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

[Riviot]

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.

Perhaps Rivian means "Gen 2 [subframe]" not "Gen 2 " [Rivian]" ?

Sponsored

 

[sevengroove]

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.

Thanks for ruining my "does that mean you have a Gen 1.5 now?" joke

 

[mkc1378]

I had this same issue.

When I turned the wheel full left or right, I'd hear a ticking sound. I don't know if it was a failed weld, but they did replace the front subframe with the new gen 2.

 

[DoubleTake]

I go in next week to have mine replaced. Service center states its a pretty big improvement over Gen 1 welded frame. My vin is 9xxx range

 

[joelster]

I went though this also. I had a ticking sound when turning that was very noticeable at slow speeds. They determined that it was a broken weldment on the subframe and replaced it with the cast (second gen or version two?) subframe. Unfortunately something went wrong on that install and they had to replace it a second time. Something about over torqued bolts on the steering box. The truck was indeed pretty scary to drive for a couple days as the steering box was apparently sliding around a bit. About threw me into the side of a bridge on Thanksgiving night! All good now though.

 

[KurticusRex]

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.

I've had my R1T since Sept 2022, VIN 14xxx, about 21K miles to date. Since new, the alignment/steerign feel was never correct. The SC has done 4 alignments, 1 steering wheel replacement, and still the truck always steered right. Left declination = struck drove straight. Right declincation = hard pull right. Neutral declination (aka level) = hard pull to the right.

Last winter the truck developed a noticable (loud) metallic "click" or "snapping" sound at low speeds on off-camber situations (like pulling out of garage onto alley with wheels turned) or coming to a full stop under regen braking (last 5 mph to stop would genarate the metallic "snap"). It happened more when cold than warm ambient temps, and the phenomenon would seemigly go away (temporarily) after going from high/off road suspension heigh to the standard suspension height, but enventually after a day of driving the sound would come back.

But it seemed clear (to me) the issue wasn't the half-shaft/spline tocking sound (that was addressed satisfactoriliy over a year ago). The "snap" noise seemed related to the loading/unloading of mass on the front suspension. I had read some material on the Gen. 1 version 2 front subframe, so I was sort of hoping it was the issue and would get the new design subframe to address the noise. In the back of my mind, I've wondered if the alignment issue I (and others, as supported by this and other owner forums) was related to the Gen. 1 version 1 front subframe.

Sure enough, the SC replaced the front subrame with version 2 to address the suspension "snap" noise and the vehicle is now PERFECT. No suspension "snap" sound at low speed stops/starts or off camber street driving, no more alignment issues, no fighting the pull to the right. It's dead perfect and the vehicle respons identically to a left vs right declinated road.

While it took quite a while for Rivian to resolve my alignment issue, they did right by me in my opinion. I was patient, they were helpful. Honestly, to have the version 2 subframe installed feels like an upgrade: (to me) it makes the truck feel more responsive in the front suspension, driving and steering feel improved, and a more durable component I don't need to worry about.

 

[citizen]

I previously had terrible 24/7 noise from the front end that turned out to be front hub issues. It was addressed by the SC where they replaced both front hubs.

Recently brought my car in for service (scheduled originally for the tailgate torsion bar issue again before I figured out how to fix it and hold it in place on my own, decided to keep the appointment and toss on a bunch of minor items). One of the items was a super minor tick at full turn, especially to the right, most noticeable in the mornings when pulling out of the driveway. Doesn't bother me as it's NOWHERE near as bad as the original issue. Anyway, wanted them to take a look in case it gets worse.

Just got a call from the SC and they said they will want to replace the subframe to address the tick. My R1S is in the 149## VIN range, picked up last July (or early August). I'm leaning towards punting on it for now as I don't want to open up a can of worms. But reading through this thread, you guys are saying it improved drivability?

For what its worth, I've never had alignment issues, etc. So if you were in my shoes, would you go ahead w/ subframe replacement now or just hold off until it gets worse? Advisor said there's no chance of catastrophic failure.

