R1T DIY: How to Remove the Rear Wheel Liner and Trim

Replacing my R1S Spare Tire (and Kit)

Rivian Mom · 2025-03-08T18:49:39+00:00

Last week, we got the full-size spare tire installed, including the kit. 3 days ago, I got an alert that the driver's size front tire was a little low on air. I aired it back up using the built-in compressor but it kept leaking slowly (~4psi in 12 hours). When we got it jacked up, I saw a little screw just trying to get by. A couple things to note on the process: • The instructions in the tow manual or in-truck manual are excellent and detailed. You are not too manly to read them—take the time and read them to save yourself any grief. I like that they remind you to lower the suspension before removing the spare & kit, then raise it to change it, along with a bunch of other small tips. • Don't forget to completely remove the long bolt holding the tire and jack kit down (which is also explained in the manual)—this takes only a second, and you won't have to worry about damaging the tire. It also makes removing the nearly 100lb tire much easier, as you can just pivot it upright and roll it out of the well. The hex head to remove it is molded into the threaded piece. • If you don't have the manual on you (and once jacked, you can't get back in the cab to read the onboard one), there's a QRCode on the jack and other components you can scan with your phone. This takes you directly to the tow guide PDF—this is an awesome idea, someone should get a bonus for it. • At least for the front wheel, you have to raise the jack almost all the way up to truly get the wheel off the ground. • You have to swap the center cap from the flat tire to the replacement tire. It's not a big deal, though, and can easily be done after everything else. But you probably can't remove that center cap easily while the tire is mounted. • The kit isn't half bad. It was a little hard work, but overall, nothing unbearable since I was in the garage in the shade. Here's some photos of what everything looks like. The tire is off getting patched, but should be an easy fix.

Vincent

Member

Wednesday at 7:00 PM

2 weeks ago, I had a small door ding just behind the rear passenger side wheel. My dent repair guy said he can fix it if he can access it from behind, which means removing the rear wheel liner. I did a little research and I found a solution.

Having it removed was pretty straightforward and easy. No sensors to deal with. It allows access behind the wheel and there is a sheet metal bulkhead that the PDR person will need to drill a small hole in to access the far rear end of the truck. This is pretty standard stuff according to my guy.

Once I had the wheel well removed, it took him to 20 minutes to have the truck looking like new. Took me another 20 minutes to reassemble the wheel well and trim. Not a difficult job at all.

R1T DIY: How to Remove the Rear Wheel Liner and Trim

Vincent

Member

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