DIY Tire Rotation?

[tsla2rivn]

Does anyone have any experience or advice on DIY tire rotations? I’m debating whether to take this on. I figure I could rotate my own in about 30 mins, save hours waiting at a tire shop, and have a fun teachable moment with my kids. I’ve changed single flat tires before on small cars, but I am a novice with big cars (R1S). I’ve done a lot of research, but I’d appreciate a double check if anyone has thoughts.

I have no spare tire, so my plan would be:

1. Level location, Drive Mode: All-Purpose, Ride Height: Highest, Settings -> Service -> Tire Change Mode
2. Loosen all lug nuts slightly while the R1S is still on the ground.
3. Jack up the R1S Right Rear (RR) lower control arm, then place a jack stand under that right rear side
   1. I think this is a must, since there isn’t a way to swap in a jack stand if I’m already using the same jack point.
   2. Picture, from Rivian Forums: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/attachments/1707334864590-png.84164/
4. Remove the tire that is held by the jack stand (starting point for the rotation, would remain empty until final rotation).
5. Using only the floor jack (no jack stand), follow the rearward cross pattern
   1. Right Rear (RR) -> Right Front (RF) (Swap in the loose right rear tire for the right front tire), and then…
   2. Right Front (RF) → Left Rear (LR)
   3. Left Rear (LR) → Left Front (LF)
   4. Left Front (LF) → Right Rear (RR) (which fills in the empty tire well)

Notes:

• Lug nuts are M14 x 1.5.
• Torque lug nuts in start pattern to 190Nm (140 lb-ft)
• Drive car 10 mins to reset TPMS sensors
• Non-Rivian Jack Specs: 3 tons with 23 inches of range
• Wheel chocks on both sides of diagonally opposite tire

Questions

1. Q: Is this too risky if I try to optimize time by not using the second jack stand? Remember, the floor jack itself occupies the jack point, and I’m trying to avoid removing underbody jack panels.
2. Does anyone have experience with how long it takes to remove and reinstall the underbody jack panels?

Bill of Materials ($679, ouch!)

$289 - DAYTONA 3 Ton Low-Profile Superduty Floor Jack with RAPID PUMP

• Min lift height: 3.75”, Max lift height 23.125”
• https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton...apid-pump-sunburst-metallic-orange-57590.html

$80 - 3 Ton Jack Stands (Pair)

• Min lift height: ~14”, Max lift height: ~22” (This would be combined with the 3.18” Jack puck to clear 23”)
• https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-jack-stands-with-circular-pads-58789.html

$112 - Magnetic Jack Puck Adapter Kit for Rivian R1T & R1S

• L3.18 x W3.13 x H3.18 inches
• https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Jack-Adapter-Rivian-Zippered/dp/B0BX2317TM/

$16 - Wheel Chocks (Purchase 2)

• https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html

$15 - Jack Pads (Pair)

• https://www.amazon.com/ZIMISI-Jack-Anti-Slip-Protector-Lift/dp/B0F6K38XJW/
• I’m thinking of lifting the truck by the “lower control arm in the rear”, so this might help protect the metal on the Rivian (and let me use the same setup for my Chevy Bolt)

$22 - PITTSBURGH PRO 1/2 in. Drive, 25 in. Breaker Bar

• https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-25-in-breaker-bar-62729.html

$145 - TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive 72-Tooth Split Beam Torque Wrench (40-250 ft.-lb.) TRQ62203

• https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Torque-Wrench-ft-lb-TRQ62203AMZ/

You can absolutely do your own rotation. I did my first ever rotation on my '24 R1T. It took about an hour as a first timer, and I torqued the lugs back to spec. I had pucks and lift, breaker bar and extra jack stands. Good luck. I wasn't going to let the dealer charge hundreds for a simple job. You can do it!

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[wolfnjan]

I looked into doing my own tire rotation because I didn’t think my local tire dealer could handle it and I didn’t want to go through the hassle of scheduling a Rivian service appointment. I even bought some of the tools needed to do the rotation. But then I found out my local tire dealer can do it easily and only charges $20 (twenty) for the rotation, it was a no brainer for me. I can have them rotated for decades for the price of tools to do my own.

 

[Singletracker]

I got this for moving the tire into position, but I'm sure it cost way more that the tool Polar showed.
https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...lf-loading-positioning-wheel-dolly-64601.html

Today, I picked up one of these at Harbor Freight for $90, on sale. I am excited to give it a try. Trying to lift AND align the lug bolts on 80+ lbs. wheels is a PITA. If it works as well as I think it should, it will save a lot of time and frustration. Between rotating wheels and changing between summer to winter wheels/tires a couple of times per year, this will be money well spent.

