Steering Gen 2 R1s loaner vs my Gen 1 Quad R1s

[Shaqdeez]

First thing I noticed was the tracking of the Gen 2 was MUCH better. Both have 22" sport Wheels. The Gen 1 always needs constant nudging to stay in lane. I did get a wheel alignment as well and still same issue. The G2 definitely seems more poised and just handles like your in a smaller vehicle. Steering is heavier on G2 and less body roll. Other then that the smoothness was similar.

Is this normal for a Gen 1?

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[smashweights]

I don't have any issues with my G1 T. When I drove a G2 S loaner the steering was a bit easier and sharper but it was also 22" all seasons vs my trucks 20" all terrains, which is what I chalked it up to

 

[Nixapatfan]

G1 with 22's no nudging/corrections required here and after the update a couple of months ago the minor vibration at 75mph+ is also gone. Steering is butter smooth. Could be just old unevenly worn tires.

 

[Shaqdeez]

Actually I just put on new Nokian tires last yr. And I don't run them in the winter so they probably have 5-6k miles on them. But to be honest even the OEM Pirellis did the same thing. They just don't track well.

 

[ENVErider]

First thing I noticed was the tracking of the Gen 2 was MUCH better. Both have 22" sport Wheels. The Gen 1 always needs constant nudging to stay in lane. I did get a wheel alignment as well and still same issue. The G2 definitely seems more poised and just handles like your in a smaller vehicle. Steering is heavier on G2 and less body roll. Other then that the smoothness was similar.

Is this normal for a Gen 1?

I doubt that the alignment or lane tracking has anything to do with Gen1 vs. Gen2; it seems to vary by vehicle for both Gens. Some users have reported that repeated alignments didn't resolve their concerns, while others, like me, get perfect tracking over the life of their Gen1.
It has been well documented on over a dozen YouTube reviewers and Rivian themselves that the Gen 2 made improvements in the Gen2 suspension response and tuning.

I don't feel that a data pool of 1-3 different loaner experiences is enough of a data pool to draw any reliable conclusions. I don't have evidence to counter your experience, just pointing out that it's easy to find 1-2 posts on this forum to support any number of conclusions in general on RIvians. I visit this forum to try to learn more about Rivian, but also take it all with a grain of salt and a bit of skepticism.

 

[Scrubangle]

I believe what you're feeling is the new Gen2 cast aluminum front subframe. The tolerances are much tighter and connection points are more robust than the multipiece welded section Gen1.
I too was noticing front end wonder and took my service tech for a test drive. After confirmation where they do a series of tests, I was scheduled for the Gen2 front subframe and lower A-arm conversion on my early VIN R1T. One test we did in an open paved lot was full lock left, then full lock right - If you hear a deep click noise, it's the subframe/a-arm shifting at the inboard pivot arm. Test it yourself prior to your next SC visit. They're likely create a warranty claim free of charge. Be warned, it's a 1-2 day swap.
With the Gen2 parts the truck feels planted, tracks straight, and feels substantially better in all conditions.

 

[runwithscissors]

Never had a Gen 2 loaner but a few R1T's to make me jealous of the longer wheelbase ride feel vs the R1S. Crazy how different the feel is between the 2 models on Gen 1.

 

[tpberding]

I have a late VIN 2023 R1S, which I believe got some of the then forthcoming Gen 2 suspension bits. It handles and tracks extremely well. With 20k miles on the OEM Pirellis, I probably notice more road imperfections than with the Nokias that I intend to buy. But otherwise, all good.

 

[KRG]

I have a late VIN 2023 R1S, which I believe got some of the then forthcoming Gen 2 suspension bits. It handles and tracks extremely well. With 20k miles on the OEM Pirellis, I probably notice more road imperfections than with the Nokias that I intend to buy. But otherwise, all good.

Yeah not sure when the switchover was, but this is true. I have an early 2024 and they told me it had the new subframe too. I assume this is why my suspension has been dead silent and other Gen 1 owners complain about noises.

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