Steering issues - pulling left, pulling right, poor steering wheel alignment.

[Crazychemist]

I haven’t seen a thread on this topic but I do see many comments in other threads.

Can someone explain to me what normal “drift” or “corrective angle” is normal when driving a rivian? I spent 2 trips and 2+ hours in Houston SC looking at alignment reports but continue to feel my truck not driving straight. I have noticed that the severity of drift changes with ride height.

The head tech in Houston told me that most people prefer a little right drift.

Isn’t there a way for rivian to collect steering wheel pressure(from the driver) and angle data to see if bias occurs over a certain distance?

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[Shaqdeez]

22" wheels?

 

[Time2Roll]

Right drift is common as the road crown slants to the right. Not sure any drift is a preference. Slight increase in caster on the right should account for this.

Yes the angles probably change some with ride height. Uneven pavement, grooves etc can also push the front tires around a bit.

Regardless the steering wheel should be level straight when moving in a straight line. This generally a basic adjustment when correcting the toe.

Can you post a pic of the alignment angles and specs?

 

[socaladam]

I haven’t seen a thread on this topic but I do see many comments in other threads.

Can someone explain to me what normal “drift” or “corrective angle” is normal when driving a rivian? I spent 2 trips and 2+ hours in Houston SC looking at alignment reports but continue to feel my truck not driving straight. I have noticed that the severity of drift changes with ride height.

The head tech in Houston told me that most people prefer a little right drift.

Isn’t there a way for rivian to collect steering wheel pressure(from the driver) and angle data to see if bias occurs over a certain distance?

2025 R1STriMax owner here. 22” wheels.

My S came from the factory not aligned. 3 SC visits and 4 alignments later, the SC found the root of the issue was the tires along with the poor alignment.

They replaced the tires and the S immediately drove better.

No matter what though, the heavy vehicle will track the road crown. This also happens in my diesel truck which weighs in at just under 9k lbs.

Have your SC check for a tire issue.

 

[DrMario]

2022 R1T with 22" wheels. Mine drifted to the right even after 2 visits to the service center. I drive mostly on all purpose mode. Took it to Firestone for alignment and now it drives straight like an arrow.

 

[Rivian Owner]

I used to have a Toyota FJ Cruiser. I never felt comfortable with the steering regardless of tires, wheels, or suspension changes I made. I actually found the big Mickey Thompson tires were the best tracking tires out of all the different tires I had on the FJ. The OEM tires were the worst. On the highway the FJ would pull left or right and rarely go straight. I say all this because any pull to the side with the Rivian is minor by comparison.

As for alignment I have found that the tech and their equipment can make a huge difference in the vehicle's driving characteristics. I've found that a frame and alignment shop is probably the best option as they take twisted wrecked vehicles and make them straight, so they typically have a better understanding of their tools and the suspension of a vehicle. Just like any tool, if the tool isn't calibrated correctly things will be equally out of spec. So you might want to find a well respected frame shop to see if they can decipher what is going on with your vehicle.

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