Half-Shaft issue thread

[kyledmb]

We know it's a different interface than the Gen 1 Bosch motors (origin drivetrain), but I didn't realize the manufacturer had changed.

My Gen 1 quad had it's half shafts and hub assemblies replaced in November, granted I'm not launching it like I did when I took delivery, but thus far, not a single issue. Orignials, i started to notice play within a month or so of ownership, obviously not as pronounced by the time I had them replaced, but anyone paying attention to them could tell something was off.

So your issue was related to the halfshaft-to-wheel hub connection point? No issues with your front drive unit(s)?

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[kyledmb]

Sorry this seems to be a never ending issue, but it also makes me very happy the R2 will be using standard trouble-free off the shelf splined half shafts that other vehicles have been using since the 1970's.

I've heard a Rivian service tech echo your same sentiment!

 

[NY_Rob]

I've heard a Rivian service tech echo your same sentiment!

If the half shaft manufacturer isn't paying for all these replacements (plus labor, plus towing, plus rental car costs), it's got tot be costing Rivian a fortune. As a stockholder, that's very concerning.

 

[kyledmb]

If the half shaft manufacturer isn't paying for all these replacements (plus labor, plus towing, plus rental car costs), it's got tot be costing Rivian a fortune. As a stockholder, that's very concerning.

They have a fix for the jounce assembly. They have a fix for the original dampers. They have a fix for the old creaky welded subframe.

They badly need to figure out this halfshaft issue. Its a problem with so many symptoms. I think we are all hopeful they can do this soon.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

So your issue was related to the halfshaft-to-wheel hub connection point? No issues with your front drive unit(s)?

All 4 drive units have been completely without issue. I had thought that was where the problem was originating, because when I took off my front wheel to investigate, you could see the half shaft would rotate, all the way to the motor itself but couldn't get in far enough to determine the route cause, half shaft or motor.

In the end, it was the halfshaft and potentially a combination bad wheel hub assembly. This was taken in April '24. It was deemed within spec (unfortunately) and was sent on my way. It wasn't until January of this year that it was properly addressed, and undeniably an issue.

Since then smooth as butter from start to stop.

 

[kyledmb]

All 4 drive units have been completely without issue. I had thought that was where the problem was originating, because when I took off my front wheel to investigate, you could see the half shaft would rotate, all the way to the motor itself but couldn't get in far enough to determine the route cause, half shaft or motor.

In the end, it was the halfshaft and potentially a combination bad wheel hub assembly. This was taken in April '24. It was deemed within spec (unfortunately) and was sent on my way. It wasn't until January of this year that it was properly addressed, and undeniably an issue.

Since then smooth as butter from start to stop.

I think I've seen that video before. Man, I bet that sounded terrible when under full regen coming to a stop!

 

[AuntRivian]

Jumping in here to add my experience. I started with at 24 R1T Dual Motor (non performance) lease, drove for 5k miles, zero acceleration or tire vibes. I even went from OEM 21's to 20's with 34" toyos. Had some vibes at high speed (cruising) but was definitely tire related.

Early this year I traded that lease in and purchased a 22 R1T Quad demo (Oct build, 40miles on it). Factory 20" with 34" pirellis. Very smooth still, no vibes anywhere until I hit about 900 miles, then I noticed an acceleration only vibe under hard throttle (in AP mode/normal height). I now have 4000 miles and it's progressively gotten worse. I happens at moderate to normal acceleration from 40-60mph, or at any speed under hard acceleration. It clearly feels like its coming from the drivetrain, not the tires. I can feel it in my feet, not the steering wheel. Tires do not vibe at any speed when cruising, still very smooth. If I put the suspension in low, I do not get any vibes even under hard acceleration. Normal I get vibes. High I get VERY noticeable vibes. All under acceleration only.

This is probably my CV joints. Could it also be a loose motor mount or crack in my welded subframe? Rivian inspected everything around 1k miles when it was in for other issues. Nothing found. Drove with the tech and he said "that's actually better than most" and blamed the All Terrains, lol.

