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2021 Model 3 Steering Column Side to Side Movement

Discussion in 'Model 3' started by ijoe13, Feb 17, 2021.

  1. ijoe13

    ijoe13 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2020
    Messages:
    34
    Location:
    Seattle
    I’ve had my Model 3 for a couple of months and noticed that the steering column seems to have a slight left-right movement to its. It’s small, but definitely noticeable. No matter how in/out or up/down I set the wheel, it’s still evident.

    I had Tesla service look at it but they said they had to work with their Engineering team to determine what the issue could be and when (or if?) they figured out the issue, they would advise on whether or not it can be fixed or if the steering column has to be replaced. They said the car was safe to drive, which it seems to be, but still leaves something to be desired.

    The service advisor told me this is the first time he’d seen this issue.

    Anyone else have this issue and if so, what was the fix?
     
  2. WilliamG

    WilliamG Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2019
    Messages:
    3,024
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Not heard of this. Any chance of a video demonstrating?
     
  3. Kerry Blue

    Kerry Blue Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Messages:
    18
    Location:
    Colorado
    Had this, presented as a knock while turning on roundabouts, SC replaced steering rack. Much better than before but still has slight left to right play, knock seems to have gone but only driven 50 miles since replacement. Seemed like they knew what it was as they had the part in stock and didn’t question my diagnosis.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. ijoe13

    ijoe13 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2020
    Messages:
    34
    Location:
    Seattle
    I haven’t had any type of noise or knocking at any part of the turning radius. Glad to hear they’re willing to replace the part(s) as needed. I’ve just never had this type of issue. Not even on really crappy old cars I’ve had. Seems like this shouldn’t be an issue that passes QC.
     
  5. ijoe13

    ijoe13 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2020
    Messages:
    34
    Location:
    Seattle
    Forgot to ask.. are you ok with the steering column having any play in at all? I’m going to have a very difficult time accepting it if they end up not fixing it if they declare it “within tolerance.”
     
  6. ijoe13

    ijoe13 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2020
    Messages:
    34
    Location:
    Seattle
    The movement is something you can feel. There’s a sort of thud type of sound, but the movement would be very difficult to see.
     
  7. Kerry Blue

    Kerry Blue Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Messages:
    18
    Location:
    Colorado
    Thud not present after new rack but there is still a slight movement if you move steering wheel left to right (not turning). Not noticeable when driving so I’m fine with it, if the knock comes back I won’t be.
     
    • Like x 1

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