it is irritating to some, but it is not excessive by any means. I feel some need a reminder that we are driving EVs. They are naturally quieter and make us more aware of other noises we usually do not hear. They do not have an engine bay full of 100s of moving parts which are powered by igniting flammable fuel vapors and exhausting them through piping. This alone muffles so many sounds that people are unaware of during normal operation. Then add in the extra sound and heat insulating materials that an ICE needs in this same area that absorb quite a bit of sound. Maybe they could insulate the valves a little better to absorb the sound but, nothing is wrong or needs service due to the noise they generate.

My personal experience with creaking during suspension movement is actually coming from the disc brake assemblies. Try parking and then change the height of the vehicle. Get out and watch the wheels/tires and in most cases you can observe the vehicle actually rolling forward or backwards a small amount. As it does this with the brakes still engaged, it creates a "creaking" sound from the rotors moving against the pads.

 

[pnwr1s]

It is always there, it is part of the suspension. If it had a gasoline or diesel motor you would probably not hear it. EV's have many different sounds that ICE cars do not. Our Volvo XC40 Recharge makes all sorts of clicks, fans noise, groans and our Chevy Bolts used to make different noises but they are all part of the cars "personality". It is just the electronics doing their stuff.

I have an LX570 with hydraulic suspension and it's always doing something, you just dont hear the pump as much because the engine is running. I personally don't get why people are so bothered by this.

 

[R1TS]

The suspension clicking I have encountered during height adjustment is perfectly normal behavior. Valves need to open and close to move air in the suspension system. The fact that people can hear it is irritating to some, but it is not excessive by any means. I feel some need a reminder that we are driving EVs. They are naturally quieter and make us more aware of other noises we usually do not hear. They do not have an engine bay full of 100s of moving parts which are powered by igniting flammable fuel vapors and exhausting them through piping. This alone muffles so many sounds that people are unaware of during normal operation. Then add in the extra sound and heat insulating materials that an ICE needs in this same area that absorb quite a bit of sound. Maybe they could insulate the valves a little better to absorb the sound but, nothing is wrong or needs service due to the noise they generate.

My personal experience with creaking during suspension movement is actually coming from the disc brake assemblies. Try parking and then change the height of the vehicle. Get out and watch the wheels/tires and in most cases you can observe the vehicle actually rolling forward or backwards a small amount. As it does this with the brakes still engaged, it creates a "creaking" sound from the rotors moving against the pads.

Nope. Have not had the type of clicking noises with air suspensions on any other EV that has air.

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