Clunking sound from front end.

[AltaTruck]

I got my truck back and all seemed well - at first. The loudest noise came from the right half shaft, which they replaced. Unfortunately, the left was also bad, but not as loud, so the right side noise masked the softer left side. The noise is much worse the first drive of the day, so it is understandable they did not hear it on the test ride after replacing the right side. I called and got another appointment in two weeks. Since it takes about 1.5-2hrs to do the job and it is a 2hr drive for me to get there, I will be hanging out in the lobby while the work is completed. They have been very pleasant to deal with thus far.

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[kyledmb]

I got my truck back and all seemed well - at first. The loudest noise came from the right half shaft, which they replaced. Unfortunately, the left was also bad, but not as loud, so the right side noise masked the softer left side. The noise is much worse the first drive of the day, so it is understandable they did not hear it on the test ride after replacing the right side. I called and got another appointment in two weeks. Since it takes about 1.5-2hrs to do the job and it is a 2hr drive for me to get there, I will be hanging out in the lobby while the work is completed. They have been very pleasant to deal with thus far.

They replaced the half-shafts on my 2023 R1T and the rattling noise only got worse. I don't really get it. If its the source of the ever-worsening sound, then why don't brand new parts help?

 

[Jonger1150]

They replaced the half-shafts on my 2023 R1T and the rattling noise only got worse. I don't really get it. If its the source of the ever-worsening sound, then why don't brand new parts help?

Until someone releases a silently operating extended travel half-shaft it's just not possible or likely.

The suspension is working as intended, so there's really nothing to fix unless that sliding half-shaft design is improved. My idea was for a grease zerk on the shaft. I'm sure that opens a host of other issues though.

 

[kyledmb]

Until someone releases a silently operating extended travel half-shaft it's just not possible or likely.

The suspension is working as intended, so there's really nothing to fix unless that sliding half-shaft design is improved. My idea was for a grease zerk on the shaft. I'm sure that opens a host of other issues though.

It's odd it gets worse over time, and then you get new half shafts and it gets worse still. I would think that brand new half shafts would "reset" the issue for a couple thousand miles. Makes sense that the lube breaks down over time, but if so wouldn't brand new, freshly greased half shafts fix it temporarily?

My new Gen2 R1T is completely silent, but I only have 200 miles on it. I know that soon it will rattle and clatter like all of them, and it will only get worse over time.

 

[James Kruse]

Yeah, got that too.. sounds like pipes rattling and bucket of rocks rolling around whenever I go over bumps. It's kind of ridiculous to hear this kind of noise from such an advanced suspension. The noise seems worse when the wheel is recovering (suspension going down) after passing over the bump. I've tried to rule out operator error by removing everything from the car and even thought it might be the separator cover in the frunk bouncing around but I've folded it up and snapped it to the magnet so it's not flapping around. The sound seems to be coming from under the dash. I've had my front drive unit replaced already, so I worry some nuts and bolts not fully tightened or installed. Could not reproduce on the smooth roads near the SC to show the tech, so will have to spend time finding some rougher roads ahead of the demo next time.

Have them check the torque on the bolts holding the half shaft on. The have had numerous complaints about this problem. Me included.

 

[kyledmb]

I got my truck back and all seemed well - at first. The loudest noise came from the right half shaft, which they replaced. Unfortunately, the left was also bad, but not as loud, so the right side noise masked the softer left side. The noise is much worse the first drive of the day, so it is understandable they did not hear it on the test ride after replacing the right side. I called and got another appointment in two weeks. Since it takes about 1.5-2hrs to do the job and it is a 2hr drive for me to get there, I will be hanging out in the lobby while the work is completed. They have been very pleasant to deal with thus far.

Any update on that follow up appt?

 

[AltaTruck]

Just got back from Cleveland SC a few minutes ago. They verified the noise with my videos and a test ride. They replaced the left half shaft as well under warranty and all noises are now gone. The mechanic said that if any noise returns, they will replace the drive units. Very quick turn around time, could not have been nicer, and I got another R1 as a loaner each time.

