Rivian repair by owner

[DuoRivians]

Every 3 years, Rivian recommends a brake fluid flush. And for Gen 1 quads, every 112k miles, to change the drive unit fluid.

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[Dark-Fx]

I changed the rear pads and rotors out on my R1T. Rivian will support you by selling you the parts. The only gotcha is if you've never dealt with the style of electronic parking brake that's on the rear. It's not difficult, but does require some extra electronic hardware for backing the EPB off.

 

[Rade]

I have fixed the tire pressure a few times, and the low washer fluid

Same here. Not much else to do! If you're a gear head, the Rivian is a pretty boring vehicle.

I have OPD cranked up and I think I've used the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, perhaps 5 times last year. I don't mind going to the local SC for routine service (I hit the 7,500 mile mark in October) - tire rotation, etc.

My only concern, now, is the steering and alignment. It's pot hole season and MASSIVE craters are opening up in the travel lanes on the local roads. Unfortunately, UHF does not see them, and though I try and move the truck away from them, I've still managed to roll through a few. I suspect that with a 4-ton vehicle, I am going to need a front end alignment more sooner than later. But that is an SC thing.

 

[Nixapatfan]

All the people stating EV don't need maintenance obviously don't do any maintenance on their vehicles if they really think things don't break other than routine maintenance items so aren't really helping answer the OP's question.

Rivian doesn't want you to do any DIY maintenance, they'll sell you some parts but aren't happy to do it. There are many parts that are on the "restricted" list which they won't sell to you and many simple things that aren't sold as individual parts and have to buy entire components like o-rings for the disconnects, not sold separately have to buy whole disconnect for a minor leak. Same with the kinetic suspension diaphragms/reservoirs not sold separately have to buy the whole shock. They don't sell any of the fluids so you have to source them from the vendors and most of the fluids they use are European centric meaning not readily available in the USA.

Some warning lights are not user resettable like the 12v battery, no option to depressurize the air suspension via software so you either need to setup an expensive account with Rivian to get access to RIDE to service these or find DIY methods. Same with service manuals only way to get them are through the Rivian portal.

Rivian is not DIY friendly but there are several knowledgeable people around that can help if you ask the right questions and maybe someone might be able to privately help you.

Things like brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, hubs, half shafts, kinetic suspension/jounce lines, tie rods, gear train oil service have been DIY serviced by people here so some of the most common failure points can be done by competent people. The air suspension/struts/shocks can also be done just a PITA to depressurize if not totally failed as you need to find the release valve and let air out just adds so much more effort and risk of damaging the valve.

Also if you think an independent mechanic will do the job, think again most won't touch it even for simple things like brake jobs so be damn sure your mechanic will actually work on it. Rivian will not sell parts to non-owners so your mechanic will not be able to source parts.

 

[Mark H]

All the people stating EV don't need maintenance obviously don't do any maintenance on their vehicles if they really think things don't break other than routine maintenance items so aren't really helping answer the OP's question.

Rivian doesn't want you to do any DIY maintenance, they'll sell you some parts but aren't happy to do it. There are many parts that are on the "restricted" list which they won't sell to you and many simple things that aren't sold as individual parts and have to buy entire components like o-rings for the disconnects, not sold separately have to buy whole disconnect for a minor leak. Same with the kinetic suspension diaphragms/reservoirs not sold separately have to buy the whole shock. They don't sell any of the fluids so you have to source them from the vendors and most of the fluids they use are European centric meaning not readily available in the USA.

Some warning lights are not user resettable like the 12v battery, no option to depressurize the air suspension via software so you either need to setup an expensive account with Rivian to get access to RIDE to service these or find DIY methods. Same with service manuals only way to get them are through the Rivian portal.

Rivian is not DIY friendly but there are several knowledgeable people around that can help if you ask the right questions and maybe someone might be able to privately help you.

Things like brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, hubs, half shafts, kinetic suspension/jounce lines, tie rods, gear train oil service have been DIY serviced by people here so some of the most common failure points can be done by competent people. The air suspension/struts/shocks can also be done just a PITA to depressurize if not totally failed as you need to find the release valve and let air out just adds so much more effort and risk of damaging the valve.

Also if you think an independent mechanic will do the job, think again most won't touch it even for simple things like brake jobs so be damn sure your mechanic will actually work on it. Rivian will not sell parts to non-owners so your mechanic will not be able to source parts.

