Is the R1T tie rod integral to the steering rack?

[dogcheeselaundry]

Quick question - longer story to follow: is the R1T tie rod integral to the steering rack? I bent a tie rod last week - and I am being told by the Rivian service team that it requires replacement of the entire rack ($4957) rather than just swapping out the rod (at most a $500).

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[connoisseurr]

There’s no way…

 

[dogcheeselaundry]

That was my reaction. Can't make this up.

Cause: bent tie rod

Correction/Remedy: steering rack, remove and replace.

 

[R1Tom]

Yikes!

 

[WSea]

What happen to that guy in Moab that broke his tie rod and a rescue service did a temporary weld so he could drive out?

 

[dogcheeselaundry]

Yeah exactly. I’m either being lied to or more likely the rivian supply chain only provides for tie rods attached to steer columns (for production). Needless to say either way I’m getting rid of the truck. $5k/tie rod isn’t in the cards for me.

 

[kanundrum]

Pretty sure its more than just a bent tie rod if they are replacing the rack, maybe enough impact its throwing everything out of alignment especially systems like Driver+ etc.

Keep in mind Driver+ relies on steering so if a bent tire rod sent any minimal damage to the steering rack it has to be replaced as well. Im sure the ticket needs more detail but try to talk to the tech for a valid explanation.


Edit, what did you do to bend a tie rod (not calling out just wanting more information for explanation).

 

[SANZC02]

Yeah exactly. I’m either being lied to or more likely the rivian supply chain only provides for tie rods attached to steer columns (for production). Needless to say either way I’m getting rid of the truck. $5k/tie rod isn’t in the cards for me.

Did you talk to the service department? Are they saying the tie rods are not replaceable or that the rack is damaged as well?

 

[electruck]

Pretty sure its more than just a bent tie rod if they are replacing the rack,

I've seen this before with a DIY repair so no chance the mechanic was pulling a fast one on me.

 

[electruck]

I wouldn't jump to conclusion without more info, right now details are sketchy and there is likely more to this than it seems.

 

[dogcheeselaundry]

Did you talk to the service department? Are they saying the tie rods are not replaceable or that the rack is damaged as well?

Spoke to the service rep last week - and asked specifically about why the rack needed to be replaced. He said the tie rod is integrated with the rack.

 

[dogcheeselaundry]

I wouldn't jump to conclusion without more info, right now details are sketchy and there is likely more to this than it seems.

Which is why I asked the question re tie rod being integrated or not. If it isn't than the only reason to replace the rack is that it is considered damaged (which would be hard to tell without taking it out)

 

[dogcheeselaundry]

Pretty sure its more than just a bent tie rod if they are replacing the rack, maybe enough impact its throwing everything out of alignment especially systems like Driver+ etc.

Keep in mind Driver+ relies on steering so if a bent tire rod sent any minimal damage to the steering rack it has to be replaced as well. Im sure the ticket needs more detail but try to talk to the tech for a valid explanation.


Edit, what did you do to bend a tie rod (not calling out just wanting more information for explanation).

That is good feedback - and as others have commented good to keep an open mind. Re the damage - just pot holes on a dirt road. Was surprised that is all it took.

 

[Madsen203]

Good to learn this short coming. $5k for an integrated tie rod. Wow. This is not an adventure vehicle unless you like adventures to the bank.

 

[atebit]

Any chance your comprehensive insurance would cover it?

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