Gen 1 Rolling Suspension changes

[meshugy]

I have yet to drive a Gen 2, however many, but not all, seem to agree that the Gen 2 R1S has improved suspension/ride feel as compared to the Gen 1 R1S. I have a Gen 1 (Aug 2023/vin 18xxx) and received it after all the software suspension updates so I don’t know what the pre-update suspension felt like. Before I purchased the vehicle, I had read the complaints about Gen 1 suspension so I was prepared for the worst but was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually drove quite nicely. Sure, a bit truck like and somewhat boaty, but not horrible. Over time I have noticed some porpoising over rhythmic bumps and head toss/stomach drops over bumpy, pothole ridden roads. Although, I generally don’t notice these things unless I’m myopically focused on identifying suspension issues. I asked my family and they haven’t noticed a thing, even in the back seats. I have found that I prefer the moderate setting for driving around town as soft seems to have a little too much bounce.

So, I started to wonder if some of the mechanical suspension updates implemented in Gen 2 were already finding their way into late Gen 1 builds. I took a photo of the knuckle on my R1S and it’s almost, but not completely identical to what you find on a Gen 2.

has the much sleeker, opened up design which differs from the original, much heavier Gen 1 knuckle shown in this Munro vid



Harder to say with regards to the dampers, I can’t visually identify the difference between Gen 1 vs Gen 2. Here’s what mine looks like

If anyone has more insight into the rolling suspension changes for Gen 1 vehicles let me know. Many people had warranty replaced dampers due to excessive noise, so there already was some sort of improved Gen 1 suspension available in later years.

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[Eugenio]

I'm not sure of the answer. But I have a R1S Launch and the suspension has gotten much better with updates. There have a been a few times where I felt like something was wrong with it, seemed to ride really rough and I was about to schedule service, but then it seemed to correct itself. Not sure if it was an update or just restarting something kind of reset it, but overall I'm pretty happy with the ride - I too was nervous from what I read about it initially. And coming from a Model Y, it's way better and smoother. Who knows?

 

[meshugy]

After looking around the web a bit, it’s clear that the damper on my car is the original Monroe unit


https://www.ebay.com/itm/395167289425

it seems that Rivian is still using Monroe dampers, but they’ve been modified for the R1S, at least for the rear. Spring rates also changed on Gen 2.

Here’s the new damper

Changes to suspension explained by Rivian here:

 

[Jonger1150]

I'm love to convince the SC to install the new dampers in my 2024 R1T.

Also, hoping for new half-shaft redesigns at some point to cut down on the chatter.

 

[jpmc86]

Gen2 air springs are retrofitablemto gen1. Our 2023 R1S has them on all four corners, and the difference is substantial. Even the steering wheel
Is smoother. Happy to say our R1 is quiet and smooth, aside from axel design noise.

 

[meshugy]

Gen2 air springs are retrofitablemto gen1. Our 2023 R1S has them on all four corners, and the difference is substantial. Even the steering wheel
Is smoother. Happy to say our R1 is quiet and smooth, aside from axel design noise.

how did you end up with the updated air springs? Was this a warranty repair or did you source them yourself?

 

[jpmc86]

how did you end up with the updated air springs? Was this a warranty repair or did you source them yourself?

Warranty repair. Clunk noises etc…

 

[Tarball]

One of the things I hated about my G1 was clunks, squeaks, and other suspension noises that made it sound like a 25 year old Chevy truck with leaf springs.

I know that the jounce lines and other parts have been redesigned. I really want to pickup a G2 but after so so many issues with G1’s suspension, I’m hesitant.

Anyone able to tell me they have a solid, squeak/thunk/rattle/problem free G2 suspension?

I expect the clicking when adjusting ride height, but otherwise it was seriously embarrassing how much noise it made.

 

[Jonger1150]

Gen2 air springs are retrofitablemto gen1. Our 2023 R1S has them on all four corners, and the difference is substantial. Even the steering wheel
Is smoother. Happy to say our R1 is quiet and smooth, aside from axel design noise.

Do you have part numbers?

 

[jpmc86]

One of the things I hated about my G1 was clunks, squeaks, and other suspension noises that made it sound like a 25 year old Chevy truck with leaf springs.

I know that the jounce lines and other parts have been redesigned. I really want to pickup a G2 but after so so many issues with G1’s suspension, I’m hesitant.

Anyone able to tell me they have a solid, squeak/thunk/rattle/problem free G2 suspension?

I expect the clicking when adjusting ride height, but otherwise it was seriously embarrassing how much noise it made.

G2 still has it. That being said, all of the retrofits that make g2 better are adaptable to g1 and are offered as repairs through warranty.

 

[Jonger1150]

G2 still has it. That being said, all of the retrofits that make g2 better are adaptable to g1 and are offered as repairs through warranty.

Sounds like you got the dampers replaced. That's not always easy to get done, the SC generally doesn't approve this. Did you have to fight for it much?

 

[jpmc86]

Sounds like you got the dampers replaced. That's not always easy to get done, the SC generally doesn't approve this. Did you have to fight for it much?

Well that depends. Up front is a coil over setup so yes, damper and air strut. Back was just the rear air strut and I don’t believe the damper.

That being said, the biggest difference between gen1 and gen2 suspension is the airbag itself which sets different spring rates and has new rubber from Firestone industrial.

It was easy for me.

 

[meshugy]

Schematics for Gen 1 suspension: https://www.oem1stop.com/sites/default/files/Rivian_SG_R1-Suspension-System(2-6-23).pdf

 

[Noplacelikeloam]

MIne were replaced and I didnt have to fight for it at all. Its running amazing now. So good, Im hesitant to trade it for a different Riv.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

One of the things I hated about my G1 was clunks, squeaks, and other suspension noises that made it sound like a 25 year old Chevy truck with leaf springs.

I know that the jounce lines and other parts have been redesigned. I really want to pickup a G2 but after so so many issues with G1’s suspension, I’m hesitant.

Anyone able to tell me they have a solid, squeak/thunk/rattle/problem free G2 suspension?

I expect the clicking when adjusting ride height, but otherwise it was seriously embarrassing how much noise it made.

The gen 2 suspension is much better with the noises. I didn't realize how Loud my gen 1 was until I got my tri.

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