Rivian limits access to certain components but is willing to sell parts to authorized repair shops. As an independent repair shop in Canada with an established account with Rivian, we have found them to be excellent partners. The availability of essential parts is commendable, and shipments are dispatched promptly. However, it would be beneficial if they opened access to the restricted parts.

 

[ebellinder2]

All the people stating EV don't need maintenance obviously don't do any maintenance on their vehicles if they really think things don't break other than routine maintenance items so aren't really helping answer the OP's question.

Rivian doesn't want you to do any DIY maintenance, they'll sell you some parts but aren't happy to do it. There are many parts that are on the "restricted" list which they won't sell to you and many simple things that aren't sold as individual parts and have to buy entire components like o-rings for the disconnects, not sold separately have to buy whole disconnect for a minor leak. Same with the kinetic suspension diaphragms/reservoirs not sold separately have to buy the whole shock. They don't sell any of the fluids so you have to source them from the vendors and most of the fluids they use are European centric meaning not readily available in the USA.

Some warning lights are not user resettable like the 12v battery, no option to depressurize the air suspension via software so you either need to setup an expensive account with Rivian to get access to RIDE to service these or find DIY methods. Same with service manuals only way to get them are through the Rivian portal.

Rivian is not DIY friendly but there are several knowledgeable people around that can help if you ask the right questions and maybe someone might be able to privately help you.

Things like brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, hubs, half shafts, kinetic suspension/jounce lines, tie rods, gear train oil service have been DIY serviced by people here so some of the most common failure points can be done by competent people. The air suspension/struts/shocks can also be done just a PITA to depressurize if not totally failed as you need to find the release valve and let air out just adds so much more effort and risk of damaging the valve.

Also if you think an independent mechanic will do the job, think again most won't touch it even for simple things like brake jobs so be damn sure your mechanic will actually work on it. Rivian will not sell parts to non-owners so your mechanic will not be able to source parts.

Agree. Very disappointed in availability of service information, diagnostic software, and parts. The vehicles are great but as stated still have suspension systems, braking components, relays/ fuses, and shafts and bearings. Some of us are qualified ( even on the hv side) to make these repairs and should have easy access at least to the parts. After all who owns the vehicle, thought I did. I really like the plan for Slate, video’s online for repairs and training and easy access to parts. If they make it financially.

 

[DD4ST]

Right now, there are not many service options. Some on here that are true mechanics may be able to suss out how to do repairs common to ICE vehicles. Others, like myself, are capable to do these things when videos and/or manuals, plus parts are available. Until I owned EVs (Audi eTron and Rivian) this was my standard mode of operation when first tackling an issue, only taking the vehicle in when it was bigger than me. Also, with the increasing software-ization of cars, even simple repairs have become problematic. I suspect some Rivian DIY repair info will come out when cheaper, used R1’s hit the market and brave folks figure things out and post their steps. But aftermarket parts will lag until there is a big enough demand. That is why I will be looking at extended warranty/service options if I keep my R1 beyond its lease. For you, you might want to factor this into your cost to buy.

 

[Luxus]

I appreciate all the replies. In general the entire auto industry is trying to move to a place where only the automakers can fix the cars they build. So not surprised there is not much experience here of people fixing their own Rivians. That and Rivians are still a relatively new brand.

Good news is if there is a will there is a way. People will figure out stuff on their own when it comes to it. I forget the guys name but a person was able to take two damaged Teslas and combine them to make one functional one. This despite Tesla going out of their way to not give him any helpful info. It's an extreme example but it shows people can get it done.

 

[strykerwsu]

Overall the minor stuff can be handled by us as noted in this thread. For the major suspension and electrical items you have 2 options in my opinion.

1) If going to keep vehicle past warranty than buy 1 of the 3 reputable extended warranty's that are on threads on the forum. Overall if you purchase at the right time before vehicle is too old you can get about 10 years / 125K for around $5k. It will just take one of the suspension components to pay for itself.

2) Most on the forum seem to fall into the category that EV's are like phones / electronics. They expect all of the updates but hardware changes don't make that possible. So they feel they are out dated after 2 years and want the next best features so lease and then get the next best features on the newer models. Of course a lot more expensive but you always have the fancy toys and no worries about repairs.

My 2 Gen 1's are perfect for me so expect to hold on to for 10 years like all my other vehicles before and bought extended warranties.

At some point might Rivian decide to start a parts department as a revenue stream and also to avoid overcrowded service centers with R2 and R3? Quite possibly but none of us know.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I appreciate all the replies. In general the entire auto industry is trying to move to a place where only the automakers can fix the cars they build. So not surprised there is not much experience here of people fixing their own Rivians. That and Rivians are still a relatively new brand.

