Gen 1 R1T: 37K mile maintenance benchmark

[EVTrukHog]

This post is shared to provide a maintenance benchmark for other Gen 1 R1T owners. My R1T was born in September 2022 and just hit 37K miles. I have been experiencing a consistent "tocking" sound while driving at slow speeds, slow turns, speed bumps, etc... mobile tech (without benefit of a lift) diagnosed it as needing to have new Ting washers installed - which would require a trip to the Service Center.

Once at the Service Center, they found:

• half shaft splines dry @ Left Front (remove and replace)
• hub dry @ Left Front (remove and replace)
• Drive Unit shaft seal leaking @ Right Front (drain/refill and replace seal)

My driving is almost 100% in All Purpose, Auto Height.

While at the service center, I did have them complete a comprehensive inspection, changed wiper blades, rotated tires, etc.. Overall, very pleased with the Service Center attention to detail and thoroughness. There does seem to be an unusual delay between the Service Center ordering parts and their arrival at the SC... not sure if this is due to supply chain logistics or availability, but it is creating a preventable bottleneck at the Service Center and undue loaner car expenses for Rivian. I would think they'd be better situated on this issue by now.

YMMV, but I'd suggest anyone that is in that 36K mile range to find a reason to get your vehicle on a lift at a Service Center for an inspection.

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[aptmowe]

Thanks for the info. Did you ever have your brake fluid flushed?

 

[EVTrukHog]

Thanks for the info. Did you ever have your brake fluid flushed?

I have not had my brake fluid flushed.

 

[Deleted member 26425]

I have not had my brake fluid flushed.

I believe that is a maintenance item every 36 months. I'm surprised they didn't suggest it. My R1T is coming up on 36 months in August so I'm expecting a brake fluid flush.

 

[WhidbeyIsland]

My 2023 G1 Dual R1T with 24k miles is making the exact same "tocking" sounds from the front left drive axle (and getting louder every day it seems) and my SC appointment isn't until the end of August.. sigh.

 

[Erik+]

The drive unit seal, particularly on the passenger side for some reason, is a known weak point. I noticed mine leaking a small bit when rotating tires back around 10k miles on my R1T. Mobile service was able to replace it, although we did have quite a bit disassembled in my garage to get it done. Likely depends on your proximity to a service center on what they are willing to undertake.

For those that rotate their own tires, doing a good inspection of all viewable components with the wheels off is good practice for catching things before they get worse.

 

[aptmowe]

I believe that is a maintenance item every 36 months. I'm surprised they didn't suggest it. My R1T is coming up on 36 months in August so I'm expecting a brake fluid flush.

I was initially planning to have this done at my 3 year mark, but decided to wait a little longer since I have relatively low miles (23K). Although, not sure if miles or time dictates the need for this service.

 

[Deleted member 26425]

From my understanding, the fluid absorbs moisture and becomes less effective over time. I don't know that mileage matters.

 

[ndmiller]

From my understanding, the fluid absorbs moisture and becomes less effective over time. I don't know that mileage matters.

100% on the money. The addition of water to the brake fluid lowers its boiling point. After absorbing water BP drops by 100-150F which can add brake fade within a few hard stops. Braking system function is based on fluid being incompressible. When fluid goes to vapor all bets are off and so is braking performance.

 

[epowermarine]

Thought I'd add another data point: Same age vehicle, delivered Sept 22, 38k miles. Needed half shalf lube/washers at about 15k, and 2 full front damper sets over the last 10k miles. On my 3rd windshield but blame that on a lot of Florida highway driving at 75mph. Was just in for service and asked them to change the brake fluid (it was almost like they had never heard that request before). Zero motor/battery/cooling problems, original 12v batts, love this beast.

 

[EVTrukHog]

Thought I'd add another data point: Same age vehicle, delivered Sept 22, 38k miles. Needed half shalf lube/washers at about 15k, and 2 full front damper sets over the last 10k miles. On my 3rd windshield but blame that on a lot of Florida highway driving at 75mph. Was just in for service and asked them to change the brake fluid (it was almost like they had never heard that request before). Zero motor/battery/cooling problems, original 12v batts, love this beast.

what was cost of the brake fluid flush/refill?

 

[epowermarine]

Correction/Remedy:
- Fluid, Brake, Bleed, 4 Calipers | Labor Code: 140050517 | 1.1 hr* | $242.00
Labor: Time (Hours): Labor Time Cost:
1.1 hr* $242.00
Pay Type:
Customer Pay
Sublet:
No
Discounts:
$0.00
Tax:
$16.94
*Overlapping labor time removed
Total
Amount:
$258.94
Service Center hourly rate: $220.00 (USD)

 

[Jonger1150]

The half-shafts really need a grease fitting to allow injection of grease into the spline.

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