R2 Jack Point Design - Potential Issues / Challenges

[Mark_AZR1T]

This is the new jack point for the R2. The 2"×4" high‑density polymer pad is the designated load surface, and the cavity in the center is difficult to justify from a functional standpoint for service facilities. The cavity would most likely be for a Rivian supplied scissor jack? Nothing outside that small rectangle is weight‑bearing, which means no traditional floor jack or bottle jack can properly interface with it. From a serviceability perspective, it’s an unusual choice

Rivian uses a small‑diameter round aluminum puck with a cross‑hatched top for lifting, and as a vendor, I’ve seen both that puck and the service‑center lift adapter firsthand. This design has the potential to create real challenges for tire shops and general service facilities unfamiliar with the R2’s lift geometry, as well as the DIY crowd.

When speaking with the Rivian team, they noted the jack point was optimized for their service centers. Even so, the R1 design is significantly more forgiving when it comes to locating and securing a jackpuck (lift adapter). Below is an example (photo taken by me) of the cross‑hatch imprint from the production R2 lift puck provided by Rivian Engineering.

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[DuoRivian]

Thanks for sharing, this is disappointing. When people go to buy new tires this is, as you mention, going to cause problems.
I really hoped for jacking and for 12V battery would be more normal than R1 to make it easier out in the real (non Rivian service center) world. Oh well.

 

[algo]

I would imagine the divot in the center to help with properly locating what ever jack pad they whipped up for the R2.

 

[tkauftheil]

So does that mean that the pucks we currently have for the R1’s are also useless for the R2?

 

[SANZC02]

This is the new jack point for the R2. The 2"×4" high‑density polymer pad is the designated load surface, and the cavity in the center is difficult to justify from a functional standpoint. Nothing outside that small rectangle is weight‑bearing, which means no traditional floor jack or bottle jack can properly interface with it. From a serviceability perspective, it’s an unusual choice.

Rivian uses a small‑diameter round aluminum puck with a cross‑hatched top for lifting, and as a vendor, I’ve seen both that puck and the service‑center lift adapter firsthand. This design has the potential to create real challenges for tire shops and general service facilities unfamiliar with the R2’s lift geometry, as well as the DIY crowd.

When speaking with the Rivian team, they noted the jack point was optimized for their service centers. Even so, the R1 design is significantly more forgiving when it comes to locating and securing a jackpuck (lift adapter). Below is an example (photo taken by me) of the cross‑hatch imprint from the production R2 lift puck provided by Rivian Engineering.

Thanks for the heads up, are you guys going to create pucks for the R2?

 

[Epzey]

Why do they keep doing this?

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

So does that mean that the pucks we currently have for the R1’s are also useless for the R2?

That is correct.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Thanks for the heads up, are you guys going to create pucks for the R2?

We have a couple of designs already made, but there are just so many compromises with the OEM jack point, that it is literally baffling to me.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Why do they keep doing this?

Exactly.

 

[Mellowyellow]

@Mark_AZR1T In your opinion, is there an actual reason for this? When they say the jack point is optimized for their service centers, what does that mean? It looks like its optimized because they only want them lifted by service centers.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Exactly.

+1 for WTF

 

[dleepnw]

Guess the crossbars aren't the only thing not compatible between the R1 and R2. Looks like were going to need jack pucks unique to this design. Strange choice.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

I would imagine the divot in the center to help with properly locating what ever jack pad they whipped up for the R2.

I get the idea, but the R2 jack point simply isn’t machined for positive engagement. There’s no defined locating feature, and the center cavity isn’t a keyed geometry (look at rounding of edges). Unlike the R1, a puck can’t lock in, everything depends on friction and precise placement.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

@Mark_AZR1T In your opinion, is there an actual reason for this? When they say the jack point is optimized for their service centers, what does that mean? It looks like its optimized because they only want them lifted by service centers.

Maybe there’s a rationale we haven’t heard yet, but as it stands, the R2 jack point is nowhere near as secure or intuitive as the R1. “Optimized for service centers” feels more like “only safe in service centers.”

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

This is the old "engineers aren't mechanics" saying all over again. They had the option to design this and other components to be completely cross-compatible with the R1. Another disappointing choice.

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