Groan from rear of car when starting forward from stop Model S85 2014

[jeffpalmwrig]

My Tesla Model S 85 is a 2014 with 40K miles. New DU install last month due to loud bearing sounds. It has been whisper quiet up previously. Now from the rear, I get a short loud groan when starting to drive the vehicle forward. Occasionally, I will hear the groan at very very low speeds. Smart Air Suspension was not ordered on this vehicle. Is this the sound of a rear shock failing? Thanks

 

[Aggmeister2010]

Can you try recording the sound? Groans can come from quite a few places.

 

[jeffpalmwrig]

1465 Sonora Ct 7.m4a

Shared with Dropbox

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[jeffpalmwrig]

I have attached a Dropbox link. It is an m4a audio file generated by iphone app “Voice Memo”. From a stop I accelerate to 5 mph then brake to zero. I then repeat. Groan is mostly from left rear.

 

[Aggmeister2010]

Definitely see what you mean. Is the sound louder when you accelerate harder? I'm curious if the creaking is from the drive unit "twisting" under torque (meaning they didn't tighten down the drive unit or subframe mounts enough).

 

[jeffpalmwrig]

It is only at low speed. With a fast start there is less noise not more. It is also present when stopping. Which leads me to something suspension related: upper or lower control arm or shock/strut. I plan to take it back next week.

 

[jeffpalmwrig]

After studying other squeak/groan related posts I found that I can make the LR squeak by jumping in LR door seal.

 

[Aggmeister2010]

After studying other squeak/groan related posts I found that I can make the LR squeak by jumping in LR door seal.

What do you mean, jumping in LR door seal?

 

[jeffpalmwrig]

I opened LR door, stood on inside of door frame and jumped up and down with door open.

 

[Aggmeister2010]

I opened LR door, stood on inside of door frame and jumped up and down with door open.

Show that to them when you take it back in so they verify the concern. If it's vertical movement, I'm gunna say it's probably a shock mount or maaaaaybe a worn suspension component.....but I'm leaning toward shock if you can hear it in the car that much.

 

[jeffpalmwrig]

I'm on it! Thank you.

 

[jeffpalmwrig]

Final Verdict: lower control arms both LH & RH. Both sets replaced and now all is very quiet. It took them 3 days to diagnose the problem. Fixed in a day and half. Approved estimate of $589 didnt have parts costs. Final bill was $1300. They knocked off some $ for their mistake in the estimate. End result is great.