Little rattle on front suspension- out of warranty options?

[Averdi]

Hi All
Just purchased a 85D 2015 with 86k miles

I have noticed that there is a slight rattle noise coming from front suspension only when going over rough roads around 10-20mph

Has anyone delt with this? Since it’s a suspension component , should I go to tesla Service or will another shop be able to work on suspension items?
Thanks !

 

[z0lt3c]

In theory, any shop can work on Tesla suspension, but its probably still best to find one that has worked on Tesla before, knows the proper lifting procedures and is able to source parts if needed. I can recommend Evolution Autosports, they are in PA not far from NJ.

In my experience, the NJ area service centers have been pretty useless in diagnosing these types of issues, and often charge diagnostic fees (which are often wrong) on top of repair costs. In particular, I would avoid Springfield and Lawrence Twp.

 

[Averdi]

In theory. any shop can work on Tesla suspension, but its probably still best to find one that has worked on Tesla before, knows the proper lifting procedures and is able to source parts if needed. I can recommend Evolution Autosports, they are in PA not far from NJ.

In my experience, the NJ area service centers have been pretty useless in diagnosing these types of issues, and often charge diagnostic fees (which are often wrong) on top of repair costs. In particular, I would avoid Springfield and Lawrence Twp.

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I was actually at the Lawrence location yesterday for my buddy who is interested in buying a tesla.

That is what I am afraid of, I know suspension is hard to figure out and I don’t want to bring it to a shop & they fix something and it doesn’t fix the problem

Do you have any other recommendations in jersey? I am in the freehold area. Never heard of Evolution

 

[z0lt3c]

I have spoken with many shops in the area, but I use Evolution Autosports. They are about an hour from Freehold.

I tried to start this thread, it does contain a few other area options, but none closer to you;

Shop recommendation in central NJ for suspension work

Looking for recommendation around the central NJ area for a shop that can handle suspension work on a S100D. I found the recommendations below in other threads, but I am hoping to find something closer? CT Racecar Maintenance, Tuning Solutions | Bethel, CT | EFI Logics NY Fury Automotive VA...

teslamotorsclub.com

Your noise could be as simple as a bad front sway bar link (common failure). This is something anyone could do after watching Youtube videos.

 

[Averdi]

I have spoken with many shops in the area, but I use Evolution Autosports. They are about an hour from Freehold.

I tried to start this thread, it does contain a few other area options, but none closer to you;

Shop recommendation in central NJ for suspension work

Looking for recommendation around the central NJ area for a shop that can handle suspension work on a S100D. I found the recommendations below in other threads, but I am hoping to find something closer? CT Racecar Maintenance, Tuning Solutions | Bethel, CT | EFI Logics NY Fury Automotive VA...

teslamotorsclub.com

Your noise could be as simple as a bad front sway bar link (common failure). This is something anyone could do after watching Youtube videos.

Appreciate you. 2 more questions, how many miles does your S have ?

And how much did they invoice for your suspension fix?

 

[z0lt3c]

My 2017 S100D has around 77K miles on it. I had a noise from the rear suspension, which turned out to be a failed bushing in the driver side rear toe-arm. I got a little carried away and used this as an excuse to upgrade to adjustable camber and toe-arms. I don't have the invoice in front of me, but it was like $150 to replace the camber-arms (1hr labor) and $300 to replace the toe arms (2hrs labor). I supplied the parts of my choice. There was also a $300 diagnostic fee, but Joe and his mechanics spent the better part of an entire day with me, testing driving the car, tightening nuts and applying lubrication. The bad bushing was not easily identifiable, and they didn't want to just randomly replace parts. Eventually they attached an acoustic device that allowed us to isolate the source area of the noise. Once isolated, the failed bushing became apparent. The repairs were then completed during a second appointment.

Model S Technical / Mechanical Issues

You can only get any glue if you take the front facia off, unfortunately yours is in one piece so it’s a bit complicated but doable. Search for front bumper removal videos. The sensor should be attached to the front cross member (at least it is on pre facelift car’s) and determine if it’s broken...

teslamotorsclub.com

Model S Technical / Mechanical Issues

You can only get any glue if you take the front facia off, unfortunately yours is in one piece so it’s a bit complicated but doable. Search for front bumper removal videos. The sensor should be attached to the front cross member (at least it is on pre facelift car’s) and determine if it’s broken...

teslamotorsclub.com

 

[Averdi]

My 2017 S100D has around 77K miles on it. I had a noise from the rear suspension, which turned out to be a failed bushing in the driver side rear toe-arm. I got a little carried away and used this as an excuse to upgrade to adjustable camber and toe-arms. I don't have the invoice in front of me, but it was like $150 to replace the camber-arms (1hr labor) and $300 to replace the toe arms (2hrs labor). I supplied the parts of my choice. There was also a $300 diagnostic fee, but Joe and his mechanics spent the better part of an entire day with me, testing driving the car, tightening nuts and applying lubrication. The bad bushing was not easily identifiable, and they didn't want to just randomly replace parts. Eventually they attached an acoustic device that allowed us to isolate the source area of the noise. Once isolated, the failed bushing became apparent. The repairs were then completed during a second appointment.

