Issues with Michelin Defender LTX MS/2

[No_Name5330]

I recently installed Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 tires (size 275/60/R20, XL load rating) on my Gen 1 quad-motor Rivian R1S. Since the installation, I’ve been experiencing significant vibrations through the steering wheel at highway speeds. I took it back to Discount Tire, and they said the load index wasn’t high enough for what Rivian recommends for their vehicles, and they have never put them on their cars

They told me the vehicle is “perfectly balanced” and attributed the issue to the tire specifications. While they assured me that it’s safe to drive, they said there would be reduced performance which I expected due to the reduced tire width. The technician also mentioned that the dual-motor R1S models don’t have as many problems with these tires, but the quad-motor version tends to experience issues because of the higher torque output. This didn’t make much sense to me, as maintaining the same speed would require a similar amount of power from both powertrains and i was only experiencing these issues at highway speeds.

I’m wondering if I made the wrong choice with these tires and some good next steps. I’d appreciate any advice on this issue or recommendations for 20” tires that other owners have had success with on the quad-motor R1S.

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[wallyman424]

Thats nonsense. its a 116 load rating, exactly what comes oem with the rivian. I have these tires on my wife's R1s (granted we have the 65 aspect ratio), and they are quiet and smooth as can be. If you have a steering wheel vibration you either have a suspension issue up front, or the tires arent balanced properly. You could rotate the front and rear wheels to see if the problem follows.

 

[No_Name5330]

Thats nonsense. its a 116 load rating, exactly what comes oem with the rivian. I have these tires on my wife's R1s (granted we have the 65 aspect ratio), and they are quiet and smooth as can be. If you have a steering wheel vibration you either have a suspension issue up front, or the tires arent balanced properly. You could rotate the front and rear wheels to see if the problem follows.

Glad i’m not the only one who is thinking this… they have been hesitant with these tires ever since i changed tire size. They even told me they wouldn’t help me out if there were any issues but luckily they have so far.

 

[Rivivian]

I recently had my tires rotated at Discount Tire. Next day went on a road trip and it shook like hell. At my destination I went to a different discount tire. Vibration was reduced but not like before. I have had the 21” Michelin tires for about 8,000 miles and had no issues before the tire rotation.

Do any of your tires have the Tireject flat fix? One of mine does- it was on the rear but now front.

 

[No_Name5330]

I recently had my tires rotated at Discount Tire. Next day went on a road trip and it shook like hell. At my destination I went to a different discount tire. Vibration was reduced but not like before. I have had the 21” Michelin tires for about 8,000 miles and had no issues before the tire rotation.

Do any of your tires have the Tireject flat fix? One of mine does- it was on the rear but now front.

No they are in perfect condition, 233 miles on them as we speak.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Defective tire or improperly balanced. Rivian recommends road force balancing.

 

[Riviot]

I recently installed Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 tires (size 275/60/R20, XL load rating) on my Gen 1 quad-motor Rivian R1S. Since the installation, I’ve been experiencing significant vibrations through the steering wheel at highway speeds. I took it back to Discount Tire, and they said the load index wasn’t high enough for what Rivian recommends for their vehicles, and they have never put them on their cars

They told me the vehicle is “perfectly balanced” and attributed the issue to the tire specifications. While they assured me that it’s safe to drive, they said there would be reduced performance which I expected due to the reduced tire width. The technician also mentioned that the dual-motor R1S models don’t have as many problems with these tires, but the quad-motor version tends to experience issues because of the higher torque output. This didn’t make much sense to me, as maintaining the same speed would require a similar amount of power from both powertrains and i was only experiencing these issues at highway speeds.

I’m wondering if I made the wrong choice with these tires and some good next steps. I’d appreciate any advice on this issue or recommendations for 20” tires that other owners have had success with on the quad-motor R1S.

I'm assuming 116 load index on yours, can you confirm?

Also ask them what pound they balanced the tires to, they need to use Road Force and get it below 15lbs.

 

[No_Name5330]

I'm assuming 116 load index on yours, can you confirm?

Also ask them what pound they balanced the tires to, they need to use Road Force and get it below 15lbs.

Yup just double checked 116H extra load and i’ll check on the balancing thanks!

 

[CANCERDOC]

Take them to another shop where they can do a better job balancing the tire. Sometimes they need to road force balance it and not every shop can do that. My factory tires developed a vibration and I had Firestone do a balance but no difference. Took it to Rivian who charged a fortune but balanced them perfectly. No more vibration.

 

[mikehmb]

Everything they told you is BS. Sorry you're having that experience.

Call corp and talk to customer service. Assuming they sold you the correct tire in the first place, you are on solid footing. The XL is a 116-rated tire and it's perfectly suitable for the R1s.

 

[Joules Burn]

I now have 6k miles on my Defender's including two trips from Central California to Arizona with some off road thrown in. VERY happy with these tires. #1 rated on Tire rack.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/california-to-white-pocket-az-in-our-r1s.36796/

 

[Polar]

While they assured me that it’s safe to drive, they said there would be reduced performance which I expected due to the reduced tire width.

Those 275/60r20 are the same width. The sidewall is .5” less.

the tech who mounted them screwed up, they need to be unmounted and remounted to properly take into account any weight imperfections in the tire carcass. Or as said you got one or more defective tires.

 

[kyunam]

LTX Platinum on my R1S LE had a similar highway only issue. The following helped.

- Road force balancing by Rivian
- Rivian installed a bit heavier steering wheel

I still feel a very tiny vibration over 75+ mph but I decided to live with it.

 

[No_Name5330]

Those 275/60r20 are the same width. The sidewall is .5” less.

the tech who mounted them screwed up, they need to be unmounted and remounted to properly take into account any weight imperfections in the tire carcass. Or as said you got one or more defective tires.

From what i’ve seen the defenders have a tread width of 7.7” while the oem scorpions are 9.1”.
They have tires have been taken off once and rebalanced twice which makes me lean towards a defective tire. Is it best just to bring up the idea of a defective tire or will they shoot me down pretty quick because they’re probably done dealing with me…

 

[R1Thor]

From what i’ve seen the defenders have a tread width of 7.7” while the oem scorpions are 9.1”.
They have tires have been taken off once and rebalanced twice which makes me lean towards a defective tire. Is it best just to bring up the idea of a defective tire or will they shoot me down pretty quick because they’re probably done dealing with me…

That '275' in the size profile IS the width.
So, no you didn't see that the 'defenders have a treadwidth of 7.7"'

You saw that any tire that designates 275 = 275mm = 10.82" wide. By definition. Elsewise, it'd have a different designation. 7.7" wide is closer to a 195/ profile.

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