Noise Diagnosis

Systematic diagnosis of noise concerns on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery vehicle, including inspection of electric drivetrain components, suspension, and vehicle-specific sources.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Interview driver or operator to determine exact noise characteristics: when it occurs, location, frequency, whether it's speed-dependent or load-dependent
2. Document current mileage and check service history for any related repairs or component replacements
3. Connect diagnostic scan tool and check for any DTCs related to drivetrain, motors, inverters, or active safety systems
4. Verify battery state of charge is above 20% for proper testing procedures
5. Ensure vehicle is on level ground with parking brake applied and wheel chocks in place
6. Perform visual inspection of vehicle exterior for obvious damage, loose components, or debris in wheel wells

Procedure

1. 1

   Initial static inspection and pre-diagnosis
   With vehicle stationary and powered off, perform visual and manual inspection of all accessible drivetrain and suspension components. Check for loose fasteners, damaged CV boots, torn suspension bushings, or any obviously displaced components. Rock vehicle side-to-side and front-to-back to detect play in suspension or steering components. Check cargo area for loose items that may be creating noise.
2. 2

   Test drive and noise characterization
   Perform controlled test drive to reproduce the noise concern. Note whether noise occurs during acceleration, deceleration, coasting, or braking. Determine if noise is present in specific speed ranges (0-20 mph, 20-40 mph, 40+ mph). Test on smooth and rough surfaces. Try different regenerative braking levels to see if noise changes. Record exact conditions when noise is most prominent. Note if noise occurs during turns (left vs right) or only straight-line driving.
3. 3

   Lift vehicle and perform raised inspection
   Raise vehicle on lift to working height. Perform thorough visual inspection of entire underbody with emphasis on electric motor mounts, drive axles, CV joints, differential assemblies, and suspension components. Look for fluid leaks from differentials or motor cooling systems. Check for contact marks where components may be rubbing. Inspect heat shields, skid plates, and underbody panels for looseness or damage.
4. 4

   Inspect electric drive motors and inverters
   Visually inspect both front and rear electric motor assemblies for any signs of physical damage, loose mounting bolts, or cooling system leaks. Check motor mounts for deterioration or separation. Inspect high-voltage cable routing for proper clearance and secure mounting. Look for any evidence of internal motor bearing failure such as discoloration, coolant contamination, or unusual deposits around motor housings. Do not disconnect any orange high-voltage components.
5. 5

   Check drive axles and CV joints
   Inspect both front and rear drive axles and CV joints for torn boots, grease leakage, or damage. Grasp each axle and attempt to move radially and axially to check for excessive play. Rotate wheels by hand while listening and feeling for clicking, grinding, or binding in CV joints. Pay special attention to inner and outer CV joint boots for tears or missing clamps. Check axle shaft for signs of contact with chassis or suspension components.
6. 6

   Inspect differential assemblies
   Check front and rear differential housings for physical damage, fluid leaks, or loose mounting. Verify differential fluid levels are correct (1.50 qt front, 2.00 qt rear using 75W-90 GL-5). With vehicle raised, attempt to rotate driveline by hand to check for roughness, binding, or excessive backlash. Listen for gear noise when rotating. Check differential breather tubes for proper routing and function.
7. 7

   Suspension and steering component inspection
   Inspect all suspension components including control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links. Check for worn bushings, loose fasteners, or damaged components. Use pry bar to check for play in ball joints and tie rod ends. Inspect shock absorbers and struts for leaks or damage. Check wheel bearings by grasping tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock wheel to detect play.
8. 8

   Brake system noise inspection
   Remove wheels and inspect brake rotors, calipers, and pads. Look for uneven pad wear, glazed pads, scored rotors, or loose caliper mounting. Check brake pad thickness and compare side-to-side. Inspect caliper slides for proper lubrication and movement. Verify brake pad shims and anti-rattle clips are present and properly installed. Check for debris between rotor and backing plate.
9. 9

   Tire and wheel inspection
   Inspect all tires for irregular wear patterns, embedded objects, belt separation, or damage. Check tire pressures and compare to door placard specifications. With wheels raised, spin each tire and watch for wobble or runout. Check wheel weights for security. Inspect wheels for damage, cracks, or loose lug nuts. Swap tire positions if necessary to determine if noise follows specific tire.
10. 10

    HVAC and auxiliary system inspection
    Check HVAC blower motor operation at various speeds for noise. Inspect cabin air filter for debris or restrictions. Check compressor mounting and operation. Verify coolant pumps for battery and motor cooling systems are not creating noise (listen with electronic stethoscope if available). Check power steering system even though electric (verify no pump whine from electric assist motor).
11. 11

    Body and trim component inspection
    Check all underbody panels, belly pans, and skid plates for secure mounting. Inspect cargo area panels and bulkhead for looseness. Check door seals and window seals for wind noise sources. Verify all body fasteners are tight. Inspect exhaust heat shields (if equipped with auxiliary heater). Check for loose trim pieces in wheel wells or under vehicle.
12. 12

    Electronic stethoscope diagnosis
    Using electronic stethoscope or chassis ear, place sensors at key locations: each motor housing, each differential, each wheel bearing area, and any areas where noise is suspected. Perform controlled test drive or dynamometer test if available. Monitor and record sounds from each sensor location. Compare sounds side-to-side to identify abnormal noise sources. Document findings with audio recordings if possible.
13. 13

    Review diagnostic data and DTCs
    Review scan tool data for any motor vibration warnings, bearing temperature anomalies, or torque distribution irregularities. Check motor speed sensors for proper operation. Review any stored or pending DTCs related to drivetrain. Check for motor imbalance codes or bearing sensor faults. Verify inverter operation shows no thermal or electrical anomalies. Document all findings in repair order.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any wheels or components removed during inspection
2. Torque all fasteners to proper specifications if any were loosened during inspection
3. Clear any diagnostic codes if testing generated temporary faults
4. Reset tire pressure monitoring system if wheels were rotated

Verification

• Perform final test drive under same conditions where noise was originally present
• Verify noise concern has been identified and root cause documented
• If noise source requires repair, provide detailed estimate with specific component identification
• Document findings thoroughly in repair order with exact location and characteristics of noise
• If noise cannot be duplicated, document conditions attempted and recommend customer return when noise reoccurs
• Verify no new DTCs were generated during diagnosis process

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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