Issues with Michelin Defender LTX MS/2

[LeftMySoulinNM]

DT strikes again. I would never go there with my Rivian.

So where would you go? Hi have Costco and DT, otherwise lots of local shops with probably less experience on EVs…

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[ksurfier]

So where would you go? Hi have Costco and DT, otherwise lots of local shops with probably less experience on EVs…

Maybe anywhere else? Maybe a taco shop that serves food/beer at least while you watch your Rivian get dismantled?

 

[Brian A]

I recently installed Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 tires (size 275/60/R20, XL load rating) on my Gen 1 quad-motor Rivian R1S. Since the installation, I’ve been experiencing significant vibrations through the steering wheel at highway speeds. I took it back to Discount Tire, and they said the load index wasn’t high enough for what Rivian recommends for their vehicles, and they have never put them on their cars

They told me the vehicle is “perfectly balanced” and attributed the issue to the tire specifications. While they assured me that it’s safe to drive, they said there would be reduced performance which I expected due to the reduced tire width. The technician also mentioned that the dual-motor R1S models don’t have as many problems with these tires, but the quad-motor version tends to experience issues because of the higher torque output. This didn’t make much sense to me, as maintaining the same speed would require a similar amount of power from both powertrains and i was only experiencing these issues at highway speeds.

I’m wondering if I made the wrong choice with these tires and some good next steps. I’d appreciate any advice on this issue or recommendations for 20” tires that other owners have had success with on the quad-motor R1S.

What do you mean by "Reduced width"? The tire is a 275mm wide tire. The only thing you changed was the aspect ratio (tire height) from 65% to 60% of the width.

All aside, make sure they road force balance the front tires. If that doesn't fix the issue, rotate the tires to the back and see if the problem moves. If not, it might be a suspension issue.

 

[ksurfier]

What do you mean by "Reduced width"? The tire is a 275mm wide tire. The only thing you changed was the aspect ratio (tire height) from 65% to 60% of the width.

All aside, make sure they road force balance the front tires. If that doesn't fix the issue, rotate the tires to the back and see if the problem moves. If not, it might be a suspension issue.

It’s not the overall tire width, it’s the tread width which is less than 8”…my guess is that the installer really has to know how to properly balance the tire since it will be more sensitive to weight imbalance. There could also be variance in the tire construction that could cause potential issues, but I wouldn’t expect Michelin to have too many of these quality control issues…

 

[CrazyOne]

What times are you using? OEM or aftermarket? Aftermarket rims can sometimes have compatibility issues and may need something (spacers?). If tires are balanced, I would also look past the tire itself. If possible swap back to 21s temporary on front/rear for testing.

 

[No_Name5330]

So taking it into rivian and i got a quote for $357 just for road force balancing… This seems a little excessive. What have you guys payed for it in the past at rivian, and if possible could you send your invoice if $357 is over top.

 

[No_Name5330]

What times are you using? OEM or aftermarket? Aftermarket rims can sometimes have compatibility issues and may need something (spacers?). If tires are balanced, I would also look past the tire itself. If possible swap back to 21s temporary on front/rear for testing.

i have the OEM 20” Darks as configured so it shouldn’t be an issue.

 

[snowboarder777]

So taking it into rivian and i got a quote for $357 just for road force balancing… This seems a little excessive. What have you guys payed for it in the past at rivian, and if possible could you send your invoice if $357 is over top.

Thats way too much. I pay 200 dollars to mount and road force at my independent installer. If they did not need to remove the tire and remount it they will charge me less if the road force was good from the beginning. Rivian should only charge you if the tire/wheel combo needs to be rematched for better road force numbers. Not sure why or how they even come up with 357..

 

[No_Name5330]

Thats way too much. I pay 200 dollars to mount and road force at my independent installer. If they did not need to remove the tire and remount it they will charge me less if the road force was good from the beginning. Rivian should only charge you if the tire/wheel combo needs to be rematched for better road force numbers. Not sure why or how they even come up with 357..

I agree i thought 357 was a little outrageous, that’s why i was hoping for come invoices so i can convince them to lower the price.

 

[SeaGeo]

One other thing I've heard come up with our rims is accidentally having a bunch of dirt in the rim at the time of balancing. I am guessing that's not the case for you and DT just screwed up your balance.

Like others said, try to always road force balance on the R1.

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