Rattling front left suspension - Anyone else?

[JRG]

Has anyone experienced a problem with their R1T front left suspension? Bought it with 30k miles and with in a week of buying it the suspension started rattling and squeaking like a pirate ship. It sounds like the control arm is loose, which is what happen to my Tesla model 3 and they replaced them because of a factory defect. Have taken it in 3 times and they have had it for a month in total and I’ve only owned it for 3 months. I love the truck and the best I’ve ever owned in 45 years. They replaced the suspension damper twice and it’s fine for 30-50 miles and the noise starts up on any bumpy road. Help!

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[MRE]

The suspension on these trucks is noisy for sure. It's hard to say if yours is the same without actually hearing it in person, but mine has been noisy since the day I got it (w/ 10 miles on it). I think the weight of the vehicle and the overly complex suspension design work together to cause it. The good news is, I'm 50k miles in and it hasn't gotten any worse. In most scenarios though, the suspension on my 140k mile Jeep Wrangler is less noisy. I'm hoping we see a refresh someday that includes standard suspension and sway bars.

 

[CO-Ed]

I have a suspension noise, too - had it since taking delivery 20k miles ago. it's tough to describe the sound and so I'm not sure we're experiencing the same issue. I've had the front driver-side damper replaced and that seemed to cut down the noise but not eliminate it. I'm heading back for service this week (for tonneau and other things) and will ask about getting the rear-drivers damper replaced.

For what it's worth, I had a mobile service visit, and the tech heard the noise on our test drive - he thought it was the cable inside the driver's door. He demonstrated the sound when we parked the truck by shaking the door and we could hear some rattling. Then he shook the door again while pulling on the inside handle, tighening the cable, and the noise was gone.

 

[JRG]

The suspension on these trucks is noisy for sure. It's hard to say if yours is the same without actually hearing it in person, but mine has been noisy since the day I got it (w/ 10 miles on it). I think the weight of the vehicle and the overly complex suspension design work together to cause it. The good news is, I'm 50k miles in and it hasn't gotten any worse. In most scenarios though, the suspension on my 140k mile Jeep Wrangler is less noisy. I'm hoping we see a refresh someday that includes standard suspension and sway bars.

Thanks for the info. If both sides were rattling and squeaking, I wouldn't be as concerned, but with just left side it may warrant a trip to a suspension shop for a second opinion.

 

[JRG]

I have a suspension noise, too - had it since taking delivery 20k miles ago. it's tough to describe the sound and so I'm not sure we're experiencing the same issue. I've had the front driver-side damper replaced and that seemed to cut down the noise but not eliminate it. I'm heading back for service this week (for tonneau and other things) and will ask about getting the rear-drivers damper replaced.

For what it's worth, I had a mobile service visit, and the tech heard the noise on our test drive - he thought it was the cable inside the driver's door. He demonstrated the sound when we parked the truck by shaking the door and we could hear some rattling. Then he shook the door again while pulling on the inside handle, tighening the cable, and the noise was gone.

Thanks for the info as well. I tried the door trick and no luck creating the sound. Will keep chasing the issue.

 

[Frisbee]

Hard to tell from the description but I chased a front “suspension” noise for a long time with the Service Center all to no avail. Finally out of frustration I jacked the front end up and rotated/shook the tires and it was clear gear lash was the problem. Had previously had the bandaid half shaft repairs (twice) which fixed nothing. Two front drive unit replacements and a sub frame replacement later Rivian took the R1T back.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I know how frustrating this can be. Had this issue on a Tesla Model Y and after 9 months and six service center visits they bought it back.

The squeaking is normal unfortunately. With these trucks you will hear everything going on up there. Some level of noise is normal but its hard to say what is and isn't normal because the trucks can be noisy over uneven pavement to begin with.

What you need is a set of chassis ears. You need to place them in different areas and try to isolate where the noise is coming from. The other thing you can do is take it to an independent repair facility. They can check suspension for play...its pretty easy really....very carefully using a large pry bar to check each component. They can also check the torque on all the front end components.

To me the most valuable is finding out where the noise is coming from and thoroughly investigating that area.

Investigating noise complaints is always a challenge for any shop. try taking the panel out of the frunk, probably not the cause, but try to rule out the simple things first. If its not suspension you only have so many other things. Half shafts can make noise as can subframe.

Sorry I can't be of more help to you on this.

 

[El Comcasto]

Does it sound anything like this? I'm getting a muffled rattling type sound from underneath my R1T. Almost like a muffled sound from a prize wheel with the pegs and needle going around a slow speeds and at neutral acceleration/pedal position.

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