Good news is if there is a will there is a way. People will figure out stuff on their own when it comes to it. I forget the guys name but a person was able to take two damaged Teslas and combine them to make one functional one. This despite Tesla going out of their way to not give him any helpful info. It's an extreme example but it shows people can get it done.

I think in case of Rivian it’s due to prioritizing growth and managing risk (that could put growth in jeopardy). They need to grow and launch mass market models to be profitable. At this time they can’t afford to dedicate resources to support retail sale of parts and DIY mechanics; away from launch of future models and continued development of existing models. At the same time they can’t risk cost of litigation/settlement from botched third party repairs—which is damaging to finances and to reputation. And from aftermarket perspective, owner base of R1 is too small to hold profit potential. I think any and all of these factors will change with time. Remember, Tesla owners once faced same challenge. Their options broadened as owner base increased.

 

[Mark H]

I appreciate all the replies. In general the entire auto industry is trying to move to a place where only the automakers can fix the cars they build. So not surprised there is not much experience here of people fixing their own Rivians. That and Rivians are still a relatively new brand.

Good news is if there is a will there is a way. People will figure out stuff on their own when it comes to it. I forget the guys name but a person was able to take two damaged Teslas and combine them to make one functional one. This despite Tesla going out of their way to not give him any helpful info. It's an extreme example but it shows people can get it done.

As an independent repair shop specializing in EVs, we are committed to providing high-quality service despite the industry's current parts restrictions. While we’ve successfully established a parts account with Tesla and Rivian, they still limit access to certain components. Similarly, manufacturers like Lucid have not yet opened their parts supply to independent shops. We remain hopeful that as the EV market matures, these supply chains will become more accessible to ensure better service for all owners.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

As an independent repair shop specializing in EVs, we are committed to providing high-quality service despite the industry's current parts restrictions. While we’ve successfully established a parts account with Tesla and Rivian, they still limit access to certain components. Similarly, manufacturers like Lucid have not yet opened their parts supply to independent shops. We remain hopeful that as the EV market matures, these supply chains will become more accessible to ensure better service for all owners.

Wanna let us know name of business and how readers may find it?

 

[Mark H]

Wanna let us know name of business and how readers may find it?

CRU-TECH
[email protected]
1-250-828-8761
We are in Kamloops BC

80% of our work has been on Tesla's, that is slowly changing.

 

[ENVErider]

I have been around cars long enough to know that they all need some kind of repair/maintenance eventually. EVs are not magically free of this reality. Brakes, suspension and driveline systems come to mind as things that are not different between ICE and EVs. I am new to Rivian but just poking around here the last couple days I see talk about half shafts needing to be removed for various reasons. I also have seen plenty threads about things being fixed under warranty. Warranty does not last forever. It's something to consider if you plan on holding on to your vehicle for more than a couple years.

I agree, something is going to break unexpectedly. It's not really helpful for people to mansplain how little maintenance there is "supposed to be" on an EV. It's those unexpected surprises that have me thinking about the same thing since I recently crossed my 60K milestone and now only have the battery/drivetrain warranty left. I almost feel lucky that my tanneau cover broke at 58K; another few months, and I'd be looking at a $3.5K replacement cost. I have had some minor stuff replaced, but overall, I'm still amazed that a launch edition EV from a startup company performs so well, both day one and after years of use. It gives me no joy to see Ford practically give up on the lighting, but that's more evidence that what Rivian has accomplished with the R1 is astounding.

I suspect that service provider options will change in 3-5 years with the R2 ramp-up. I still recall the maintenance option complaints for early Tesla adopters, but I'm not holding out for a Chilton's manual on the R1. Hopefully, with enough public pressure, Rivian will make a DIY service webpage like Tesla has done.

 

[Zoidz]

Several comments here say that brakes should last 100,000 miles, but there are plenty of reports here of brakes needing replacement at 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

Rivians are not Teslas so saying "My Tesla ...." is an apples and oranges comparison. There are some obvious and some speculative reasons as to why some Rivian owners need brakes around 50,000 miles:
- Rivian is a 7000 lbs + vehicle.
- Rivian automatically applies the brakes when coming to a stop, regardless of regen setting.
- Owners who dislike regen can reduce the amount of regen, therefore requiring more braking.
- Rivian may use a softer brake pad material to enhance braking
- Use of high regen reduces the amount of brake use but has the side effect of potentially increasing rust on the rotor, as the rotor is not scrubbed consistently.
- Rust will increase pad wear.

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