Rivian R1 (Gen 1) HVAC Rattle/Vibration Cause/Resolution

[Electrified Outdoors]

The AC compressor on Gen 1 is noisy and that is normal. What is not normal is the heavy vibration or rattling. In my case, it only happened when ambient temps were above 85F and the inside of the vehicle was very hot.

I had another R1 vehicle that did not have the rattling or heavy vibration issue and I found that it was the routing of the refrigerant hose that is the cause of this issue. In my case, I was able to eliminate the rattle and significantly reduce the vibration by placing a piece of foam weather stripping in between the hose and the plastic cowling.

I have submitted this to Rivian as well. It would appear they can move the hose away from that area by loosening the bracket on the wheel well which holds the metal portion of this hose (where the PTC fitting is located) and rotating it a bit. I have a service appt on 7/3 and plan to show the tech what the issue is. If you have this issue, please make sure to clearly communicate the problem otherwise they will put you down for NVH diagnosis.

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[Polar]

That same hose you highlighted leads around to a plastic threaded cap (fill port/vent) near the passenger fender - that cap was loose on my install after they’ve worked on my vehicle so I tightened down the cap and my rattle went away. Just noting another possible source of vibration noise.

 

[coney129]

How do you access that hose? I’m starting to hear a rattling noise on my gen 2. Seems to be coming from vents below main screen.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

How do you access that hose? I’m starting to hear a rattling noise on my gen 2. Seems to be coming from vents below main screen.

The routing is likely different on Gen 2. On Gen 1 its right next to the compressor in the center under the plastic cowl cover.

 

[jefft850]

I'm getting this noise coming from the bracket in the wheel well. When you described it to the service team, did they tighten things down? I think brackets should be tighter, not looser to prevent the vibrating when the heat unit is cycling.

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