 

[shamoo]

I had this same issue.

When I turned the wheel full left or right, I'd hear a ticking sound. I don't know if it was a failed weld, but they did replace the front subframe with the new gen 2.

Interesting! I wonder if that's what's happening to mine (VIN in the 19xxx range). Turning full lock and slowly moving, there's a pretty concerning cracking/creaking noise. A few others here have experienced it, some even showed video. I couldn't really determine what the fix was as there wasn't much followup in the thread.

My appointment was made a couple months ago, but is coming up soon on August 9th. So we'll see!

 

[citizen]

Interesting! I wonder if that's what's happening to mine (VIN in the 19xxx range). Turning full lock and slowly moving, there's a pretty concerning cracking/creaking noise. A few others here have experienced it, some even showed video. I couldn't really determine what the fix was as there wasn't much followup in the thread.

My appointment was made a couple months ago, but is coming up soon on August 9th. So we'll see!

I see you are in SoCal too, which SC? I've have a few SC visits to Costa Mesa for minor issues, they've always treated me extremely well and never let my car sat. Hoping for the same positive experience for you.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

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.

My late January 2023 build date has the welded subframe.... But also the meridian system. Honestly on delivery those were the only two things I looked at, everything else was fine.

I have noticed a metal on metal ping on sharp turn parking maneuvers lately, but given the amount they look over the vehicle when I take it in for its scheduled service, I figure they'll catch it pretty quick if it is an issue.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

My late January 2023 build date has the welded subframe.... But also the meridian system. Honestly on delivery those were the only two things I looked at, everything else was fine.

I have noticed a metal on metal ping on sharp turn parking maneuvers lately, but given the amount they look over the vehicle when I take it in for its scheduled service, I figure they'll catch it pretty quick if it is an issue.

Makes sense. I'm going off memory here but I'm sure it's here somewhere. I want to say February or March is when they started with the cast sub frames. I looked immediately to see which one I had.

 

[Jason C]

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.

I have an early VIN as well. Was this the clicking sound you would hear? Mine started a few months ago. Only when I turn the wheel full left or right.

 

[Ilovejunebugs]

I have an early VIN as well. Was this the clicking sound you would hear? Mine started a few months ago. Only when I turn the wheel full left or right.

I never heard/listened to it from outside of the truck so I'm not sure. It was extremely obvious and loud when pulling into a parking spot, with the wheel cranked all the way right or left, slowly moving forward...

 

[KurticusRex]

I previously had terrible 24/7 noise from the front end that turned out to be front hub issues. It was addressed by the SC where they replaced both front hubs.

Recently brought my car in for service (scheduled originally for the tailgate torsion bar issue again before I figured out how to fix it and hold it in place on my own, decided to keep the appointment and toss on a bunch of minor items). One of the items was a super minor tick at full turn, especially to the right, most noticeable in the mornings when pulling out of the driveway. Doesn't bother me as it's NOWHERE near as bad as the original issue. Anyway, wanted them to take a look in case it gets worse.

Just got a call from the SC and they said they will want to replace the subframe to address the tick. My R1S is in the 149## VIN range, picked up last July (or early August). I'm leaning towards punting on it for now as I don't want to open up a can of worms. But reading through this thread, you guys are saying it improved drivability?

For what its worth, I've never had alignment issues, etc. So if you were in my shoes, would you go ahead w/ subframe replacement now or just hold off until it gets worse? Advisor said there's no chance of catastrophic failure.

id get it done. Alignment or not the newer subframe is a more durable design.

 

[advan24r]

So looks like I'll be doing the subframe replacement according to the service center. I had the hub bearing replaced initially, but that "click" sound still remains that still comes out randomly at slow turned reversal speeds. They were going to just add lubrication but I was surprised they told me now the subframe will be replaced. I'm VIN 120XX

Sponsored