 

[Frisbee]

My first R1T was a LE QM. At 3,000 miles it started having all the front drive unit/half shaft problems and repairs (including front frame replacement) non of which helped. At 12,000 miles after much unpleasant “discussions” with Rivian they agreed to take the vehicle back and replace it but wanted to replace it with another QM which I refused. Eventually I received a replacement DM. Although I only have 5,500 miles on the vehicle it has been fantastic. Only time will tell.

 

[James Kruse]

Rivian replaced bolt which holds the half shaft on. Recall 2024. Bolt used was defective. Could not be torqued to the right specs. Mine is the 2025 R1 T. 1800 mi.

 

[kyledmb]

Rivian replaced bolt which holds the half shaft on. Recall 2024. Bolt used was defective. Could not be torqued to the right specs. Mine is the 2025 R1 T. 1800 mi.

Your R1T is Gen2?

 

[MidnightRivian]

I just got new dampener for both sides / retrofit, new jounce lines / retrofit, halfshafts and hubs

The suspension does sounds better with no clunks based on the 65 or so miles I have driven over the last 17 hours.

I am currently at ~ 28,000 miles on my Quad Motor June 2023 build R1S.

I appreciate Rivian and my local service center taking care of this concern.

 

[harkco]

My Gen 1 R1T (VIN -

I just got new dampener for both sides / retrofit, new jounce lines / retrofit, halfshafts and hubs

It does sounds based on the 35 or so miles I have driven over the last 14 hours.

I am currently at ~ 28,000 miles on my Quad Motor June 2023 build R1S.

I appreciate Rivian and my local service center taking care of this concern.

My Gen 1 R1T (VIN = 3,XXX) with 25,000 miles is in getting almost the exact same service. They text every other day to tell me they are replacing something else on the front suspension. I had dropped the vehicle off for its 22,500 service and to find out why my second set of front tires is already bald while the rears still look brand new... guess I have an answer.

 

[chi-chi]

I just got new dampener for both sides / retrofit, new jounce lines / retrofit, halfshafts and hubs

It does sounds based on the 35 or so miles I have driven over the last 14 hours.

I am currently at ~ 28,000 miles on my Quad Motor June 2023 build R1S.

I appreciate Rivian and my local service center taking care of this concern.

Did this resolve the clunking? I have the same problem.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Did this resolve the clunking? I have the same problem.

This did help really quiet down the front end especially on potholes, manhole covers and rough roads.

I will test later today on speed bumps and report back and even take speed bump unevenly to see if that improved as well.

My Gen 1 R1T (VIN -


My Gen 1 R1T (VIN = 3,XXX) with 25,000 miles is in getting almost the exact same service. They text every other day to tell me they are replacing something else on the front suspension. I had dropped the vehicle off for its 22,500 service and to find out why my second set of front tires is already bald while the rears still look brand new... guess I have an answer.

I'm glad they're getting you squared away. The 2022 - 2023 R1T definitely felt like a noisier suspension when compared to R1S but overall R1T has better handling and driving dynamics when compared to R1S which tends to have porpoising / very easy to toss around.

The new dampener / jounce lines will help make a huge difference for clunking noise especially on R1T and also to a certain extent the halfshafts and hubs from a noise perspective when driving slow or making low speed maneuvers. I think you'll be happy with the service they will do for you.

I do hope this last more than 28,000 miles.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Did this resolve the clunking? I have the same problem.

I went over 5 speed bumps and took 2 of them evenly and three of them where only one side hit the speed bump and the other side was flat on the road.

I noticed a big difference from before and no longer hear any clunk, tock / ting from the front end.

I also noticed when getting out of the alleyway into the main street when there is a dip, I previously use to get a clunk. Now that noise is gone and the sound is just silent. Pure bliss.

I hope this lasts for a while.

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