 

[EzeE1o]

the price of the required tools is negligible for me at least, as i like doing routine maintenance on my cars. Most times a jack and jackstands are needed for other things (oil changes, brake work, etc.), so the "payoff" time means little to me. This will also mean i know things are done correctly (no over-torqued lug nuts, etc.) Of course, not everyone finds joy in car maintenance, or may not have the space for these tools, and may be more of a hassle, so ymmv.

 

[Dave415]

Does anyone have any experience or advice on DIY tire rotations? I’m debating whether to take this on. I figure I could rotate my own in about 30 mins, save hours waiting at a tire shop, and have a fun teachable moment with my kids. I’ve changed single flat tires before on small cars, but I am a novice with big cars (R1S). I’ve done a lot of research, but I’d appreciate a double check if anyone has thoughts.

I have no spare tire, so my plan would be:

1. Level location, Drive Mode: All-Purpose, Ride Height: Highest, Settings -> Service -> Tire Change Mode
2. Loosen all lug nuts slightly while the R1S is still on the ground.
3. Jack up the R1S Right Rear (RR) lower control arm, then place a jack stand under that right rear side
   1. I think this is a must, since there isn’t a way to swap in a jack stand if I’m already using the same jack point.
   2. Picture, from Rivian Forums: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/attachments/1707334864590-png.84164/
4. Remove the tire that is held by the jack stand (starting point for the rotation, would remain empty until final rotation).
5. Using only the floor jack (no jack stand), follow the rearward cross pattern
   1. Right Rear (RR) -> Right Front (RF) (Swap in the loose right rear tire for the right front tire), and then…
   2. Right Front (RF) → Left Rear (LR)
   3. Left Rear (LR) → Left Front (LF)
   4. Left Front (LF) → Right Rear (RR) (which fills in the empty tire well)

Notes:

• Lug nuts are M14 x 1.5.
• Torque lug nuts in start pattern to 190Nm (140 lb-ft)
• Drive car 10 mins to reset TPMS sensors
• Non-Rivian Jack Specs: 3 tons with 23 inches of range
• Wheel chocks on both sides of diagonally opposite tire

Questions

1. Q: Is this too risky if I try to optimize time by not using the second jack stand? Remember, the floor jack itself occupies the jack point, and I’m trying to avoid removing underbody jack panels.
2. Does anyone have experience with how long it takes to remove and reinstall the underbody jack panels?

Bill of Materials ($679, ouch!)

$289 - DAYTONA 3 Ton Low-Profile Superduty Floor Jack with RAPID PUMP

• Min lift height: 3.75”, Max lift height 23.125”
• https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton...apid-pump-sunburst-metallic-orange-57590.html

$80 - 3 Ton Jack Stands (Pair)

• Min lift height: ~14”, Max lift height: ~22” (This would be combined with the 3.18” Jack puck to clear 23”)
• https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-jack-stands-with-circular-pads-58789.html

$112 - Magnetic Jack Puck Adapter Kit for Rivian R1T & R1S

• L3.18 x W3.13 x H3.18 inches
• https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Jack-Adapter-Rivian-Zippered/dp/B0BX2317TM/

$16 - Wheel Chocks (Purchase 2)

• https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html

$15 - Jack Pads (Pair)

• https://www.amazon.com/ZIMISI-Jack-Anti-Slip-Protector-Lift/dp/B0F6K38XJW/
• I’m thinking of lifting the truck by the “lower control arm in the rear”, so this might help protect the metal on the Rivian (and let me use the same setup for my Chevy Bolt)

$22 - PITTSBURGH PRO 1/2 in. Drive, 25 in. Breaker Bar

• https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-25-in-breaker-bar-62729.html

$145 - TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive 72-Tooth Split Beam Torque Wrench (40-250 ft.-lb.) TRQ62203

• https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Torque-Wrench-ft-lb-TRQ62203AMZ/

Update...

Thank you for all of the responses and wisdom everyone. The first hand experiences have been very useful. I'm thinking I'll wait for Labor day sales to buy the equipment, since we are so close.

One interesting note. Today I had Rivian mobile service (proactively) replace a 12v battery in my Gen2 R1S. They fixed an over-torque condition where the bracket crushed the battery a bit and fluid leaked out. They reached out to me, so they might be checking this cohort of vehicles.

