Drive unit really loud at 60mph+

[davie_100]

Apologize for my ignorance, I've been reading up on the DU problems and not sure if mine is related.

My S60 @ 56k miles. I got it as CPO with 52k miles. Lately it seems the rear DU is really loud I hit 60 mph or more. It's literally like an on/off switch. Car is super silent at 59mph and super loud at 60mph and higher. It doesn't increase in volume with speed, just stays the same level of loudness. The sound is not the milling noise that people talk of. I can only describe it as an engine noise. Maybe it's normal and I'm just imagining things.

Air and tire tread checked and they are nominal.

Have a SC appt in 3 weeks but I like to go in slightly prepared with an idea of what it is.

Thanks!

 

[WannabeOwner]

Longshot: Range Mode on? That makes a whine on my P90D - very noticeable such that my ears thank me! when i get near enough to my destination, with kWH to spare!, and I am able to turn it off

 

[davie_100]

Trying to explain noise in a forum is very difficult. Range mode is off. Thanks for the reply.

 

[cwave1]

This has been covered in many other threads as the "Drive Unit Hum Sound" problem. I had it in my classic S85 and after over a year of pushing Tesla, they finally replaced my drive unit and now it is completely silent at all speeds.

 

[scottm]

Maybe if @cwave1 you could post your service bill here, it would give OP something to point to that says "DU replaced"... to short circuit any runaround if that's the problem.

 

[jlk]

I had a similar thing at 30mph and above. Do a search for "highway hum" -- a couple of posts should show. They replaced my DU under warranty. I'm too lazy to take my personal info off the service invoice PDF, but here's some copypasta for you:

Concern: Customer states: There is a whining noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when

accelerating above 30 mph. Please check and advise..

Pay Type: Warranty

Corrections: Interior NVH General Diagnosis

Technician verified customer concern, vehicle does not make a whining noise, but

confirmed that its making a humming noise at higher speeds will replace drive unit due to

internal bearing fault.

Corrections: Drive Unit - Rear - Large

Technician removed and replaced the rear drive unit, torqued all bolts to specs, topped off

the drive unit oil, purged the cooling system. Drove car to verify the repair, car drove as

designed.

 

[RDoc]

Wind and tire noise is pretty much all we hear above around 50 or so. Below that, there is an audible whine from the motors.

If I were you, I'd take it in, that doesn't sound good to me.

 

[davie_100]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it. I will read up on the DU hum now that I have the right terminology.