Master Thread: Suspension Sounds - What is and isn't normal?

[kyledmb]

Tampa SC picked it up last Friday and no updates yet. I recommended they inspect/replace the subframe since there isn’t much left that hasn’t been replaced. A cracked subframe would explain the noises and is probably the cause of the drivetrain shutter I get under hard acceleration. Not impressed with the service so far. This is the third time they are looking at this issue.

Any update?

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[Hellfire]

Any update?

Well they found a torn boot on my new half shafts and tried to claim that was causing the noise. They then delivered the vehicle saying everything was fixed but the first few miles I drove it I could tell it was still there and absolutely no improvement. I’ve now demanded for them to pick it back up and replace the subframe. The manager said “well what if we replace it and it still has an issue?”. My reply was if you can’t figure out how to fix it you’re going to buy it and it’ll be your truck. His reply was “ok” lol. They were supposed to have a loaner this week but it’s looking like next week. I can send you a video of the noise if you’re interested.

 

[Hellfire]

Any update?

So far I’ve had the half shafts changed twice, both front strut/damper assemblies, ting washers, and torquing of all bolts with no improvement. If you look at how the sub frame was fabricated it’s easy to identify what could cause the noise. Some of the suspension connections are flat bar that is slid through a milled slot in an extruded structural member with a through bolt holding it in. The flat bar wears the slot after miles of movement which increases the clearance between the parts. I’m able to move the connection up and down in the frame with a pry bar. That’s in an area that should be solid.

 

[kyledmb]

Well they found a torn boot on my new half shafts and tried to claim that was causing the noise. They then delivered the vehicle saying everything was fixed but the first few miles I drove it I could tell it was still there and absolutely no improvement. I’ve now demanded for them to pick it back up and replace the subframe. The manager said “well what if we replace it and it still has an issue?”. My reply was if you can’t figure out how to fix it you’re going to buy it and it’ll be your truck. His reply was “ok” lol. They were supposed to have a loaner this week but it’s looking like next week. I can send you a video of the noise if you’re interested.

I'd like to hear it.

Also, that's exactly what they did with mine. They bought the truck back.

You've hit the exact root of the problem: failure to diagnose the issue properly. It's like they are playing darts blindfolded, hoping to hit the target. That's not good for you. It's not good for them.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

It’s amazing what you can find with a pry bar. When the components move can you reproduce the sound? If so, that might be a good video to submit to Rivian with the service req.

 

[GCool]

I had an R1T and now have a 24 R1S. And I've driven a loaner S..... the T and the loaner S ran well and had a slight chirping sound over bumps... but my R1S is HORRIBLE. Sounds like a box of rocks in the frunk... I've had it in service multiple times and they finally fixed the loud CLUNK that happens over speed bumps... but all the other rattles remain.

I also test drove two different Gen2 R1S's. One sounded fine - huge improvement - the other sounded just like mine.

This is a big issue and I would guess that a large percentage of their cars have it.... but they like to say it's "in spec." I love Rivian - but the suspension is awful. Hence my deposit on the Scout I just hope the Scout isn't using Rivian for its parts.....

 

[Jonger1150]

This is 100% because of the long travel half-shafts -- and it could be fixed.

It's very cold here right now and my R1T makes ZERO NOISE now. This is a ball bearing shaft that simply needs to be encapsulated with grease or a grease zerk needs to be introduced into a redesign. I'm positive that with a proper amount of grease, this issue would be gone for most owners.

Reading my post history, you all should know how vocal I have been about the half-shaft chattering. The truck is silent and feels very durable right now.

 

[dleepnw]

I'd like to hear it.

Also, that's exactly what they did with mine. They bought the truck back.

You've hit the exact root of the problem: failure to diagnose the issue properly. It's like they are playing darts blindfolded, hoping to hit the target. That's not good for you. It's not good for them.

Wow, they bought it back after you had it 1.5 years? You must have had a lot of issues

 

[dleepnw]

So far I’ve had the half shafts changed twice, both front strut/damper assemblies, ting washers, and torquing of all bolts with no improvement. If you look at how the sub frame was fabricated it’s easy to identify what could cause the noise. Some of the suspension connections are flat bar that is slid through a milled slot in an extruded structural member with a through bolt holding it in. The flat bar wears the slot after miles of movement which increases the clearance between the parts. I’m able to move the connection up and down in the frame with a pry bar. That’s in an area that should be solid.

What kind of driving do you do? Just wondering if the type of terrain you're on exacerbates the design issues.

 

[Hellfire]

It’s amazing what you can find with a pry bar. When the components move can you reproduce the sound? If so, that might be a good video to submit to Rivian with the service req.

I can just get the movement but no noise because it would take a strong quick snap.

 

[Hellfire]

What kind of driving do you do? Just wondering if the type of terrain you're on exacerbates the design issues.

Just regular paved roads in FL

 

[Hellfire]

I'd like to hear it.

Also, that's exactly what they did with mine. They bought the truck back.

You've hit the exact root of the problem: failure to diagnose the issue properly. It's like they are playing darts blindfolded, hoping to hit the target. That's not good for you. It's not good for them.

 

[kyledmb]

ouch...that's rough.

 

[Hellfire]

ouch...that's rough.

In person it sounds much worse. It’s hard to get on camera. Literally sounds like a loose bolt.

 

[Hellfire]

ouch...that's rough.

What exactly did Rivian try on yours before a buy back?

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