Common Tesla suspension problems on Model 3 and Model Y
Most Tesla owners have a common misconception that Tesla’s are maintenance free. Unfortunately, as much as we like that to be true, there are actually several maintenance services all Tesla owners should complete. Most of the services are rather simple, Cabin filter replacements, Alignments, and brake flushes every 2 years. However, when model 3 and model Y’s start aging 40,000miles and up, a common Tesla suspension problems will include address the tearing of lateral link (front lower control arm) bushings, and compliance arm bushings, and front upper control arm sounds.
Lateral Link Bushings
The Lateral link bushing (also called front lower control arm bushing) tends to tear around 40k-70k miles. The tear is gradual so symptoms are also gradual. Usually, symptoms are silent but will include sloppy steering feedback. When the bushings are completely torn, you may hear clunking sounds as the lateral arm develops play on the bolt.
We recommend replacing worn lateral link bushings with OE Style Lateral link arms. This will give you a brand new set of bushings and better steering feedback. For those that want to upgrade their bushings, we offer MPP Solid Front Lower control arm bearings as replacements. These MPP bearings provide an amazing upgrade to steering response and feedback and with its spherical bearings, will last much longer than any OE bushing replacement.
-
- Torn Lateral Link Bushings
-
- OE Style Front lateral link replacement
-
- Replaced with MPP Lower Control arm bearings
Compliance Arm Bushings
Another common Tesla suspension problems are the Compliance arm bushings that tend to tear around the same time as the Lateral link. As with the Lateral link, the tearing is gradual, as are the symptoms. Drivers will usually experience sloppy back and forth motions, especially with stop and go’s. We recommend replacing these with OE Style Compliance arms to refresh your front end suspension and provide a tighter front end response. There are a few aftermarket compliance bushings on the market, but from our experience, we have not found one that would negate any noise features or create increase road feel to recommend. Increase of road feel will usually equate to a more bumpy ride.
-
- Torn Compliance arm bushings
-
- OE Style Compliance Arms
-
- Compliance arm replacement
Front Upper Control Arms
We also commonly hear clients complaining about sounds; creaking, squeaking or loud duck calls when turning the steering wheel left and right. Sounds usually start around 40k and up in miles and up. This is another very common Tesla suspension issue and caused by moisture or debris entering the ball joints of the front upper control arms. Although highly annoying when this happens, it’s typically not a safety concern. We recommend replacement with OE Style Front Upper control arms.
Our updated OE style Front upper control arms are designed as a one-piece upper fork that protects the ball joints much better to keep out moisture. This new OE style arm is used by Tesla as an updated version but commonly out of stock at Tesla. We have OE style arms in stock for same day replacements.
-
- OE Style Front upper control arm replacement
-
- OE Style Front upper control arms
-
- OE Style Front Upper Control arm
All of the above mentioned repairs are very common Tesla Suspension problems for Model 3 and Model Y. At P3X Performance, bushing repairs are one of our most worked on jobs. We see these bushings excessively torn on almost all Model 3’s and Model Y’s by the time the cars have reached 70k-90k miles. We recommend having them check yearly! P3X Performance offers a Maintenance package that includes: AC service, wheel rotation, inspect suspension bushings, top of windshield wiper, and Alignment.
Check out some of our Tesla suspension problems and repairs on IG
Reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to schedule for inspection!