Front suspension dropping slowly while parked, normal?

[smashweights]

Hey all,

So I've noticed the last two times we have gone away for a week that when I come back the front suspension has dropped significantly. The first time was about 3 months ago and it was low enough the tires rubbed on the wheel wells when turning slightly.

We just got back from a week away on spring break and I remembered to check them before pulling away at the airport and they were so low I couldn't see the top of the tire or even get my hand between the tire and the wheel well (see pics). I did not drive it like this but rather hit to put the suspension in HIGH and then back to normal so it would correct. Ride was normal on the way home.

Is this typical for Rivians? My last truck was a 2019 Ram 1500 with an air suspension and it might slightly adjust a bit when getting in but never was visibly down. I asked Rivian to check it out about a month ago while it was in for a few other items and they said a damper on the front passenger side had a small but acceptable leak. I do not use kneel mode and keep it in standard height with auto low for highway speed is.

Worried it could possibly damage the wheel well or tires if I don't pay attention to manually adjusting the suspension after a trip...

Thanks for any info you all can provide.

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[godfodder0901]

Hey all,

So I've noticed the last two times we have gone away for a week that when I come back the front suspension has dropped significantly. The first time was about 3 months ago and it was low enough the tires rubbed on the wheel wells when turning slightly.

We just got back from a week away on spring break and I remembered to check them before pulling away at the airport and they were so low I couldn't see the top of the tire or even get my hand between the tire and the wheel well (see pics). I did not drive it like this but rather hit to put the suspension in HIGH and then back to normal so it would correct. Ride was normal on the way home.

Is this typical for Rivians? My last truck was a 2019 Ram 1500 with an air suspension and it might slightly adjust a bit when getting in but never was visibly down. I asked Rivian to check it out about a month ago while it was in for a few other items and they said a damper on the front passenger side had a small but acceptable leak. I do not use kneel mode and keep it in standard height with auto low for highway speed is.

Worried it could possibly damage the wheel well or tires if I don't pay attention to manually adjusting the suspension after a trip...

Thanks for any info you all can provide.

No, not normal.

 

[mkhuffman]

Not normal. Definitely get it looked at again.

 

[DuoRivians]

Rivian should replace your front suspension under warranty. They did for mine when I had the same issue

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Abnormal. Front dampers need to be replaced. If it raises once awake and powered on, it’s still fine to drive without threat of damage (on pavement). But you want to get appointment started regardless.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...g-a-12-volt-battery-failure.57348/post-975347

 

[VC_Rivian]

It’s the dampers, same thing happened to me, it will get worse.

 

[smashweights]

Well that's pretty resounding. I had it in a month ago and mentioned the issue but didn't have any pictures since it was the first time. Put in for a mobile service request. Thanks!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Well that's pretty resounding. I had it in a month ago and mentioned the issue but didn't have any pictures since it was the first time. Put in for a mobile service request. Thanks!

I very much doubt this is something that can be done by mobile service.

 

[smashweights]

I very much doubt this is something that can be done by mobile service.

If it needs replaced then I agree. I'd rather them come to me and tell me no replacement then drop it off for 3 days with a rental car possibly not getting reimbursed if it's not an issue to fix.

 

[mkhuffman]

If it needs replaced then I agree. I'd rather them come to me and tell me no replacement then drop it off for 3 days with a rental car possibly not getting reimbursed if it's not an issue to fix.

Maybe you can leave it parked for a while so when they arrive for the service appointment they can see the sagging suspension themselves.

 

[WorldComposting]

I had the same issue I recorded a video and sent it to Rivian with the service ticket. I ended up bringing it in and they confirmed it leaked then replaced the suspension to stop this from happening.

Link to the video:

 

[smashweights]

Well they called me and basically said if it takes a week to drop probably not an issue but they could look at it in the service center. I figured since they just checked it I would wait and see BUT today I was swapping the all weather floor mats out and noticed my carpeting was wet underneath so I guess it's going in for that anyway...

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Well they called me and basically said if it takes a week to drop probably not an issue but they could look at it in the service center. I figured since they just checked it I would wait and see BUT today I was swapping the all weather floor mats out and noticed my carpeting was wet underneath so I guess it's going in for that anyway...

Lie and say it’s gotten worse and drops in few days. Your SC is trying to procrastinate. Normal is no change in height after months of being parked. I didn’t even have to bring that up with Lake Forest CA SC. I told them it happens every time it’s parked for few days. They wrote up the replacement order without questioning. It would have been done if not for lack of inventory on RF damper. Going back next week.

 

[tbadd475]

Following this. I noticed on return from a recent trip that my front end was nearly touching the front tires. I have an upcoming service ticket, I'll see if I can measure and drop!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Following this. I noticed on return from a recent trip that my front end was nearly touching the front tires. I have an upcoming service ticket, I'll see if I can measure and drop!

No need to measure. Take before and after pictures. Roughly same camera position/distance, dead-on side profile. And add to your existing ticket. Noticeable visual difference between standard ride height and lowest (with tire fully tucked-in inside the well).

It's either a leak in the air spring or a valve in the damper (which would also affect ride quality). But, I think it's spring + damper as one unit, so they get replaced together.

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