DIY Tire Rotation?

[FooF]

So… driving a little bit?

In order to drive around I need to get out of my garage first so just moving back and forth a foot or so until the suspension lowers.

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[Time2Roll]

If the tread is wearing evenly across the tread I skip moving the tire positions.
And of course if the tread is not wearing evenly across the tire.... the alignment or driving style needs adjustment more than rotation.

That is my opinion going on 40+ years. This really changed when radial tires became common.

 

[lefkonj]

Last time Rivian mobile service did this for me it was $65, 100% worth it and a teachable moment on the value of time. Wish you luck.

 

[Zoidz]

I've been rotating tires for years at home. Many times I have found that X pattern is not needed and is more difficult/risky to do at home.

I measure the tread with a depth gauge on each tire and consider the wear pattern to decide on how to rotate. I've been fortunate with my R1S in that each tire has "flat" wear (no worn shoulders or center) and left side/right side wear is also even. Amazing, considering all the complaints about tire wear! Fronts obviously are more worn than rears. So far on the R1S I have just done front/back same side swap. I'm at 25k miles and will probably get 35k.

SInce I have not tried it I can't say for certain, but your X plan may essentially lift most/all the vehicle weight off the ground. I've also noticed that "jack creep" can happen as you lift the R1S and it seems to me would be a bit more unstable in jacking in an X pattern, so be really careful and watch the supports, such as the jack stand tilting, during the lift. Keep the kids back for sure.

I recently "upgraded" from a pneumatic impact driver to a Rigid high torque battery electric and was honestly impressed. In auto mode, it progressively increased the torque until the nuts came loose and then automatically stopped. I had no idea it was going to do that. Why did I use that stupid pneumatic one for so long, lol?

You mention loosening the nuts before jacking. With an impact, you don't have to do that. I agree with other comments - from start to finish, 30 minutes is optimistic.

 

[SeaMonkey80]

It may seem really silly but this little furniture tool is saving my back on rotations/swaps​

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THIS IS BRILLIANT!! I have one of these sitting in my garage cabinet. Why haven't I been using this all these times I have been rotating the R1S's tires?!

I am coming up for a rotation very soon, and this will definitely save my lower back. Thank you!

 

[Gasmiser12]

I have done my own tire rotations on the R1T. No need to buy a torque battery or plug in wrench. Long breaker bar is fine. Accurate torque hand wrench for tightening lug nuts to proper spec definitely needed in x pattern.
Two hydraulic jacks needed. Safety jack stands as well.
45-60 min job for sure. Wheel/tire very heavy so I bought a car moving dolly with a jack to remove the wheel easier.

i have Harbor Freight jacks. Never had an issue. Heavy duty 3 ton; 2 rolling hydraulic jacks.

 

[NY_Rob]

Before going through all the effort and time of rotating tires from one position to another, get a digital tread depth gauge and take detailed measurements of all four tires. If you find more or less even wear, no need to do rotations.

 

[Birdowin]

Does anyone have any experience or advice on DIY tire rotations? I’m debating whether to take this on. I figure I could rotate my own in about 30 mins, save hours waiting at a tire shop, and have a fun teachable moment with my kids. I’ve changed single flat tires before on small cars, but I am a novice with big cars (R1S). I’ve done a lot of research, but I’d appreciate a double check if anyone has thoughts.

I have no spare tire, so my plan would be:

1. Level location, Drive Mode: All-Purpose, Ride Height: Highest, Settings -> Service -> Tire Change Mode
2. Loosen all lug nuts slightly while the R1S is still on the ground.
3. Jack up the R1S Right Rear (RR) lower control arm, then place a jack stand under that right rear side
   1. I think this is a must, since there isn’t a way to swap in a jack stand if I’m already using the same jack point.
   2. Picture, from Rivian Forums: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/attachments/1707334864590-png.84164/
4. Remove the tire that is held by the jack stand (starting point for the rotation, would remain empty until final rotation).
5. Using only the floor jack (no jack stand), follow the rearward cross pattern
   1. Right Rear (RR) -> Right Front (RF) (Swap in the loose right rear tire for the right front tire), and then…
   2. Right Front (RF) → Left Rear (LR)
   3. Left Rear (LR) → Left Front (LF)
   4. Left Front (LF) → Right Rear (RR) (which fills in the empty tire well)

Notes:

• Lug nuts are M14 x 1.5.
• Torque lug nuts in start pattern to 190Nm (140 lb-ft)
• Drive car 10 mins to reset TPMS sensors
• Non-Rivian Jack Specs: 3 tons with 23 inches of range
• Wheel chocks on both sides of diagonally opposite tire

Questions

1. Q: Is this too risky if I try to optimize time by not using the second jack stand? Remember, the floor jack itself occupies the jack point, and I’m trying to avoid removing underbody jack panels.
2. Does anyone have experience with how long it takes to remove and reinstall the underbody jack panels?

