Suspension Clunking in Gen 2 R1S with 22" Sport Wheels—Is This Normal , fixable?

[R1SExplorer]

Question:

I recently test-drove a 2025 Gen 2 Rivian R1S with 22" Sport wheels, and while I loved the overall ride quality, I noticed a clunking noise from the suspension when going over speed bumps and uneven roads at low speeds.

For those who own a Gen 2 R1S with 22" wheels, have you experienced this? If so, did Rivian service address it, or is it just part of how the suspension is designed? I'm on the fence about ordering one and would appreciate any insights.

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[kyledmb]

Yes, this is "normal" and also can be very disturbing. I have an R1T Tri motor with the 22" wheels. I also notice that in addition to the noise, there is also a harshness in the ride feel and added shake/slop in the steering when this is happening. My Gen1 Quad did this really bad, worsening over time. It got so bad that it freaked people out that rode in my truck. Sounded like the vehicle was about to fall apart with a bunch of billiard balls in the frunk. 6 service appointments and a bunch of replaced suspension components didn't fix it (new dampers, halfshafts, jounce assemblies, hub/knuckle torque, etc).

The issue doesn't seem to impact everyone, or maybe it just doesn't bother some. Both my Rivians were totally quiet when brand new, sooo...its not normal, I believe. Crazy that Rivian doesn't officially acknowledge this issue, because - like your current situation indicates - it's driving people away from the brand. They need to acknowledge it, explain the cause and components involved, and commit to finding a realistic solution.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

If it's the air sound of the shock, all air suspensions make that sound on a big enough bump. Without hearing the noise you're talking about, I cannot say for sure, but there is a normal sound of the airbag compressing.

 

[Kaiju]

I don't suppose you have your suspension set to soft?

I recently learned that Rivian suspensions on soft can bottom out when going over deep bumps, causing an audible thunk and sometimes an impact felt through the floor. It also happens during rebound if it hits max extend.

I figured I had a bad bushing or a loose damper, but no. Apparently the thunk is the bottom of the piston in I presume the air spring hitting the stops inside the cylinder.

This also explains an incident from before they fixed the auto ride height bug and I hit a big bump while in low/soft unbeknownst to me and got more or less launched into the stratosphere.

 

[beeglowbot]

Yup, it's that crashing sound that some reviewers mentioned. Set suspension to moderate to help some, but it won't be as pillowy.

 

[skonljsr]

I have a 2022 R1T and just had it in for that suspension noise. I mentioned dampeners, and the service manager went for a ride with me as I explained the noise going over bumps. He to stated it was normal for air suspension. It does seem to be getting more pronounced over time. My Rivian has 39k on it. Other than the noise from suspension I had the noisy half shafts they just replaced along with the wheel hubs. I’m coming up on 3 years with my R1T and love every minute of it. This past service visit was the first time it’s been in for service other than the recalls and routine mileage check visits. I do agree with many on the forum that they really need to get their act together on the service side. Overall excited to see how they progress as a vehicle manufacturer!

 

[Jonger1150]

The deep thump is the air bags in your suspension.
The slight rattle you here is the half-shaft bearing extensions.

All normal. If you want a silent suspension, get a coil over with zero vertical adjustment.

I don't believe the R2 has air suspension, so it should be quiet.

 

[2kwik4u]

All normal. If you want a silent suspension, get a coil over with zero vertical adjustment.

BS.

Something is either loose in the front suspension, or there are ancillary parts under the hood that are poorly secured. These are NOT normal noises, and blaming it on the airsprings is absurd.

My Audi didn't do this. Neither did my TBSS. Neither did my Yukon. All on air adjustable suspension systems.

The Rivian sounds like a bucket of bolts when traversing any "sharp edged" terrain at speed. Potholes, expansion joints, and other interactions that cause high speed suspension movement. It seriously detracts from the luxury vibe otherwise enjoyed from the vehicle. Had 2 different service techs tell me this is just the way it is, with one saying "yea, these trucks are just kind of rattly".

Really dilutes the luxury you should feel from the vehicle IMO.

 

[bfilippo]

I don’t hear any rattles in my Gen2 Dual Standard on the new 20” AS/AT Goodyear tires. 7200 miles. If I go over a frost heave at 55 mph the truck obviously jostles a bit, but not really hearing anything beyond the normal sound of going over a giant bump with a heavy vehicle. But maybe I’m just not as attuned to it as I have seen many mention this and the “clunk” when switching to both motors, which I also don’t notice.

 

[Jonger1150]

I don’t hear any rattles in my Gen2 Dual Standard on the new 20” AS/AT Goodyear tires. 7200 miles. If I go over a frost heave at 55 mph the truck obviously jostles a bit, but not really hearing anything beyond the normal sound of going over a giant bump with a heavy vehicle. But maybe I’m just not as attuned to it as I have seen many mention this and the “clunk” when switching to both motors, which I also don’t notice.

That's not normal (for this vehicle). There is some sort of calibration reconfiguration required by a mobile service visit. Rivian isn't saying much about this.

 

[Jonger1150]

BS.

Something is either loose in the front suspension, or there are ancillary parts under the hood that are poorly secured. These are NOT normal noises, and blaming it on the airsprings is absurd.

My Audi didn't do this. Neither did my TBSS. Neither did my Yukon. All on air adjustable suspension systems.

The Rivian sounds like a bucket of bolts when traversing any "sharp edged" terrain at speed. Potholes, expansion joints, and other interactions that cause high speed suspension movement. It seriously detracts from the luxury vibe otherwise enjoyed from the vehicle. Had 2 different service techs tell me this is just the way it is, with one saying "yea, these trucks are just kind of rattly".

Really dilutes the luxury you should feel from the vehicle IMO.

Just curious, what model Audi did you have? Did the Audi or Yukon have 7 inches of adjustable travel and a half-shaft with moving internal parts?

 

[2kwik4u]

Just curious, what model Audi did you have? Did the Audi or Yukon have 7 inches of adjustable travel and a half-shaft with moving internal parts?

My Audi Q7 had 3.5in (90mm) of travel adjustment. No idea on the half shaft construction (although most CV's have moving internal parts, it's how they work). Yukon and SS were load levelling. Friend has a Grand Cherokee with 4.1in of adjustment. Also doesn't clunk like dammit over bumps.

Rivian could have 6ft of travel adjustment for all I care, it's no excuse for a suspension system that sounds like a broken hay wagon to exist on a $80k+ vehicle.

Hell, I put aftermarket air suspension on an S10 pickup in the '90's that didn't sound like this. It's frankly quite embarrassing when showing off the vehicle to other people and they ask "Is it supposed to clunk like that?"

 

[beeglowbot]

He to stated it was normal for air suspension.

maybe for that specific setup but that's definitely not universal. I've had a few air suspension cars and none of them clunked like these.

 

[PaythePiper]

Mine kind of rattles if that makes sense. A 1966 ford pinto is quieter than this suspension. Kind of wish they didn’t go with air suspension. Way too many issues and very expensive to fix

 

[Jonger1150]

My guess is that they could redesign the suspension, but they have to put most of their emphasis on the R2 right now. Maybe Gen 3 works the kinks out.... and adds 800V.

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