I chatted with the tech, he says they sometimes do tire rotations with 2 jacks, no jackstands, and no locking mechanisms for the jacks (Jackrod). That being said, I saw a giant Rennstand in the back of his truck.

This guy has me thinking about modifying my strategy. Perhaps 2 floor jacks and 2 Jackrods to lock it safely like a regular jack stand. It might save some time and simplify the process.

 

[usulio]

Update...

Thank you for all of the responses and wisdom everyone. The first hand experiences have been very useful. I'm thinking I'll wait for Labor day sales to buy the equipment, since we are so close.

One interesting note. Today I had Rivian mobile service (proactively) replace a 12v battery in my Gen2 R1S. They fixed an over-torque condition where the bracket crushed the battery a bit and fluid leaked out. They reached out to me, so they might be checking this cohort of vehicles.

I chatted with the tech, he says they sometimes do tire rotations with 2 jacks, no jackstands, and no locking mechanisms for the jacks (Jackrod). That being said, I saw a giant Rennstand in the back of his truck.

This guy has me thinking about modifying my strategy. Perhaps 2 floor jacks and 2 Jackrods to lock it safely like a regular jack stand. It might save some time and simplify the process.

Given that you’re not ever under the vehicle in a tire change I don’t see jack stands as necessary … but that’s not medical advice

 

[HaveBlue]

Buy a second jack.
You can do cross rotation the long way with two jacks but it's not that critical. Swap front to rear. Drive 7000 miles and then swap left to right. Rinse and repeat.

To put wheels back on, sit in front of the hub with the wheel between your feet. Lift the wheel with your feet tilting onto your heels and use your hands to align with the studs. Move your feet left and right to shift or rotate the wheel an push it on with your hands. Easy.

 

[EzeE1o]

I just rotated my tires last week. Just get 2 jacks that can lift high enough, then when the tire is off the ground, I put jackstands just under the control arms, lightly touching, just in the off chance that the jack fails.

 

[FooF]

5 tire rotation is much easier since you only need to jack up one wheel at a time. Consider getting a full size spare.

 

[Dave415]

I just rotated my tires last week. Just get 2 jacks that can lift high enough, then when the tire is off the ground, I put jackstands just under the control arms, lightly touching, just in the off chance that the jack fails.

How do you get the jack stands lightly touching under the control arm? Do you lower the jack onto the jackstand? Or do you raise the jack a very small increment to match the jackstand height, and then slide it under?

 

[EzeE1o]

with jack puck on the lift point, i lift with the floor jack until the wheel is off the ground. then i put the jackstand under the control arm and adjust that until it is under it. So the corner is mostly supported by the floorjack and the jackstand is backup.

 

[usulio]

with jack puck on the lift point, i lift with the floor jack until the wheel is off the ground. then i put the jackstand under the control arm and adjust that until it is under it. So the corner is mostly supported by the floorjack and the jackstand is backup.

I think an issue is if the floor jack failed, the vehicle would fall half a foot down as the suspension compressed, like going over a speed bump. Hopefully the jack stand would handle it ok.

 

[Dave415]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to follow up on my Rivian DIY tire rotation question. It took me a year to get to it, but it went smoothly. I used the same gear on my Chevy Bolt EV too. It made a great teachable moment for my kids, and I only need to rotate 14 more times to pay it off

How it went:

• Rotated the R1S tires at ~5,700 miles (tire tread measurements included)
• Used the Low ride height setting (as opposed to Highest), due to garage ceiling clearance issues. No problem.
• Jacked from the jacking points, then placed jack stands under the rear and front control arms
• The ESCO 3-ton jack stands on their lowest setting worked. No need for 24"+ jack stands since I supported the vehicle on the control arms, not the jack points. At 13.5", the stands were actually an inch higher than they needed to be.
• Issue: When I lowered the car onto the ESCO 3-leg jack stands, one leg would always lift off the ground, leaving the stand balancing on just 2 legs. I'm unsure what to do about this. If anyone has tips, let me know.
• The process I followed for a 4 tire rotation was: 1) Swap the rear tires, 2) Swap the left side tires, 3) Swap the right side tires.

