Clunking sound from front end.

[DTown3011]

This is basically exactly what happened to me. The Denver service center has been great. The vehicle has driven great through everything, just noisy/annoying. It first went in for the "ting washers" and that fixed the problem for about a day, then the same clunking noise came back. They were able to get me back into service 4 days later and ended up replacing both front half shafts. The truck is 100% quiet now and drives better than it ever has. It's been a bit of a journey but I'm happy overall with how it's been handled.

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[Jonger1150]

Your issue is not something the service center will consider normal. The issue I deal with is space in my half-shaft connection to the hub and motor. Maybe a washer to cut the space back would fix it or at least cut it down.

 

[kyledmb]

Your issue is not something the service center will consider normal. The issue I deal with is space in my half-shaft connection to the hub and motor. Maybe a washer to cut the space back would fix it or at least cut it down.

I feel like this is the sound I am hearing. This plus the distinctive jounce squeaking. There are honestly so many noises happening its tough to get one's brain to single out all the nuances.

 

[Jonger1150]

I feel like this is the sound I am hearing. This plus the distinctive jounce squeaking. There are honestly so many noises happening its tough to get one's brain to single out all the nuances.

Even if this was in a diesel truck with a modified exhaust, I'd still hear it. This is a case where there is too much side to side movement on the half-shafts. Spacers/washers might be the fix. They can't hurt.

 

[dleepnw]

I am going to share my story that happened this week here, since there is a discussion on half shafts, clunking etc.

On Thursday my R1S (G1 Quad) started to make an awful clunking noise from the front left (see video).

I tried driving at different ride heights but that didn’t help and it just kept getting worse. Called Rivian service and went through the usual reset process. Very wonderful service agent (Taylor) quickly set me up with a tow to El Segundo and a rental car.

I was resigned to being without my car for a while so I was surprised to get a call the very next day saying my car was fixed and ready to be picked up. A true miracle.

I have attached the invoice that says what Rivian found. According to the front desk person this is a very common problem and was a result of incorrect sized hub bolts installed at the factory, which subsequently loosened and damaged the half shaft. They replaced both front half shafts and also the right front CV boot which was leaking grease.

I share this just to point others who might have this issue. For me, it came on very suddenly and I had not noticed clunking or or other noises before this week.

Also huge shout outs to Taylor on the phone and Ray in El Segundo service, who were amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

why would the replace the control arms?

 

[jpmc86]

I wonder if the gen2s have this clunk as well.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I wonder if the gen2s have this clunk as well.

None that I have heard...mine didn't develop until I had about 10k on it and it was very mild. It has slowly become worse now at 21k. My daughter drove it and said "what's all that racquet?".

It makes a lot of noise over dips in the road too...especially if there is a lot of up/down suspension movement. I multiple noises going on:

-Hallow metallic clunk (feels like something loose under feet)
-A creaking/popping sound when there is a lot of up/down suspension movement.

FYI...half shafts should have a tiny bit of in/out play...that is normal...but only a small mount. they should NOT have up/down play in the half shaft which unfortunately mine does (need to capture video).

I checked the knuckle bolts on mine a while back but I am going to check them again ASAP.

 

[MidnightRivian]

The clunk I have (front / rear) is when making a low speed maneuver / turning.

I feel like my issue is washers which is allowing some play and making the clunk sound.

I also have the tick / tock when moving back / front or starting / stopping.

I already had dampers replaced in the front and that helped to remove clunking on speed bumps.

My jounce lines have just started speaking to me and squeaking. I have both added to my service ticket.

so to recap I have a tick / tock / clunk / squeak.

Who said Electric Vehicles are extremely quiet and boring?

They have obviously never driven a Gen 1 Quad Motor Launch Edition with 18,000 miles.

 

[bfilippo]

My gen2 has a similar noise, not as bad, but it’s there. Just put in a ticket.

 

[jpmc86]

My gen2 has a similar noise, not as bad, but it’s there. Just put in a ticket.

a clunk?

 

[bfilippo]

I would call it more a “thunk” that you can feel in the accelerator pedal consistently. Maybe it’s just the way the truck is, but it’s way more feedback than I expected or experience in our model Y. There’s an especially intense thunking when the wipers are active, but again, maybe that’s just how it is on this truck

 

[sherold]

None that I have heard...mine didn't develop until I had about 10k on it and it was very mild. It has slowly become worse now at 21k. My daughter drove it and said "what's all that racquet?".

It makes a lot of noise over dips in the road too...especially if there is a lot of up/down suspension movement. I multiple noises going on:

-Hallow metallic clunk (feels like something loose under feet)
-A creaking/popping sound when there is a lot of up/down suspension movement.

FYI...half shafts should have a tiny bit of in/out play...that is normal...but only a small mount. they should NOT have up/down play in the half shaft which unfortunately mine does (need to capture video).

I checked the knuckle bolts on mine a while back but I am going to check them again ASAP.

This sounds more like a cracked subframe (welded version).

 

[Schmurt]

My 35xx R1S is in the shop right now for a couple of minor issues, and I asked them to check the suspension because I have been noticing a lot more noise, especially over dips/bumps.

Unfortunately, I could not drop the vehicle off because of my work schedule, so the wife had to take it. They could not reproduce it apparently, but said they would put it on the lift and check it out. Well, when I talked to them yesterday it sounded like they were not even looking at it since they couldn't reproduce it.

I'm like, "It happens on literally every bump at lower speeds!" But the guy didn't sound real convincing when he said he would have them check it out.

I am waiting for my update from them today, but I am going to specify having them check the half shafts/drive unit and sub-frame(being a low VIN) after reading this thread. Fingers crossed.

 

[Jonger1150]

I'm sure having the dampers and half-shafts replaced would give me the best chance at eliminating all the sounds. Getting Rivian to replace all that is the challenge. I tried once already and struck out. At the time I never said a word about the half-shafts.

I wonder if we will ever have aftermarket options for this.

I did notice that colder temps cuts back on the noise. At least I'm looking at 6 solid months of sanity with winter. (Maybe)

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

This sounds more like a cracked subframe (welded version).

Could very well be but mine has the cast subframe. Mine was produced right around the time they switched over. Could be the sub frame mounting. I just had Rivian swap my appt with wife’s R1S. That moved it up from 12/3 to 11/11. I will be sure to report back what happens.

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