POLL: vibration felt when slightly accelerating refresh Mode S Plaid or LR

[headcase]

According to this thread, when slightly pressing the accelerator while at speeds between approximately 35-70 MPH, there appears to be a mild vibration felt in the front of the car. Apparently can be felt in one or more places, including the yoke, pedal, and center console. Vibration seems to be strongest when the suspension is in its lowest drive height. Also, the vibration possibly is becoming more pronounced as more miles are put on the car.

According to @smf72 who brought in his car to service the issue, Tesla says the issue impacts most Plaid and LR, and Tesla engineering hasn't been able to identify a solution. That said, trying to determine how widespread the issue is via an unscientific poll of refresh owners here on TMC.

 

[Ramphex]

I have been feeling some weird vibes infrequently but I just blamed it on the pavement. Will keep a closer eye on it

 

[Hayseed_MS]

I have been feeling some weird vibes infrequently but I just blamed it on the pavement. Will keep a closer eye on it

@Tigers posted asking me if I felt it. And damn him, I thought I did not have it but thanks to him, I started looking for it. Not sure if it is the pavement/tires but between 35-45 there does seem to be something but not all the time. Above that window, it appears to be nothing. I will mention it to service when I am there next week.

 

[Ramphex]

Keep us updated, I thought it’s just low pro tires, big rims, and pavement combination.

 

[kgoroway]

I thought I felt something at one point early on (car only has 350 miles on it now), but went driving yesterday to specifically test for this. I was in both medium and low suspension modes and wasn't able to make it happen.

 

[kgoroway]

This is probably the wrong thread for it, and likely deserves its own poll... But I *do* think I'm suffering from a slightly loose/vibrating drivers side mirror. I've seen this mentioned before, so it may also be a somewhat widespread issue. In my case I think it is the mirror itself, not the mirror housing, that is vibrating.

 

[headcase]

This is probably the wrong thread for it, and likely deserves its own poll... But I *do* think I'm suffering from a slightly loose/vibrating drivers side mirror. I've seen this mentioned before, so it may also be a somewhat widespread issue. In my case I think it is the mirror itself, not the mirror housing, that is vibrating.

Yeah, that appears to be a common issue on the early builds.

 

[kgoroway]

Yeah, that appears to be a common issue on the early builds.

I've only heard that attempts at fixing it have failed, so I'm waiting to hear some success stories before pursuing it.

 

[headcase]

Hoping more owners will participate in this poll so we get some better perspective on how widespread this is within the TMC community.

 

[Laddcruzer]

I am experiencing a noticeable 1 second shimmering when I decelerate between 35 and 50. It doesn’t happen every time but I’m starting to notice it more.

 

[headcase]

Not feeling very good about the initial results of this poll... ugh. And apparently Tesla engineering has still yet to identify a solution.

 

[Northwind 777]

Not feeling very good about the initial results of this poll... ugh. And apparently Tesla engineering has still yet to identify a solution.

Off topic but would like your opinion on the Lucid Air due out in the coming months. Rumor has it that the Lucid Air surpasses the Model S.

 

[headcase]

I like the interior and the specs, and I'm hopeful the quality will be there, but the exterior is a bit too much of a boat for my taste.

 

[Hayseed_MS]

While at the SC I asked to take a tech out to see if he felt the vibration. He did and said it felt like the half shafts maybe. He looked up to see that Tesla is aware and Engineering is working on it. So they really could do nothing until Engineering gives them direction.

If you have it, report it so Engineering will see the true scope of the issue.

 

[jeffdom1978]

This issue is something that can be easily seen as rough pavement and I thought that for the first 100 miles or so. I thought the wider tires were picking up more road imperfections, but then I looked it up and there were plenty of threads about it here. My driver side mirror also vibrates more than it should.. Not a big deal but one of the pitfalls of being an early adopter.

 

[abcd12345]

I also experience this issue, primarily when accelerating from 50-60 to 80-90 mph. Mine comes from passenger side rear tire. Took a technician out for a drive and he noticed it too. Not always reproducible which is odd. When I do drag stop mode I don’t feel it. Service appointment on September 2. Probably waste of time but I’ll see what they have to say.

 

[Plugitin#1]

Well, finally felt the vibration noise 'subtle' at 35-45 miles per hour. Feels like running over light ribs on side of road, but the road is smooth as silk. It is an issue that needs resolution for sure. Not our imagination.

 

[smf72]

Well, finally felt the vibration noise 'subtle' at 35-45 miles per hour. Feels like running over light ribs on side of road, but the road is smooth as silk. It is an issue that needs resolution for sure. Not our imagination.

If people don't bring their cars to service centers we will never have a solution. Please everyone with the issue make an appointment and report back.

 

[MSPFL]

For most people checking this thread I’d recommend taking your car to a shop with a road force machine that actually cares and knows how to use it. Tire balancing is very easy but it’s truly amazing how many places just don’t care. Case in point, Tesla. My plaid came from Fremont with an awesome steering wheel shake at highway speeds. I’d guess it was about 1-2 oz out. Took it to the local service center, who upgraded the cruising experience from miserable to just bad. Finally I took it to a competent shop and the front passenger wheel was still a half ounce out. Smooth as silk now. Your final roadforce numbers should be under 10 for a good balance.

Anyway, that being said I do have a *very* subtle vibration under light low speed acceleration. It’s not enough for me to worry about now but something to keep an eye on. The workaround is easy though…more right pedal!

 

[sobep85d]

The best way I can describe the vibration: Just like a lane departure warning from a standard car, but coming out of the pedals at your feet and steering wheel at 42 mph. Same exact frequency of vibration at higher speeds when turning lightly and accelerating lightly. Hard vibration when accelerating hard while in a light turn through the power band.