Model S Technical / Mechanical Issues

You can only get any glue if you take the front facia off, unfortunately yours is in one piece so it’s a bit complicated but doable. Search for front bumper removal videos. The sensor should be attached to the front cross member (at least it is on pre facelift car’s) and determine if it’s broken...

teslamotorsclub.com

Model S Technical / Mechanical Issues

You can only get any glue if you take the front facia off, unfortunately yours is in one piece so it’s a bit complicated but doable. Search for front bumper removal videos. The sensor should be attached to the front cross member (at least it is on pre facelift car’s) and determine if it’s broken...

teslamotorsclub.com

Thanks for the help! I appreciate it. Did you change with OEM tesla suspension parts or aftermarket ?

 

[tezcatcatl]

Did you solve your rattle yet?

I have a 2016 p90d. Trying to find the source of the front rattle for 2 years now.
Matches your description with the speed and the rough roads.

Replaced:
- 2 front shocks
- All front control arms except the very top ones that looks like a fork but checked its bushings and joint and there is 0 play.
- Sway bar itself
- Sway bar links
- Wheel bearings


Also
- Checked CV axles, no play..
- Checked tyre pressure sensors.
- Re-torqued everything..
- Removed the frunk and drove around without it, still rattles..
- Checked for loose cables, loose parts etc., nothing..
- Checked headlight mounts and other parts mounts, no play..


Losing my mind..

 

[Averdi]

Did you solve your rattle yet?

I have a 2016 p90d. Trying to find the source of the front rattle for 2 years now.

Replaced:
- 2 front shocks
- All front control arms except the very top ones that looks like a fork but checked its bushings and joint and there is 0 play.
- Sway bar itself
- Sway bar links
- Wheel bearings


Also
- Checked CV axles, no play..
- Checked tyre pressure sensors.
- Re-torqued everything..
- Removed the frunk and drove around without it, still rattles..
- Checked for loose cables, loose parts etc., nothing..
- Checked headlight mounts and other parts mounts, no play..

Losing my mind..

I actually brought it to tesla , had them replace upper links since that’s why they said it was rattling, and it was still there. So no, it is not fixed and still present

 

[NewbyMaybe]

SB-18-31-009 this service bulletin might help. https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/thr...-from-front-on-p85.260834/reply?quote=6911663

 

[tezcatcatl]

SB-18-31-009 this service bulletin might help. https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/thr...-from-front-on-p85.260834/reply?quote=6911663

I tried removing those bolts and squeezing in a thick towel as explained in the service bulletin. Rattle didn't disappear.
So I replaced the shocks anyways, and it still didn't disappear..

 

[NewbyMaybe]

Have you checked for play with the front end suspended on jackstands or a rack with the wheels hanging?

 

[NewbyMaybe]

Problem could be at the bottom of the shock mount.

 

[Doanster1]

Suspension rattles always hard to pinpoint unless clearly obvious like torn bushings, etc.
In my case a few years ago, it was the wheel bearing that was worn. Only time I’d hear a rattle was when driving over cobblestone type patches in the road at lower speeds. SC replaced both front sides under warranty and it’s been silent ever since.

 

[z0lt3c]

Taking out of warranty cars to Tesla is such a waste. They can't diagnose at all and they only recourse they provide is R&R. As I mentioned before, what unlocked this issue for me was using a acoustic diagnostic device, like this. It lets you isolate the component where the noise is heard the loudest. Or just take it to Evolution Autosports. I used aftermarket parts where superior options exist and OEM parts where I had no other choice.

 

[tezcatcatl]

Have you checked for play with the front end suspended on jackstands or a rack with the wheels hanging?

Done that already aswell. No visible, hearable rattle / play. Only on crappy roads it rattles like a horsecar..

Suspension rattles always hard to pinpoint unless clearly obvious like torn bushings, etc.
In my case a few years ago, it was the wheel bearing that was worn. Only time I’d hear a rattle was when driving over cobblestone type patches in the road at lower speeds. SC replaced both front sides under warranty and it’s been silent ever since.

Replaced all 4 wheel bearings with original SKF bearings. Still rattling..

 

[kg7jo-]

The last time I had rattle/clunking noise when going 10-20mph on an uneven road was due to a dust cover behind the brake pad hitting the steering knuckle. Tesla service was able to identify and fix it for relatively cheap price.

 

[tezcatcatl]

The last time I had rattle/clunking noise when going 10-20mph on an uneven road was due to a dust cover behind the brake pad hitting the steering knuckle. Tesla service was able to identify and fix it for relatively cheap price.

I was thinking of that but it doesnt have any play :/ Do you know what they did to prevent it?

 

[kg7jo-]

I was thinking of that but it doesnt have any play :/ Do you know what they did to prevent it?

This was from the invoice: