Dual Motor Noise

[Tony R1S]

Doesn't sound right to me. .

I had that similar issue with the lower pitched vibration sound you hear (almost like something out of balance) on my QM. They had to replace the front drive unit and that fixed it. Mine got considerably worse over time. At first, it was only audible from 30-40mph, then I started hearing it at 15-20mph as well. The SC didn't think it was an issue until I figured out how to reproduce it even at low speed by parking on a slight incline or hill, and shifting to neutral and could easily hear the clicking/ticking sounds that tracks with speed.

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[Microdowns]

I don't have a DM but have owned 5 different EVs over the years. The high pitched sounds seem normal and some whine is normal especially on Regen.

With that said, yours sounds like a bearing noise on Regen. If SC is saying it's normal I would document and unfortunately wait until it gets worse. You do have 150k miles of warranty on the motors. You could also try to escalate as well

Please keep us updated on what happens with this.

Submitted the Video to Rivian support and got immediate response to bring the truck in to the Sacramento Service Center. Test drove my truck with the service representative and he could clearly hear the noise. We then took out a new identical truck. Within a few hundred yards it was immediately apparent that it was much quieter!! The whine was still audible, but definitely not objectionable. The audio tool showed that the whine level was at the same level as other noises in the cabin - no spike at the 400Hz band. So they are currently planning on replacing the front motor assembly.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Submitted the Video to Rivian support and got immediate response to bring the truck in to the Sacramento Service Center. Test drove my truck with the service representative and he could clearly hear the noise. We then took out a new identical truck. Within a few hundred yards it was immediately apparent that it was much quieter!! The whine was still audible, but definitely not objectionable. The audio tool showed that the whine level was at the same level as other noises in the cabin - no spike at the 400Hz band. So they are currently planning on replacing the front motor assembly.

I'm not sure if Rivian has developed guidelines, but I know Tesla has very specific guidelines that a sound has to exceed a certain threshold before they will authorize motor replacement. I'm glad to hear Rivian is replacing that motor. It doesn't sound normal.

 

[jtrex35]

I had the same problem in my max pack performance dual motor (built 11/2023), just over 1 month into ownership, a loud objectionable motor whine/whirring started from the front in all drive modes when accelerating and regen especially at lower speeds 0-45mph. It even sounded louder when the windows were closed. Contacted service, sent a video, brought it to the Atlanta SC and they immediately took it in and provided me with another R1S as a loaner for a couple weeks while the front motor assembly gets replaced or repaired. Unfortunate that it happened but things go awry from time to time and very pleased with the Atlanta SC so far, the engineers that I spoke to over the phone and app and their level of responsiveness and urgency.

 

[Microdowns]

Submitted the Video to Rivian support and got immediate response to bring the truck in to the Sacramento Service Center. Test drove my truck with the service representative and he could clearly hear the noise. We then took out a new identical truck. Within a few hundred yards it was immediately apparent that it was much quieter!! The whine was still audible, but definitely not objectionable. The audio tool showed that the whine level was at the same level as other noises in the cabin - no spike at the 400Hz band. So they are currently planning on replacing the front motor assembly.

Just got the R1T back from service and the whine is gone!! Here is what they did:

Duplicated the customer concern with the customer. Compared the noise to another known
good dual motor performance R1T with 21" wheels and found that the comparison vehicle does
not make the same level of drive unit whirring noise and is noticeably quieter. Recommend
inspection of the sound deadening material on the front drive unit (FDU) and if no abnormalities
are present, escalate for confirmation of FDU replacement. Found that the noise isolation
material around the drive unit shows no signs of trauma or abnormalities. Isolated the whirring
noise to the front drive unit using chassis ears. Confirmed with on-site diagnostic specialist that
FDU replacement is the recommended path forward. Replaced the front drive unit following the
service manual repair guidelines and confirmed proper operation after the repair.

 

[HaveBlue]

I was going to respond as well. Glad you got it fixed. The high pitched whine is normal but the whiring sound briefly at 9s and onward at 18s to almost the end is something going out. They'll be able to rebuild the spare reuse it.

 

[DLee]

Got my perf dual motor R1S in march. Same loud whine when decelerating from 30mph. Took into service today and drove with engineer. He said this is a known issue and that Rivian is aware. I still plan to escalate, but anyone else hear from Rivian that this is a known issue with the enduro motors?

 

[Jabbahop]

I guess we are lucky with our R1S Max pack as it has very little engine/interver? noise - especially compared to our prior R1T quad. Hope Rivian fixes it for you all.

 

[Dc640]

I am having the same issue with my dual motor max pack
I just started another thread before I found this
Service center near me is El Segundo - i made online appt uploading the video - end of Aug is first appt - that is 2.5 months away = WTH
Noise Video

 

[DLee]

I am having the same issue with my dual motor max pack
I just started another thread before I found this
Service center near me is El Segundo - i made online appt uploading the video - end of Aug is first appt - that is 2.5 months away = WTH
Noise Video

You’re lucky. Mine is in Sept, same SC in El Segundo. Let us know how it goes. Perhaps they’ll have an update other than, “it’s a known issue”. Good luck!

 

[Dc640]

It’s a known issue? No way.

 

[DLee]

That is what I was told, that a lot of owners had complained. This will be my second visit in Sept. as there should be a solution for this. It’s crazy that this is even an issue.

 

[ac21]

Confirming same abnormal vibration/grinding noise between 20-30 on regen, especially at exactly 23mph. Mine is a Gen 1 Dual Motor vehicle and has done this since delivery. Interestingly, it does not make this noise initially when motor temp is below 100F; does it all the time once after vehicle is going for a few minutes. Had to drive it with Service rep today to get them to immediately notice noise is unusual after informing them about it prior. Will report if they tell me this issue has reported "fix" yet as it is a mystery as to what is causing it.

 

[Tr4ckD4ys]

I have a performance dual motor R1T with Max pack. There is significant motor/differential whine from 0 to ~60 MPH. Peaks at approx. 35 MPH. Loudest when decelerating. Check out the following YouTube video

R1T Motor Noise

to experience the noise first hand. The bar graph shows the noise level for each 1/3 octave. The center frequency of the noise is displayed at the top and varies with vehicle speed. Any other dual motor R1T owners experiencing this level of motor noise? The head service technician at Sacramento center says this is normal. I was able to test drive a dual motor R1S and the motor whine was much quieter.

Mine sounds exactly the same, at the exact same speeds (ie peaks at 35mph). I also have PDM Max. I decided not to worry about it until the car actually gives me a warning.

 

[ATL_Canes]

Same issue here (dual / max / 2023 model year). The sound was normal for the first 1,000 miles, and then this milling sound showed up ever since (kids said it sounds like a space ship coming down the road). The tech heard it immediately on a test drive and said it's the first time he's heard it on a Rivian. He came from Tesla and had heard that noise there, so he was familiar with it in that regard.

They are replacing the FDU, so hopefully we're all quiet again when I get it returned.

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