Tool mark or damage to steering linkage. Opinions requested

[acjetpilot]

Good Afternoon all,

1st post after nearly one year of ownership! I'd like to ask the community help in determining whether what I'm looking at is a tool mark which has been addressed (blended?) by Rivian or something that has developed over time. Before the first question even is asked:
1) Wrote Rivian and provided same pictures as what I will be posting here
2) Nearest service center is 4 hours away
3) Mobile tech will not be coming out as they want to put the vehicle on a lift to look for themselves

The images below are from the right front wheel well, horseshoe looking linkage (sorry for the incredibly bad naming of aforementioned part). On the three photos, what I have circled depicts a slight diagonal line with no discernible depth (fingernail method). What might also be noticeable is the blending(scuffing) of the metal encompassing the mark. I'm not noticing ANY difficulties in any handling. It just happened to catch my attention when I was rotating my tires. Thanks to the community, in advance.

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[k3g]

Can't help you as far as "is that a crack" from just photos, but I can give you the right words:

That's your front suspension's upper control arm, on the front side. That looks to be the passenger side front. My truck doesn't have that line:

I wouldn't spend much time in Rally Mode til that got looked at, personally.

 

[Guy]

Maybe I am missing something but it looks like a slight indentation. Good to have it checked, not sure how worried (or not) to be.

 

[240vPlug]

Get it checked by service. Better to be safe than to risk it. Its possible it could be a fracture but very difficult to be certain from photos. It would be enough for me to schedule service on it.

 

[usofrob]

If you really want to know, it's probably a good idea to get your fingers in there and feel around. But, it's hard to tell the difference from a crack or a scratch. But if it's smooth and wipes off, then you can save a trip by the service team.

 

[acjetpilot]

Can't help you as far as "is that a crack" from just photos, but I can give you the right words:

That's your front suspension's upper control arm, on the front side. That looks to be the passenger side front. My truck doesn't have that line:

I wouldn't spend much time in Rally Mode til that got looked at, personally.

Thanks for the correct terminology! Going in circles w/Rivian at the moment. Don’t wish to drive 4 hours to the service center for a potential issue and they are firm about me driving 4 hours to the service center.

 

[R1Tom]

Thanks for the correct terminology! Going in circles w/Rivian at the moment. Don’t wish to drive 4 hours to the service center for a potential issue and they are firm about me driving 4 hours to the service center.

Tell them then if it is safety concern they should come and get it with a flatbed at their cost per their policy.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Tell them then if it is safety concern they should come and get it with a flatbed at their cost per their policy.

It's only a safety concern if it's actually cracked. If not, and it's a scratch, a flatbed trip isn't required. The most fair would be Rivian eats the tow if it's cracked and OP does if it isn't.

 

[R1Tom]

It's only a safety concern if it's actually cracked. If not, and it's a scratch, a flatbed trip isn't required. The most fair would be Rivian eats the tow if it's cracked and OP does if it isn't.

I would let Rivian make that determination and make it clear to them I voiced my concerns regarding safety on the record. If that arm would separate on my way to the service center it is well documented I was concerned that could happen. Then let them decide if I should drive it in or not. And if they say not...then they pay for tow.

 

[acjetpilot]

I would let Rivian make that determination and make it clear to them I voiced my concerns regarding safety on the record. If that arm would separate on my way to the service center it is well documented I was concerned that could happen. Then let them decide if I should drive it in or not. And if they say not...then they pay for tow.

I’m even going to offer option 3. Just let me replace the darn part myself. Honest question , but it doesn’t look that difficult to replace or am I wrong?

 

[k3g]

I’m even going to offer option 3. Just let me replace the darn part myself. Honest question , but it doesn’t look that difficult to replace or am I wrong?

Just let them handle it: They have insurance and a warranty.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

I’m even going to offer option 3. Just let me replace the darn part myself. Honest question , but it doesn’t look that difficult to replace or am I wrong?

Replacing a UCA yourself while the vehicle is under warranty will certainly void it. If you are concerned, take it to a more local mechanic and have them do a once over. If it's cracked Rivian will likely pay to tow it etc. If it's just a scratch or tooling mark, then you have the peace of mind it's a non issue.

 

[acjetpilot]

Thank you for the feedback. That is a sound option that I’m going to follow. I’ll take it to a mechanic I trust and have him give me a non-biased answer (hopefully). If it turns out to be more serious than a scratch, Rivian can come pick it up.

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