Aggmeister2010
Active Member
If you can, I'd have them ONLY replace the warranty items and see if that solves the issue. One step at a time. And that avoids tossing $1k at something that doesnt really feel like it's the cause of the problem.
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Another front suspension control arm failure
- Thread starter RDoc
- Start date
If you can, I'd have them ONLY replace the warranty items and see if that solves the issue. One step at a time. And that avoids tossing $1k at something that doesnt really feel like it's the cause of the problem.
Cheburashka
Active Member
I agree.. I'd hold off from replacing the shock. How can it be that the control arms and the shock are the issue?
I asked that question, he then went to ask the tech, and I was told it was required. I didn't ask additional questions - probably should have, but it's been battle the past 2 days with them and I'm over it. It's all a bit sketchy to me. Seriously considering trading it in and it likely won't be for another Tesla.
Aggmeister2010
Active Member
I don't blame you. And yes, it's odd that replacing the *entire* coil and shock assembly is required.....unless it is cracked or severely damaged, I can't imagine why that would matter.
I like my S and the power is fun, but man.....when it needs service, it's a GIANT pain.
Yeah. Submitted it to NHTSA just now and included that detail. I was told the spring actually costs 900 bucks and they are only charging me 63 bucks or so labor. Not sure I believe it - but again, I'm tired of dealing with it/them lieing as it is.
Cheburashka
Active Member
Yeah, I can't really see how the control arm can damage the shock unless it's some sort of terminal suspension failure. But at $63 you might as well replace it.
The shock does cost $900. I had an issue with one of mine (it was squeaking) and it was replaced under warranty.
Check your car's alignment when you get it back. After they replaced my shock my alignment was so bad that the car would turn left every time I accelerate.
Aggmeister2010
Active Member
They should do an alignment as part of the warranty control arm replacement....that's standard procedure. With that said, some of the worst alignments I've ever received have come from the Service Center, so still might be good to have it checked.
R_Stephens
Member
Reading through this thread and trying to prepare myself for what I believe to be a bad control arm. Started squawking as I backed out of the drive, and yesterday it got much worse at low speeds. Also creaks when I turn the wheel now. Car is a Model 3 - 2018 LR, and I do believe that I'm still under warranty. The car is almost 4 years old, but only has 11,000 miles on it. This is ridiculous for a car with this few miles. My god.
So, should I be asking them to replace the entire front end if they don't plan to? Or has this gotten enough attention that they should without my asking? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
So, should I be asking them to replace the entire front end if they don't plan to? Or has this gotten enough attention that they should without my asking? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
aerodyne
2 of 3 EV's - Defect Free!
JohnSnowNW
Active Member
This is unlikely to be related to the failures posted in this thread. Most likely you have issues with the upper control arm ball joint(s)...and is a relatively common problem on early Model 3s.
Upper control arm on the three is made of steel and hasn't had the same issues with cracking as the Aluminum arms on the S. I second the assessment it is a ball joint. I am in the process of obtaining parts to swap mine too. My 2018 M3 LR creaks and squeaks if I so much as wiggle in the drivers seat. It isn't dangerous however let go long enough and tire wear and other potential failures could happen, but not a stop driving the car situation. If you are out of warranty I have read that Tesla charges about $500 to replace a control arm. The job isn't terribly difficult though so if you are a hands on kind of person then that might be an option. I am and I will be doing my own labor.
Edited to add:
Some people have gotten their service advisor to cover it under good will if they are out of warranty as it is such a common failure and in your case, with so few miles, that seems like something they might consider.
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My 2017 S 90D is in the shop now. They are telling me the forelink failed from normal wear and tear. I have a cracked piece that fell from the car when the incident occurred. I still have the cracked part and they promised me they would return all replaced parts to me when I pick up the car in a week. I submitted the incident to the NHTSA. Seems like the feds are worthless. I also asked Tesla to inspect all the suspension components to be sure there are no cracks anywhere else.
Did tesla state this in writing that it was due to normal wear and tear???????
aerodyne
2 of 3 EV's - Defect Free!
I'll bet it is mileage independent. Suspect stress corrosion cracking in the short transverse grain direction due to the poor placement of the parting plane in the outboard lug of the forging.
Take close up pics of the fracture faces and send to the NTSB.
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