Chassis
6 article(s) on «Chassis». Sorted by severity — most severe first.
Model 3/Y: lower ball joints — diagnosis, repair options, brands
Lower ball joints on M3/Y last longer than the upper ones, but fail by the same scenario: boot tears, grease leaks out — squeak/crunch over bumps and when turning the steering wheel. Whether to replace just the ball joint or the entire arm, and which brands to buy.
Model 3/Y: rear lower control arm — wear diagnosis, full assembly replacement vs bushing pressing
The rear lower arm on M3/Y holds both the spring and the camber ball joint. When bushings are blown out, the rear axle becomes 'floaty' and chews through tires. Replacing the arm as an assembly or pressing in polyurethane — what the budget options are.
Model 3/Y: steering rack noises and knocks — causes, diagnosis, rebuild vs replacement
Knock in the steering wheel over bumps, clicking balls when turning, squeak when steering — on M3/Y this can be loose mounts (fixed by a TSB shim) or a worn rack. What can be repaired, what needs replacement, and whether a rebuild is worth it.
Model 3/Y: wheel hub bearings — which brand to buy (SKF/SNR/FAG/NSK vs noname) and how to replace
Airplane-like hum during acceleration and regen that goes away at steady speed — classic for a worn wheel hub bearing. On M3/Y this is an assembled hub. Brand matters: SKF/SNR/FAG/NSK last 100k+ km, cheap noname — 15–30k and replacement again.
Tesla S/X/3/Y: sway bar end links — knocking on small bumps
Sway bar end links (called 'kostochki' in chat) are a typical source of light metallic knock/rattle on small bumps, especially in winter and shoulder seasons. The approach differs between Model 3/Y and S/X. Budget aftermarket (Patron, Technorot) often last as long as Tesla OEM.
Model 3/Y: rear upper control arm bushings — specs, replacement options, who does it in Belarus
Rear upper arms on M3/Y 'eat' bushings at 80–120 thousand km: a knock appears on small bumps, the car wanders on ruts. Replace the arm as an assembly or press in Powerflex/SuperPro polyurethane — both options work.