Just disappointing because my dual motor did not have this issue. I expect it to keep getting worse, then I'll take it in again.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Jumping in here to add my experience. I started with at 24 R1T Dual Motor (non performance) lease, drove for 5k miles, zero acceleration or tire vibes. I even went from OEM 21's to 20's with 34" toyos. Had some vibes at high speed (cruising) but was definitely tire related.

Early this year I traded that lease in and purchased a 22 R1T Quad demo (Oct build, 40miles on it). Factory 20" with 34" pirellis. Very smooth still, no vibes anywhere until I hit about 900 miles, then I noticed an acceleration only vibe under hard throttle (in AP mode/normal height). I now have 4000 miles and it's progressively gotten worse. I happens at moderate to normal acceleration from 40-60mph, or at any speed under hard acceleration. It clearly feels like its coming from the drivetrain, not the tires. I can feel it in my feet, not the steering wheel. Tires do not vibe at any speed when cruising, still very smooth. If I put the suspension in low, I do not get any vibes even under hard acceleration. Normal I get vibes. High I get VERY noticeable vibes. All under acceleration only.

This is probably my CV joints. Could it also be a loose motor mount or crack in my welded subframe? Rivian inspected everything around 1k miles when it was in for other issues. Nothing found. Drove with the tech and he said "that's actually better than most" and blamed the All Terrains, lol.

Just disappointing because my dual motor did not have this issue. I expect it to keep getting worse, then I'll take it in again.

Driveway mechanic here, but it's odd that you would only feel it under acceleration load, you should feel it under both throttle and regen.

 

[AuntRivian]

Driveway mechanic here, but it's odd that you would only feel it under acceleration load, you should feel it under both throttle and regen.

I had that thought too. Smooth as butter under regen.

 

[DayTripping]

All 4 drive units have been completely without issue. I had thought that was where the problem was originating, because when I took off my front wheel to investigate, you could see the half shaft would rotate, all the way to the motor itself but couldn't get in far enough to determine the route cause, half shaft or motor.

In the end, it was the halfshaft and potentially a combination bad wheel hub assembly. This was taken in April '24. It was deemed within spec (unfortunately) and was sent on my way. It wasn't until January of this year that it was properly addressed, and undeniably an issue.

Since then smooth as butter from start to stop.

This is like a Kesha song - TiK ToK. I think her song predicted the halfshaft issue about 12 years in advance.

 

[kyledmb]

This is like a Kesha song - TiK ToK. I think her song predicted the halfshaft issue about 12 years in advance.

Spot on. And both equally annoying to hear.

 

[Jonger1150]

Ok Jon...it's about 80 here in Tacoma for the first time this year, and...my truck is near silent. Not only that, the ride feels softer and seems to soak up the familiar bumps in my area with ease. Other than a little steering wheel vibration and shake it feels like back in Jan/Feb when it was brand new.

This makes no sense!

It's definitely a bit noisier on bad parking lot surfaces at low speed. I'm pretty used to the sounds now. I'm also confident a new half-shaft will be available at some point.

 

[Jonger1150]

Sorry this seems to be a never ending issue, but it also makes me very happy the R2 will be using standard trouble-free off the shelf splined half shafts that other vehicles have been using since the 1970's.

Those half-shafts with a 7000 lb vehicle sure can be noisy. I'm not sure what other solution there is beyond deleting the air suspension and ruining the ride.

 

[NY_Rob]

Those half-shafts with a 7000 lb vehicle sure can be noisy. I'm not sure what other solution there is beyond deleting the air suspension and ruining the ride.

Yeah, it's a newer/less common technology that may not be ideal in this application. Folks towing might be accelerating wear at an even greater rate.

 

[Ceejay]

My first Rivian was a LE QM R1T. It had all the usual “repairs” for this problem non of which lasted more than a few hundred miles. Finally, in desperation, I demanded Rivian replace the vehicle. They, after much slow walking, offered a new QM which I refused. After further “negotiations” Rivian replaced the QM with a DM as I originally requested. While I only have 6,000 miles on the new vehicle I am very happy with it. Having had both the QM and the DM I really don’t miss the added performance of the QM and definitely don’t miss the numerous five hour round trips to the SC.

Do the dual motor trucks not have this half shaft issue?

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