Suspension rattling - help diagnosing root cause

[Tritium]

The half shaft noise issue has been addressed before in this forum, and has been noted in both gen1 and gen2 vehicles. Due to the large suspension articulation available in the Rivian R1S and R1T (7 inches), it uses an extended travel CV axel at all four corners, with a sliding ball and spline joint in the middle, which are known to make noises, especially when accelerating or deccelerating. This is a normal condition (feature) of this half shaft and does not indicate that anything is broken, or going to break. Here is a link to a supplier with more information on these unique CV halfshafts:
https://www.trakmotive.com/products/automotive-cv-axles/xtended-travel/

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[kyledmb]

The half shaft noise issue has been addressed before in this forum, and has been noted in both gen1 and gen2 vehicles. Due to the large suspension articulation available in the Rivian R1S and R1T (7 inches), it uses an extended travel CV axel at all four corners, with a sliding ball and spline joint in the middle, which are known to make noises, especially when accelerating or deccelerating. This is a normal condition (feature) of this half shaft and does not indicate that anything is broken, or going to break. Here is a link to a supplier with more information on these unique CV halfshafts:
https://www.trakmotive.com/products/automotive-cv-axles/xtended-travel/

Thanks for the info. Those articulating drive axles are pretty crazy.

I still don't understand why most R1Ts seem to have loud suspension rattle from this design, but a few owners out there say they have none.

Also, many report the noise issues started only after 3,000-8,000 miles in. What makes them start silent, then get progressively worse over time? Seems to me they aren't designed to chatter. Something breaks down over time.

Also, I had both front half-shafts replaced at 16,800 miles. With the new ones, my rattle was even worse.

 

[Jonger1150]

Thanks for the info. Those articulating drive axles are pretty crazy.

I still don't understand why most R1Ts seem to have loud suspension rattle from this design, but a few owners out there say they have none.

Also, many report the noise issues started only after 3,000-8,000 miles in. What makes them start silent, then get progressively worse over time? Seems to me they aren't designed to chatter. Something breaks down over time.

Also, I had both front half-shafts replaced at 16,800 miles. With the new ones, my rattle was even worse.

I think it comes down to how packed the bearings are with grease. It's winter and cold here right now and the issue is virtually gone. I'm sure the grease is reducing the amount of play in the spline.

So Rivian is buying back your truck? Moving on from Rivian?

 

[kyledmb]

They did buy back my truck. I am still undecided on what to do. I'm really trying to answer some of these questions about the Gen2 suspension.

If I could ensure getting one of these "quiet" Gen2 Trimax R1Ts that I hear exist in the wild, I would jump at it. For now, they seem more elusive than bigfoot.

 

[jpmc86]

They did buy back my truck. I am still undecided on what to do. I'm really trying to answer some of these questions about the Gen2 suspension.

If I could ensure getting one of these "quiet" Gen2 Trimax R1Ts that I hear exist in the wild, I would jump at it. For now, they seem more elusive than bigfoot.

You say “quiet” but consider that everyone’s threshold of quiet is not the same. My wife and or another friend who owns an R1 G1 says they don’t hear any noise. I hear it on both.

 

[kyledmb]

You say “quiet” but consider that everyone’s threshold of quiet is not the same. My wife and or another friend who owns an R1 G1 says they don’t hear any noise. I hear it on both.

That's a good point. I think there is a whole range of noise in these vehicles. All likely have some. That sets the bar for "quiet." Then you have a scale of extremes.

The noise you hear...is it that driver's side rattle/clatter? Distinct from the jounce squeak?

 

[jpmc86]

That's a good point. I think there is a whole range of noise in these vehicles. All likely have some. That sets the bar for "quiet." Then you have a scale of extremes.

The noise you hear...is it that driver's side rattle/clatter? Distinct from the jounce squeak?

I hear clatter on all four wheels. And it’s not suspension articulation. I’ve confirmed that. Jounce line squeak was fixed via the TSB when they also swapped all air springs for G2

 

[llacii]

I hear clatter on all four wheels. And it’s not suspension articulation. I’ve confirmed that. Jounce line squeak was fixed via the TSB when they also swapped all air springs for G2

That's what I hear also, clatter on all 4 wheels, but I hear it more from rear wheels than front ones. My wife doesn't notice unless I point it out and even then doesn't seem to bother her, but she's much less prone to notice any car noises. So I agree the range of acceptability varies between owners. I think we all know what we're referring to, and it bothers us because it simply feels like a low quality problem. Some say it goes away in cold, it's been 10-25F around my area and I will say it's still very much there for me. Gets worse in Firm, which produces large clunks over speed bumps, so I'm forced to almost always ride in Soft. I'm on 22s, anyone know if fatter tires on 20" wheels help the suspension not have to work as hard on impacts?

 

[millersntx]

what's that TSB number? I have a similar issue and just had a ticket closed for "could not duplicate". TIA

 

[Jonger1150]

You say “quiet” but consider that everyone’s threshold of quiet is not the same. My wife and or another friend who owns an R1 G1 says they don’t hear any noise. I hear it on both.

My girlfriend doesn't hear it and doesn't care. If she owned this vehicle there wouldn't be even a slight concern put forth over it.

Let's face is.... we're Rivian owners, we're nerds who like high-tech shit and we're hyper sensitive.

I do wish there was a way to add grease to this section of the half-shaft. I'm virtually certain this part has different levels of grease and that's where the variable sound comes from.

 

[jpmc86]

My girlfriend doesn't hear it and doesn't care. If she owned this vehicle there wouldn't be even a slight concern put forth over it.

Let's face is.... we're Rivian owners, we're nerds who like high-tech shit and we're hyper sensitive.

I do wish there was a way to add grease to this section of the half-shaft. I'm virtually certain this part has different levels of grease and that's where the variable sound comes from.

Correct - see video explaining how it works.
I’m certain it’s the linear portion of the moment tee hear/feel.

 

[Jonger1150]

To have a quieter suspension you would have to replace the half-shafts with a low travel component and then delete the air suspension. If you never plan to off-road or use the lifting function, then it's needless noise. Pavement princesses need not apply.

 

[jpmc86]

Correct. And actually, I did some more research.

GKN Drivelines are who makes it for Rivian. See image from shipping label on EBay link.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/116385142713

As long as we want the travel that R1 brings, they need to use these axels that allow a third axis of movement (axially).

See images attached.

 

[Skysurfer]

That's what I hear also, clatter on all 4 wheels, but I hear it more from rear wheels than front ones. My wife doesn't notice unless I point it out and even then doesn't seem to bother her, but she's much less prone to notice any car noises. So I agree the range of acceptability varies between owners. I think we all know what we're referring to, and it bothers us because it simply feels like a low quality problem. Some say it goes away in cold, it's been 10-25F around my area and I will say it's still very much there for me. Gets worse in Firm, which produces large clunks over speed bumps, so I'm forced to almost always ride in Soft. I'm on 22s, anyone know if fatter tires on 20" wheels help the suspension not have to work as hard on impacts?

Strange that it gets more noticeable in firm mode. There should be less movement over large bumps in firm, while soft will allow more movement of the wheels for a given bump. What happens when in All-Terrain mode and soft ride feel with the ride height in standard/high?

 

[zsherry]

This is a great explanation for that rattling. Thank you.

I have noticed less rattling noise when fully extended (highest setting) although this is not possible in on-road drive modes.

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