Welcome to Tesla Motors Club
Discuss Tesla's Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, Cybertruck, Roadster and More.
Register
  • We just completed a significant update, but we still have some fixes and adjustments to make, so please bear with us for the time being. Cheers!

Scrolling wheel on steering wheel easily breaks. Is the part available separately?

Pedro.Tx

Member
Dec 20, 2016
8
0
Austin, Texas
Hey W: mine just broke. I read here about how someone fixed it using a hex wrench and a spacer. I want to just 3d print a new knob myself. Would you be willing to work with me on the dimensions? How much did it cost on eBay? I agree Tesla should let us buy it. With video games in car, these controls should be tested like X box controllers are... I was so surprised to see its a plastic part that will definitely break with use. Texas has high heat so that's always a factor for plastic.
 

Attachments

  • broken tesla scroll wheel1.jpg
    broken tesla scroll wheel1.jpg
    25.5 KB · Views: 95

krsgio

Member
Nov 8, 2018
331
303
Colorado
I'm still under warranty so I'm going to submit it to service but should be good to know for the future when this inevitably breaks again
 

Crutonius

Member
Sep 12, 2020
131
121
Salt Lake City, Utah
I have been afflicted by this!

Out of warranty. So I killed the battery and pulled the switch.

I am so disappointed in Tesla in how lousy this switch is. I don't know how this doesn't happen more often. The part that breaks is so fragile that I'm sure that harsh language would snap it apart.

So obviously I can't just buy the part from Tesla. I mean, why would Tesla sell me parts to fix my car when I can just spend 90k on a new one? I see it in the parts catalogue with no discernable way to buy it. If I'm missing something here then by all means call me an idiot and point it out.

So I now have to fabricate a fix. I see the link about. Has some good ideas in it. The problem so far is that a 1/16 doesn't actually fit quite right. It's just slightly too small. A 1/16 hex driver is 1.5875mm. The part that broke is 1.69mm. I'm going to sleep on it but I might try shaving down a 2mm until it fits.

I seriously hope Tesla gets their sh!T together and comes up with a parts department like a real car company. That or I'm going to have to invest in more tooling to fabricated things that break.
 

KalJoMoS

Member
Aug 11, 2019
275
173
EETN, EST
Would heat-shrink tube be ay help?

Edit: I was thinking to find tight enough tube to fit over the hex driver and not to heat-up
 
Last edited:

Crutonius

Member
Sep 12, 2020
131
121
Salt Lake City, Utah
I think heat shrink tube might be too think. I might try it though.

Also to answer someone's earlier idea, I don't think a 3d printer would work. At least mine wouldn't. Getting any kind of strength with a part that small is nearly impossible with standard 3d printing.
 
Mar 1, 2018
119
142
San Marcos, CA
I see it in the parts catalogue with no discernable way to buy it. If I'm missing something here then by all means call me an idiot and point it out.

Unless you have an unsupported vehicle (gray market or salvage title), you should be able to walk in a Service Center with your VIN and purchase the part over the counter. It's a hassle that you can't buy parts online, or call and have the parts waiting for you, but they will sell parts to any owner of a supported vehicle.
 

Crutonius

Member
Sep 12, 2020
131
121
Salt Lake City, Utah
You are correct. I was overreacting a bit. It's not as bad as my rant would lead people to believe. But it still isn't nearly as good as it should be.

I did end up walking into a SC and bought it over the counter, $200 (ouch!). Still better than spending a weekend fabbing a replacement.
 

David_Cary

Active Member
Dec 17, 2012
1,144
627
Cary, NC
Has Tesla cranked up the parts cost a lot lately?
Maybe that will mean easier parts availability?
The door microswitch wiring harness went from $22 to $140.
Hopefully, many common failure points will spawn an aftermarket. Although I have to say, this is the first time I have heard about the scroll wheels.
 

ptr->

New Member
Jan 21, 2021
1
0
Texas
Volume scroll wheel just today on my 2013 Model S (91K miles out of warranty). I was hoping to be able to order parts online as mentioned by others, but I guess I'll be taking a trip to the service center as well.
 

About Us

Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.

Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


SUPPORT TMC
Top