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Rattle sound in front left tire area

Discussion in 'Model S: Driving Dynamics' started by chrisb8s, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. chrisb8s

    chrisb8s Member

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    Location:
    mesa, arizona
    I only notice this when I am driving with the windows open. At the entrance to my development, there is a patch with cobblestones, it's a slight left hand turn and when I ride over it, I hear a strange light rattling sound.. it comes from the right front wheel area. I have brought it in to the service center, and they found nothing and could not replicate the sound. during an annual inspection I had them go through the suspension. The brakes are new as of about a year ago. The car has 103,000 miles on it now. Model S p85 2014 vintage. it is a rattle sound.. as if something is loose. I have had them look for it more than once, when my car is in. It was a CPO car so front end parts were already replaced 3 years ago. when they did the brakes, they didn't see anything either, . What could it be? what else would be rattling up there?
     
  2. Zishan

    Zishan Member

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    Houston, TX
    Does it sound like this:

     
  3. Zishan

    Zishan Member

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    If so, this seems to be somewhat common, and there is a very long thread about it. Believed to be a design flaw where something in the strut becomes loose and rattles at low speeds. Many have had their struts replaced only to have the issue return with the new design. I was unfortunately denied, so they made no effort to fix the issue, claiming it's normal.

    If not, sorry, I'm not sure.
     
  4. chrisb8s

    chrisb8s Member

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    No, it actually doesn't make any noise on bumpy roads.. just on something like the light cobbles/pavers, like it is shaking a rattle a kids rattle. very high pitched... it's hard to record as it only happens in certain circumstances. Not on speed bumps or bumps on a dirt road which we have plenty of here in Arizona.
     
  5. chrisb8s

    chrisb8s Member

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    thank you, I am out of warranty anyway. maybe it's something up above the wheel in the fender area. I have air suspension and it seems to be working ok.
     
  6. Zishan

    Zishan Member

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    I see. Mine makes noise on bumpy or even slightly uneven roads. The sound comes from the top of the strut. Might be related, but again, might not be.

    Good luck. sounds annoy me!
    - Zishan
     
  7. Lovie

    Lovie Member

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    Location:
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    I had the same issue on my 2013 p85+, I replaced the front sway bar links myself. Easy job and they were only $100 bucks or so at the tesla service center.
     
  8. jimtelsa

    jimtelsa Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2013
    Messages:
    390
    Location:
    Simi Valley
    i just got my car back from tesla for the same issue
    i had this in 3 times
    This time they replaced just about every bushing
    the front air struts
    and still nothing
    they removed the front cover and found i had a broken front frunk latch
    Thank god for Warranty
    best thing now is my 90000 mile car has all new bushings and struts
    Good Luck with your journey
     
  9. besnova

    besnova Member

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    I had a similar problem and it turned out to be sway bar link for me. $50 part from Tesla, did it myself
     
  10. Doanster1

    Doanster1 Member

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    I had the same rattle on my P85D as well and only over cobblestone type patches. For me, the issue ended up being the wheel bearing. I was still under warranty at the time, but it’s a pretty straightforward job. They replaced both sides and car was silent again.
    Since you’ve exhausted other suspension bits, this could be your fix.
     
  11. chrisb8s

    chrisb8s Member

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    that is what I am thinking too, something loose, like a cap or something touching something metal that bounces on vibration
     
  12. chrisb8s

    chrisb8s Member

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    very interesting.. you would think that they would check that. It may be that I asked to check the suspension and mentioned the sound and they couldn't find anything wrong or out of normal for the age of the car. thanks.. I will have them check that out
     
  13. chrisb8s

    chrisb8s Member

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    wow :) checking my latch
     

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