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Clucking noise on Model3 2020/1 SR+ , slow speed stop/go

ansy0216

Member
Nov 14, 2019
5
0
Seoul, South Korea
Hello all,

First of all, sorry for my bad english (from South Korea)

I got my Model3 sr+ 6 month ago, mileage is about 9000km, and found that there is a clunk noise from rear drivetrain (of course it's sr+).

I can reproduce the noise when it goes at low speed accelerating/decelerating.

I also found related threads from here, but couldn't find how to resolve it.

I went to Tesla Service Center, but the tech said it is normal backlash noise and all model 3 has it.

I also checked this noise with brand new model 3 at the Service Center, but cannot hear it.

I asked many model 3 owners and noone has this issue.

Please check the video link below and let me know if anyone has this issue or resolved.

Thank you.

 

RyanF

Member
Mar 27, 2016
331
299
US
Let us know what you find out. It reminds me of the sound of a cv joint clicking, but your sound is too consistent. It would be worse going around corners if it were a cv joint typically.
 

XLR82XS

D M C
Jul 26, 2019
3,071
1,698
SWFL | Vegas
That noise is exactly what I have been experiencing on my 2020 since it was a couple months old. Mine is coming from the front. SC replaced LF axle shaft in June this year but that has not resolved the issue. There is also a mild clunking when turning as parking lot speeds that sounds like steering rack mounting issue and/or the upper control arms. The control arms are a known issue from reading threads here.

The backlash noise statement is unacceptable.
 

ansy0216

Member
Nov 14, 2019
5
0
Seoul, South Korea
Let us know what you find out. It reminds me of the sound of a cv joint clicking, but your sound is too consistent. It would be worse going around corners if it were a cv joint typically.

Thank you for your reply.

I applied accelerating/decelerating consistently. I can always hear the noise stop > start, start > stop at low speed like 5km/h
 

ansy0216

Member
Nov 14, 2019
5
0
Seoul, South Korea
That noise is exactly what I have been experiencing on my 2020 since it was a couple months old. Mine is coming from the front. SC replaced LF axle shaft in June this year but that has not resolved the issue. There is also a mild clunking when turning as parking lot speeds that sounds like steering rack mounting issue and/or the upper control arms. The control arms are a known issue from reading threads here.

The backlash noise statement is unacceptable.

I think we can accept it if all model 3 has backlash noise with acceptable volume, but it is not acceptable volume!

I really hope Tesla could find solution for this backlash noise issue..

Thank you for your reply
 

TomB985

Member
Apr 15, 2019
441
515
Isanti, MN
Definitely sounds abnormal to me, but unlike what I’d expect from a CV joint. Turning would only affect them on a steer axle because of the change in angle.

I’m guessing something internal with the motor, but tough to say without hearing it in person. Maybe a rubber suspension or RDU mount bushing?
 

ansy0216

Member
Nov 14, 2019
5
0
Seoul, South Korea
Definitely sounds abnormal to me, but unlike what I’d expect from a CV joint. Turning would only affect them on a steer axle because of the change in angle.

I’m guessing something internal with the motor, but tough to say without hearing it in person. Maybe a rubber suspension or RDU mount bushing?
]

Thank you for your reply.

That is what Tesla tech guy told me :) it is backlash noise coming from rear drive unit and it is acceptable/normal for all model 3s ( of course it is not normal, maybe common)
I think they at least try finding out where the noise comes from and do something without saying "YEAH, IT IS NORMAL"

I really wish how many owners have this kind of noise, how to fix it.

Thank you again!
 

XLR82XS

D M C
Jul 26, 2019
3,071
1,698
SWFL | Vegas
I think we can accept it if all model 3 has backlash noise with acceptable volume, but it is not acceptable volume!

I really hope Tesla could find solution for this backlash noise issue..

Thank you for your reply
No problem. Once Tesla road-test COVID restrictions are lifted it's going back and hour away to the SC so I can have a tech hear it.
 

Bonk3rs

Member
Nov 28, 2015
15
8
Norway
I got it too...


SC allso told me it's normal (gear lash). They retorqued some parts in front suspension and actually reeplaced the front motor. Stil, the noise is present.
 

XLR82XS

D M C
Jul 26, 2019
3,071
1,698
SWFL | Vegas
That's the noise! Normal gear lash? Really?! Then why did it not make the noise for the first few thousand miles, Tesla?

Maybe after some time and lots of warranty claims Tesla have a response/remedy.
 

Redbrick

Member
Jun 27, 2020
195
109
Babylon 5
What tha.....sounds like a horse and carriage...seriously, my 2month old model 3 does not make this noise...and I consider it a pos.... I will never buy another tesla...
 

G26okie

2020 P3D-
Nov 15, 2019
160
108
South Florida
That's the noise! Normal gear lash? Really?! Then why did it not make the noise for the first few thousand miles, Tesla?

Maybe after some time and lots of warranty claims Tesla have a response/remedy.

I mean granted, my previous cars a Honda Accord auto, and vw Gli dsg both made some weird ass gear/transmission noises.

Just googling clunk drive unit shows a bunch of results even going back to the begining model s etc ...

Looks like a thing that's been going on for a while.
 
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