Model 3 premature front wheel bearing failure

[exlatccatsa]

Is this a feature of the Model 3? I had a nearside bearing replaced 4 months ago at 14k miles. Today a friend of mine has had his offside front replaced, as well as the creaky upper arm, at 25k miles. I would have expected original bearings to last at least into the 50k miles. Anyone else been bothered with this premature failure?

 

[AndrewGR]

Several reports of this elsewhere on this forum. Not good!

 

[MrBadger]

What delivery date. iirc some reports of suspension/running gear components of vehicles delivered Q4 2019 being incorrectly torqued.

 

[exlatccatsa]

Mine was 03/20, my friends 10/19

 

[MrBadger]

What delivery date. iirc some reports of suspension/running gear components of vehicles delivered Q4 2019 being incorrectly torqued.

Looks like it may have been ball joints not wheel bearings

Tesla Service Centres - Is this normal?

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I recently picked up my new Model X from the Bristol service centre for pain work and other issues to be sorted. There were a couple of paint issues that I was informed would be properly addressed. But when I picked it up they had just done cheap smart...

teslamotorsclub.com

 

[exlatccatsa]

Looks like it may have been ball joints not wheel bearings

Tesla Service Centres - Is this normal?

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I recently picked up my new Model X from the Bristol service centre for pain work and other issues to be sorted. There were a couple of paint issues that I was informed would be properly addressed. But when I picked it up they had just done cheap smart...

teslamotorsclub.com

These were definately grumbling bearings. Diagnosed by turning left and right. In one direction, unloading the bearing, almost silence and then the rumbling returns under load in the other direction.

 

[Adopado]

These were definately grumbling bearings. Diagnosed by turning left and right. In one direction, unloading the bearing, almost silence and then the rumbling returns under load in the other direction.

CV joints or wheel bearings? I only mention it because your description reminds me of grumbling CVs on old Minis!

 

[exlatccatsa]

CV joints or wheel bearings? I only mention it because your description reminds me of grumbling CVs on old Minis!

No not CV joints. Definately bearings, replaced under warranty, thank goodness. I was just surprised at the early mileage of the failures.

 

[Adopado]

No not CV joints. Definately bearings, replaced under warranty, thank goodness. I was just surprised at the early mileage of the failures.

Wheel bearings always used to be cheap and easy to replace ... let's hope that applies to the Model 3 too. Torque issues on assembly may well be the cause rather than an inherent weakness or quality problem. We should know how to make long lasting wheel bearings by now.

 

[exlatccatsa]

Wheel bearings always used to be cheap and easy to replace ... let's hope that applies to the Model 3 too. Torque issues on assembly may well be the cause rather than an inherent weakness or quality problem. We should know how to make long lasting wheel bearings by now.

My friend had both upper arm and bearings replaced in a couple of hours. He had mentioned both when he booked the service appointment so presumably they had the parts in stock.

 

[Krokkodillo]

Mine M3 is currently at SC with this fault, axle is more noisy on driver side but both make the same noise. Personally I think is not CV joint but we shall see soon.

 

[exlatccatsa]

I've just had the OSF wheel bearing replaced yesterday at 18k as it was grumbling. That's both fronts in 18k miles, it must've been a faulty batch.
Very quick though it only took them an hour. It makes me wonder if it was the entire hub that was changed?

 

[MrT3]

It makes me wonder if it was the entire hub that was changed?

Yes, it's only available as a complete hub assembly.

 

[MrBadger]

I've just had the OSF wheel bearing replaced yesterday at 18k as it was grumbling. That's both fronts in 18k miles, it must've been a faulty batch.

Do you have a rough idea of build date. Hopefully if its endemic in a build range, Tesla will replace as a matter of routine.

 

[exlatccatsa]

Feb 2020 Ian

 

[MrBadger]

So potentially late Q1 2020 deliveries?

 

[exlatccatsa]

Yes, it was delivered in March 2020. I'm sure I'd found out it was made in early Feb 2020.. but I can't remember where I got the info.

 

[softcoder]

Early 2020 Tesla Model 3 AWD front bearings were replaced under warranty but had to fight to not be charged!

 

[exlatccatsa]

Interesting! I had nothing but great service from Tesla, West Drayton and Aberdeen. But I'm not surprised to find there was a bad batch of front wheel bearings.

 

[LordSentry]

Sorry for reviving an old thread folks but I thought I would add to the above.

I have a 21 plate TM3SR+ that was delivered in June 2021. Build time was around Jan 2021. I have had both bearings replaced today after 13,000 Miles.

Tesla have been great, but the idea of needing them replacing after 13k miles, is quite dissapointing.