Updated BOM (~$807):

• $289 - Daytona 3-Ton Low-Profile Floor Jack (Harbor Freight)
• $110 - ESCO 3-Ton Jack Stands, pair (Home Depot)
  • Replaced the Harbor Freight stands (rated 3 tons per pair, not per stand). The ESCOs are 3 tons per stand. I emailed ESCO to confirm and they sent a test doc verifying this (the included manual was outdated and said per pair).
• $112 - Magnetic Jack Puck Adapter Kit for Rivian (Amazon)
• $16 - Wheel Chocks x2 (Harbor Freight)
• $22 - Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" Drive 25" Breaker Bar (Harbor Freight)
• $140 - ICON 1/2" Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench, 40-250 ft-lb (Harbor Freight)
• $67 - Husky 1/2" Drive Metric 6-Point Impact Socket Set, 11-Piece (Home Depot)
• $10 - Husky 1/2" Drive 5" Extension Bar (Home Depot)
• $12 - TONDA Floor Jack Rubber Pad, Universal Jack Puck Adapter, 2-Pack (Amazon)
  • These cracked under pressure
• $14 - GODESON Digital Tire Tread Depth Gauge (Amazon)

Tire Tread Measurements (mm, 4 measurements per tire, outside to inside):

Rivian R1S - 5,700 miles:

Tire	Measurements
FL	5.41, 5.46, 5.30, 4.79
FR	5.18, 5.23, 5.06, 4.88
BL	6.73, 6.85, 6.81, 6.56
BR	6.76, 6.71, 6.71, 6.67

Fronts wearing faster than rears (expected for AWD), and inside edges wearing slightly more. Good reason to rotate.

The Rivian took about 1.5 hours, but I expect 40 minutes next time. Thanks to everyone who responded to my original email - your advice helped a lot. Happy to answer questions if anyone's thinking about doing this.

 

[Gasmiser12]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to follow up on my Rivian DIY tire rotation question. It took me a year to get to it, but it went smoothly. I used the same gear on my Chevy Bolt EV too. It made a great teachable moment for my kids, and I only need to rotate 14 more times to pay it off

How it went:

• Rotated the R1S tires at ~5,700 miles (tire tread measurements included)
• Used the Low ride height setting (as opposed to Highest), due to garage ceiling clearance issues. No problem.
• Jacked from the jacking points, then placed jack stands under the rear and front control arms
• The ESCO 3-ton jack stands on their lowest setting worked. No need for 24"+ jack stands since I supported the vehicle on the control arms, not the jack points. At 13.5", the stands were actually an inch higher than they needed to be.
• Issue: When I lowered the car onto the ESCO 3-leg jack stands, one leg would always lift off the ground, leaving the stand balancing on just 2 legs. I'm unsure what to do about this. If anyone has tips, let me know.
• The process I followed for a 4 tire rotation was: 1) Swap the rear tires, 2) Swap the left side tires, 3) Swap the right side tires.

Updated BOM (~$807):

• $289 - Daytona 3-Ton Low-Profile Floor Jack (Harbor Freight)
• $110 - ESCO 3-Ton Jack Stands, pair (Home Depot)
  • Replaced the Harbor Freight stands (rated 3 tons per pair, not per stand). The ESCOs are 3 tons per stand. I emailed ESCO to confirm and they sent a test doc verifying this (the included manual was outdated and said per pair).
• $112 - Magnetic Jack Puck Adapter Kit for Rivian (Amazon)
• $16 - Wheel Chocks x2 (Harbor Freight)
• $22 - Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" Drive 25" Breaker Bar (Harbor Freight)
• $140 - ICON 1/2" Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench, 40-250 ft-lb (Harbor Freight)
• $67 - Husky 1/2" Drive Metric 6-Point Impact Socket Set, 11-Piece (Home Depot)
• $10 - Husky 1/2" Drive 5" Extension Bar (Home Depot)
• $12 - TONDA Floor Jack Rubber Pad, Universal Jack Puck Adapter, 2-Pack (Amazon)
  • These cracked under pressure
• $14 - GODESON Digital Tire Tread Depth Gauge (Amazon)

Tire Tread Measurements (mm, 4 measurements per tire, outside to inside):

Rivian R1S - 5,700 miles:

TireMeasurementsFL5.41, 5.46, 5.30, 4.79FR5.18, 5.23, 5.06, 4.88BL6.73, 6.85, 6.81, 6.56BR6.76, 6.71, 6.71, 6.67
Fronts wearing faster than rears (expected for AWD), and inside edges wearing slightly more. Good reason to rotate.

The Rivian took about 1.5 hours, but I expect 40 minutes next time. Thanks to everyone who responded to my original email - your advice helped a lot. Happy to answer questions if anyone's thinking about doing this.

What ride height do you drive on? I have found standard height all the time gets even wear

 

[RickRivian]

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