Bill of Materials ($679, ouch!)

$289 - DAYTONA 3 Ton Low-Profile Superduty Floor Jack with RAPID PUMP

• Min lift height: 3.75”, Max lift height 23.125”
• https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton...apid-pump-sunburst-metallic-orange-57590.html

$80 - 3 Ton Jack Stands (Pair)

• Min lift height: ~14”, Max lift height: ~22” (This would be combined with the 3.18” Jack puck to clear 23”)
• https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-jack-stands-with-circular-pads-58789.html

$112 - Magnetic Jack Puck Adapter Kit for Rivian R1T & R1S

• L3.18 x W3.13 x H3.18 inches
• https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Jack-Adapter-Rivian-Zippered/dp/B0BX2317TM/

$16 - Wheel Chocks (Purchase 2)

• https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html

$15 - Jack Pads (Pair)

• https://www.amazon.com/ZIMISI-Jack-Anti-Slip-Protector-Lift/dp/B0F6K38XJW/
• I’m thinking of lifting the truck by the “lower control arm in the rear”, so this might help protect the metal on the Rivian (and let me use the same setup for my Chevy Bolt)

$22 - PITTSBURGH PRO 1/2 in. Drive, 25 in. Breaker Bar

• https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-25-in-breaker-bar-62729.html

$145 - TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive 72-Tooth Split Beam Torque Wrench (40-250 ft.-lb.) TRQ62203

• https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Torque-Wrench-ft-lb-TRQ62203AMZ/

Make sure that the jack goes high enough. At my tire store they have to use spacers. You may void any tire warranty since you would have no proof of regular tire rotation.

 

[usulio]

I do a 5 tire rotation (the 5th acts as a full size spare) and it is way easier and less stressful than described here. Only one tire off the ground at a time, take that one off and put the spare on, repeat at the next corner. Might be a bit slower though since you have to lift and lower four times.

 

[monzon]

After rotating the tires, do I need to do anything to reset the locations for the TPMS?

 

[NY_Rob]

After rotating the tires, do I need to do anything to reset the locations for the TPMS?

Nope, they relearn their correct positions in a few min of driving.

 

[FooF]

After rotating the tires, do I need to do anything to reset the locations for the TPMS?

No they will eventually start working after driving a while. (May take a couple of drives). I do a 5 tire rotation so maybe it just takes longer for me because of that?

 

[mab]

There is another thread that discussed this as well. (42) JackStands with Rivian | Rivian Forum - R1T R1S R2 R3 News, Specs, Models, RIVN Stock -- Rivianforums.com
There was a post on page 3, with pictures, that showed a guy that used all in one Jack Stand/bottle jack, so it eliminates the use of a floor jack if you like. He used the CAT version of this all in one but there is another, all in one, that is made by Power Built. It's rated at 6,000 lbs. so should suffice. Since vehicle total weight is in the 7K range, lifting one side of the vehicle Should be fine to use 2 of these. The power bults can be found for $79.99 Powerbuilt Tools 620471 Powerbuilt Unijack Bottle Jacks | Summit Racing

 

[R2D2]

On this video at minute 11:25 you can see how rivian mobile service does it and you can purchase the tool here:

https://rivianservicetools.com/Catalog/Product/TSN00597-300-E?groupId=34

 

[Nexus]

I think you are wildly optimistic about that 30 minute time frame...

Ditto. I swap out tires evey 6 months and it takes me more than 1/2 hour. Maybe I'm just slow!

I got this for moving the tire into position, but I'm sure it cost way more that the tool Polar showed.
https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...lf-loading-positioning-wheel-dolly-64601.html

I use the same thing. It's made it a lot easier because you can lift AND rotate the tire with it.

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