Fixing suspension rattles on Tesla Model S/X
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- There are many causes for a suspension to make noises and rattles. A common issue are worn out sway bar links. Here is how to fix those.
My favorite source for good used parts:
www.autobahnparts.com/
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.. and yes the thing with the gloves was a joke :-P - Авто та транспорт
Good video.! Found out another problem for rattle. After I replaced sway bar link, the rattle noise still there. So found out 1 if the screw that mount on the bracket for sway bar got loose. Tighten back, noise and rattle go away. Just in case someone had same issues with mind, please check all bolk make sure tight.
Thank you for the video, it is almost the perfect video on the subject. I have the same noise in my 2015 model s and have ordered new link arms. I hope my rattle is the same as in the video.
Man I had the exact same problem. This video saved me lots of money. Thanks man!!!
Wanted to add that I had the same rattles in my 13 P85+ with air suspension and it was the sway bar links. This guide resolved it for me and they were less than 100 bucks new from eBay.
Thank you David!
I paid $40 for each direct from Tesla for reference :)
I've gone a few times to the service center for this exact issue, 2014 S with no luck on diagnostic and paid $200 each time but they always quote me somewhere near $2k!?
Maybe I need to go do a different service center??
Thanks for the video. Very clear and 'understandable'. I don't have any problems as I don't yet own a Tesla. How this video has helped me is to enlarge my knowledge of the car. 'With knowledge comes understanding'
thanks
Great video! Have the same sound in my 2016 S.
Had exact same issue, and fixed it thanks to this video. Thanks a million! Bought genuine parts from Tesla, hope they last me as long as the first pair (130k miles)
Thank you so much! Great video. I had a similar issue on my S. It was like a thumping sound on the drivers side. I took it to the SC. They said that they re-torqued the front suspension fasteners. It’s been fine.
Thanks! Yes, sometimes it's as simple as a lose nut/bolt. The air suspension rattles are harder to pinpoint as they inside the strut.
Great info! Thank you. I'm about to order some links and DIY it up
I tried to replace this part this morning on my 2017 MS 75D and the connection point on the top is in a different location. You need to take off the rotor to access the top nut which I wasn't prepared to do. Thanks for the video.
Thank you ! I think I have the same problem. And I had the same conclusions. I’ll check on mine (TMS 2016 air)
many thanks for your sharing
Thanks for this repair issue guide. Easy fix but Hard to Know. The video Done nicely. Thumbs up.
Thanks
Thanks! Very helpful.
Good info.
Hi David, Outstanding video! I've been suffering with the same noise for weeks on my Tesla Model S P85. Thanks to your video, I ordered the same parts from eBay and fixed the car last night. Job done - thanks to you, $99 to eBay & youtube. I owe you a beer!
I'm glad to hear this. That's why I'm making these videos. I'm working on another video about replacing the struts. Turned out to be more complex than I thought. LOL
@@DavidDrivesElectric did you ever make this video? I've yet to find a non-Tesla source for replacement S coilover struts. Last I checked SC prices were for digits/each. Compared to $40/each on my old Subaru with essentially same design. No Mercedes parts work as substitute either, must be some minor fitment differences.
Having this issue. Got to 132k miles. Will check the links tomorrow.
Left hand gloves! Love the comedy!
Do you really believe that you have the whole box of left gloves? Lmao 😂
I managed to find a box of extra left gloves (XL) but still no right gloves :-(
😂
Hello David - Thanks for the great video. Replaced successfully this past weekend. One small note - you mention needing a jack - don't you actually need two jacks to raise the entire front of the car? I used 2 - a floor jack and a bottle jack - then as an extra precaution - had a stand in place in case the jacks failed. Thanks again for walking through the process - could not have done it without this video!
I use one jack in the center of the front axle. I know, not very safe and not recommended. LOL
Hi David, thank you for taking the time to explain. just to be clear you have air suspension correct?
No, mine is the traditional coil suspension. Back then it was an option to chose from. These days all Model S/X come with air suspensions. The sway bar links are the same, though. If you have a dual motor car, the sway bar and links are slight different. The air suspension itself can cause rattles as well. It's actually a common problem with the first production years.
Yup, this fixed the problem. I bought a set off ebay but the joints didn't flex so it's a stiffer ride. I just found out that you can order the parts from Tesla so I got each sway bar link for $47/piece.
Yes I had to replace mine again recently and also got new ones from Tesla. Price is very reasonable.
Can you buy them online or do you have to do a special order?@@DavidDrivesElectric
Awesome video sir! But did you torque the new links or do you know the correct torque values for the endlinks?
My hands have built in torque sensors 😊
My p85dl has a creeling air suspension when the height is adjustested . Can you help?
Hi, Do you remember the OEm part number? Some manufacturers sell these things for the TESLA s but in different lengths.
