Gen 2 cast subframe replacement (for failed welds on front subframe) - now like a new truck!

[Ilovejunebugs]

Had my R1T in for HVAC work (wet floor mats), also asked them to check the truck as when turning the wheel all the way right or left it would make a very noticeable ticking sound and feel unstable. They said welds had failed on the front subframe so it was replaced with a gen 2 subframe that was retrofit. What a difference - it's like a new truck! It's now so smooth. If you have this issue I'd suggest asking service to take a look (obviously this won't be the cause for every vehicle). I have an early vin (sub 5000) qm le R1T.

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[jemkewl]

Failed welds on a subframe. That doesn't sound promising. Glad to hear you are all fixed.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I wouldn't worry too much about this. Early R1 had a welded subframe. Rivian realized fairly quickly that the welds were prone to failure (probably due to the weight of the vehicle). Later they switched over to a cast subframe.

This has been seen here quite a few times and Rivian has been very good about inspecting vehicles with welded subframe and replacing them with cast when they identified an issue.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I wouldn't worry too much about this. Early R1 had a welded subframe. Rivian realized fairly quickly that the welds were prone to failure (probably due to the weight of the vehicle). Later they switched over to a cast subframe.

This has been seen here quite a few times and Rivian has been very good about inspecting vehicles with welded subframe and replacing them with cast when they identified an issue.

Sounds like they check mine basically every time it goes in for service.

 

[Riviot]

Not a "Gen 2" specific subframe, they are on newer Gen 1 as well. I received a new subframe last October on my 3000-series VIN.

 

[Heimat]

Sounds like they check mine basically every time it goes in for service.

Does the service center tell you that they are inspecting your subframe? My vin is 2000 ish, and I've never had them say anything about this. I have a mobile service call in August, maybe I should ask the tec about it.​

 

[Dark-Fx]

Does the service center tell you that they are inspecting your subframe? My vin is 2000 ish, and I've never had them say anything about this. I have a mobile service call in August, maybe I should ask the tec about it.​

They have previously, this last time I just had a "courtesy inspection" on my ticket. I think if you don't have any strange noise complaints they probably don't pull the covers to do a thorough inspection on it.

 

[zapp]

Is it known, at which VIN they switched to the redesigned subframe?

My 2022 is in the VIN ...9000 range

 

[R1Tom]

The welded design itself isn't inherently bad. Just like many things Rivian the QC has varying results...

 

[elektrode]

Is it known, at which VIN they switched to the redesigned subframe?

My truck is 92XX. I had the 15k multi-point inspection done and they found a cracked weld and gave me the new “gen2” sub-frame - their terminology. I think they inspect them anyway, but they told me they found it during the inspection I paid for

Front end is noticeably more refined. I drove it one day before doing the 2014.19 update and could feel the difference.

I also got the “washer fix” for my tocking. For the moment, everything is nice and tight and silent as far as drive train and suspension.

Probably the best alignment I’ve had since I’ve owned the truck.

I do have a ticket in for fender trim pieces not fitting properly and I now have crazy noise on my driver window (which was recently fixed to perfection via mobile appointment and somehow undone during this service visit). They had to take a lot of stuff apart and put it back together.

Rivian has been great about fixing stuff - although some things take a long time (almost two years on tonneau).

 

[CharonPDX]

So it sounds like in this case it is the sub-frame that is "gen2". It is the second generation (cast) subframe, not a subframe from a Gen 2 vehicle.

I haven't been in for any type of service in a while, with a 9xxx VIN, I should probably schedule my tire rotation and have that checked.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

My March 2023 R1T has the cast sub frame. Not sure exactly when they switched over.

They may not inspect it every time you go in for service but it should definitely be part of the 22,500 service and if you have any noise or drivability complaints.

I believe there was a field service action a while back to inspect the vehicles that had the welded OG subframe design.

 

[Ilovejunebugs]

My March 2023 R1T has the cast sub frame. Not sure exactly when they switched over.

They may not inspect it every time you go in for service but it should definitely be part of the 22,500 service and if you have any noise or drivability complaints.

I believe there was a field service action a while back to inspect the vehicles that had the welded OG subframe design.

Probably a good idea to inspect these.

 

[ironpig]

Not a "Gen 2" specific subframe, they are on newer Gen 1 as well. I received a new subframe last October on my 3000-series VIN.

Yep - Mine was replaced with the new subframe as well. 2022 Gen 1 4500-series VIN.

 

[Zoidz]

Rivian introduced the cast subframe around Feb or March of 23 and since then all Gen1 vehicles have the cast front subframe. IMO unless it can be documented otherwise, you got the welded subframe replaced with a cast frame but it's probably not a "Gen2" subframe, it's likely just the cast subframe that came out over a year ago.

For reference, here's a thread that discusses it from May 2023.

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