Nice video, and great joke on the gloves. Lets add to it them being for people with 2 left hands instead of glove size large :D
Haha good one! Sometimes I definitely have two left hands LOL
Always inspect the rubber gaskets it’s broken the grease gets lost and corrosion takes over. It’s the same on all cars.
Thanks I have a front suspension squeak from front right. Sounds very similar to what you describe. Going in to have Tesla fix it Tuesday. To see how much it will cost me to have the, fix it. My noise is right front. Noise is very consistent with sway bar link.
If you can, please let us know what Tesla found and how much they charged
@@DavidDrivesElectric My 2013 Model S with air suspension is at the service center right now. My bill is $261.25. $95 in parts for the left and right sway bar links and $166.25 in labor.
@@sterlinho not bad, I don't have any tools and time to do this fix but thanks for the info. And thanks for the video , great joke on the gloves haha
FYI, the "L" on the box of gloves means they're size "Large", not "Left". The gloves are made to fit either hand.
Anyway, thank you for the helpful video, I'm going to order 2 sway bar links for my 2016 MX.
The glove thing was a joke but I'm still working on my comic delivery LOL
@@DavidDrivesElectric Ha! I should have known! Feeling kinda stupid :) Anyway, thanks again for a very informative video, much appreciated!
Ok, so I changed the sway bar links. Lubed the axle splines with that special Loctite paste AND had Tesla install a new Rack and Pinion. Still the Rattle Continues. I've heard somethings about Air Suspension Strut Bushings that can rattle. Might have to get some remote listening devices. 2017 with 60K miles. But I've been hearing this since 2018. Also most loaners had the same rattle, rarely I heard a silent one. The journey continues.
Yes the air suspension struts are known to cause rattling noise
@@DavidDrivesElectric Ok, I found a Tesla service bulletin SB-18-31-009 that details how to check for strut rattle. When I did the test it ended the rattle. They say to replace the struts but I simply put rubber washers above and below the shock tower brace, (Bulletin explains the test) and the sound is 90% less. I used toilet tank to bowl washers you can find at any hardware store.
Sending a like for the Cat!
Can be done without jacking the car and taking the wheels off. Just turn in fully - left for left side, right for the tight side.
The car will have to be on a perfect level surface. If there is any difference in suspension load on the left vs right, there is a tension on the sway bar and it's next to impossible to get the links out. But yes it can be done. Just much harder to get to
@@DavidDrivesElectric Sure, not exactly level though. The axle just has to be horizontal. It's actually pretty easy reach to the nuts and the link, unless you have massive hands :D
Fixed my old S a week ago and it's free of rattling ever since. Thanks for the upload!
How do I tell what part time order? I have a 2017 Model X 75D
I don't have 2 jacks. I am thinking to jack up the car on one side and remove the wheel then lower the jack and put a piece of wood under the lower control arm until the car is level. Will it work?
When you said you put a piece of wood across and jack up the car in the middle. what size of wood did you use? 4x4?
Please get 2 jacks for safety reason...you can always return one after use. No point in risking life & limb to replace a sway bar links
Nice! That's exactly what's happening to my wife's car. Just found 2 new links on eBay for $40 each!
Yeah I think it's actually a good idea to use new parts on anything related to the suspension
Nice video. But the common Tesla Air Suspension Rattle has other courses. It’s from the damper itself.
thanks! Yeah those older air struts are known to cause rattles. BTW, thanks for your video showing that problem well!
Seems like Model X also has same rattle you are referring to. Have you have a chance to confirm that? The design of the air suspension top seems to be same for both S and X, but communication of the rattle is different. Also, on X there was no rattle at start. Most noticable after 12000
Not sure how I can jack it with a my floor jack and then block it in place to do the other side cuz the Jacking Points are so small. Tips other than getting a second jack?
You can use a strong piece of wood and put it near the lifting points before using a jack. It's fine. I have done that many times.
Hi nice video
Just wanted to ask about 1 thing and that’s preloading- does that not apply to sway bar end links? Thanks
You mean adding weight to the suspension? To get the sway bars in and out the suspension on both side have to be at the same level. If doesn't matter if it's half way down or lifted. The sway bar will have a lot of tension if left and right are at different levels. But it doesn't matter what level that is.
Those a ball joint, not rubber bushes.
I have the same problem with my Tesla Model X Raven 2020 which is a month old and the service center wants to charge me.
how did you put the front on jack stands? DIdn't look like you have air suspension. Looks like you just used a scissor jack?
BTW, saw your LTE upgrade video and sounds like you have leaking plasma on MCU1, I just fixed mine (suctioned out air bubbles, then sealed with epoxy) Only doable before leaks get too bad.
I just used two jacks, one on each side.
My car has been diagnosed with the same issue last week, but I have the impression that the rattling is there already since 10000 KMS from new ( now 40k) . What would be the normal interval for these issues?
It really depends on the road and weather conditions. In cold weather the rubber boots will last less long.
5:20. Telsa keeps revising these parts. Old parts fail for some reason. It might be wise to get the new ones to save the future trouble.
Yes they probably get better. I don't mind using used parts here as they are much cheaper and replacement is very easy.
I swear Tesla must have watched this video. I ordered a front set of links and in case the audience doesn't know on the older S the links are specific to left side and right side. The parts come in, I take an hour off work and go to pick them up. Well the both look the same but have LH and RH part numbers. The service center guy assures me they are the right parts but I'm sceptical. Sure enough I look at the IPC and sunnuva bee hind I have two LH links. I send a message on the app but I end up going in person to the SC and tell them they gave me two LH links. So he orders another RH link and I keep both links until the part comes in. I get a notification and go to the service center to get the RH link and dammit it has the RH part number tag but once again is a LH part. We go through the motions to order another part. Today I go to pick it up and $#@&#&$!!!! The reorder is another LH link labeled as RH. So there we stand with three LH links. This time I said open the catalog and look at the part drawing. They are not the same. You have two parts identified as right hand but they are left hand. I think I've wasted about a month trying to get the RH link in.
Thanks for the video! I have a rattle in the back of my 18S and it may be what you described. I wonder how many miles you have on your S and how did you jack up both sides?
You can just use two jacks if you have. I use one in the center of the vehicle. I would not do that any more though. Just too risky. The simple scissor jacks are cheap.
Well that must have felt good to diagnose and fix a suspension link problem. I'm sure many wouldn't even try because of lack of tools and experience.
Did you ever get a quote on what Tesla service would have charged you? For most, this is the only recourse. Personally, I don't mind paying for proper service but having trust in a shop is difficult. So many are dishonest!
If I could go into a shop and ask how much to change out the sway bar links? That would be perfect. How many miles before these noises started being annoying?
Very nice video!
It was around 200k miles I think. I actually had to replace them again recently. The rattle came back. The problem isn't the joint itself being poor quality, it's the rubber sealing around it. It breaks and then dust gets in and grinds down the joint. A set from Tesla is $85. Very reliable. I didn't get a quote back then. Wasn't even worth it because I knew I could do it myself. 2 months ago I did have to go to Tesla for some more serious front suspension rattle. A lot of parts had to be replaced and I don't have the tools nor a lift to do that kind of work. I spent $2k for that. Harsh but necessary.
@@DavidDrivesElectric Thank you so much for that great reply. $85 for a pair sounds pretty low but the labor is always the killer. Still nice to know the parts are so reasonably priced. Over 200k is in territory I've never been in and not surprised costly repairs have occured. Having a front end rebuild at that kind of millage might never have occurred before or at least places you into a very small club of owners.
Love your take on Tesla ownership David and consider your channel a valuable asset to the community.
I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2017 S model, 18k, 2.5, FSD. Spending this amount of money during a pandemic is making me ponder this move daily if not hourly. It's driving me a little bonkers!
@@DavidDrivesElectric what were those repairs/parts?
is there any source of new parts or it's all service-center-only?
Tesla is selling new parts. Some are restricted that are safety related.
Interesting thanks. I’ve had a similar problem since delivery. Tesla have had 4 attempts to fix, but sound soon comes back. They’ve replaced the entire sway bar. Still no joy. Can you link to the video of the guy with microphones?
ua-cam.com/channels/qtBzOjVW0aLVZHaRYu7dpQ.html
I think if it happened when the car was relatively new, it's most likely the air suspension struts. But then there are so many sources that can cause it.
I have coils not air suspension. Each time they do something the problem is reduced/eliminated, but soon returns. Frustrating.
Frank Taylor I have this Frank on my air suspension model. Now 3 attempts at fix. Did you get resolution?
David what makes a noise when you turn in the Model S?
Its normally the top ball joint accessible from the frunk just lift the plasic trim then the rubber cover and quick tip re-inject grease ua-cam.com/video/3G73riaDIUM/v-deo.html
Top tip - If you turn any glove inside out, it'll now fit the other hand correctly.
Did tesla sell you the parts? How much did they cost? Thank you 😊
Tesla sells the parts for around $50
Love the video, like from me... if you could post the part no would be lovely...
I’m in San Marcos. Would you be willing to listen to my similar rattle?
If you happen to be in Orange county, let me know. Maybe I can help
I have a rattle over bumps from the right front wheel area. I'm hoping it's just as simple as a sway bar link as the car is old and out of warranty (2015 S 85D). Check out my channel for lots of Tesla ownership vids.
How old is your car? Model S?
Back then it was 4 years
The L on the glove box indicates size Large. Not left
Same sound, tesla changed both front lower arms after 5 months stars again same sound, what happens?!?! I spent 1000 euros
Hey David, is this the sound you experienced that you were fixing with the sway bar links?
ua-cam.com/video/U4s78sEFGoA/v-deo.html
I'm experiencing this noise, Tesla replaced the front air struts to no avail, so I'm nail down other suspension components that could cause it.