Steering squeaking at low speeds

[gurtburns]

Hey TMC.

I’ve had my model 3 for a week now and it’s beven great! Now that I’m not taking advantage of the awesome acceleration at every oppurtunity, I’ve noticed a squeak in the steering. It happens at low speeds 1-5mph and only when the steering wheel crosses the center point(where the wheels are straight. I got a video of it. Any thoughts?

I’m planning on calling the SC later but while I wait I’d see if anyone else has noticed this or knows what’s causing it.

Video Here
MSM P3D+

 

[gurtburns]

Got a SC appointment scheduled for Friday. Hoping its nothing major

 

[wbhokie]

The car is confused. It only expects to go fast and turn left (AKA TRACK MODE)

Otherwise, no idea, sorry.

 

[gurtburns]

The car is confused. It only expects to go fast and turn left (AKA TRACK MODE)

Otherwise, no idea, sorry.

And go fast it does! My solution so far has just been to go fast enough that it doesn't squeak.

 

[gurtburns]

As a note the squeaking did start to happen at faster speeds up to 20mph over the weekend.

Its at the SC right now, dropped it off this morning. They had a P100D waiting for me . I have a little bit of speed envy but I do miss the shorter wheel base and the handling of my 3.

 

[gurtburns]

Got my 3 back last night! The re installed the steering column and the squeak went away. I really do appreciate the size and weight of the p3d vs the p100d.

 

[CoolSilver]

Mine is a week old too and I got 1000 miles on it. Just noticed this same squeak. Only to left so far. XD

 

[andrewsjra]

I had the same squeaking noise at 1-5 mph and took it to my SC. They replaced the steering module and the squeak is still there. I had the mobile service come and the guy took apart and reinstalled the steering wheel. Seemed like it worked but the noise is back. No idea how this will get fixed.

 

[Park2670]

Mine has it and it oddly fixes itself every time I get close to a Tesla service center. Once I get it to consistently make the noise I will bring it in.

 

[andrewsjra]

Is yours an AWD? Not sure it matters but my wife’s is a RWD and she has no issue.

 

[UnknownSoldier]

The car is confused. It only expects to go fast and turn left (AKA TRACK MODE)

Otherwise, no idea, sorry.

That sounds more like the NASCAR Mode. Most tracks have right turns.

 

[Park2670]

Mine is a RWD.

 

[bradbissell]

I have the same squeeky wheel since delivery. LEMR. Have been trying to schedule a service center apt via the app, but it never connects to the server. I would do it in the car, but I always seem to have too much fun driving to remember.

 

[andrewsjra]

Moving the steering wheel in more doesn’t squeak as much. When I extend it out which I prefer it squeaks. Also when extending the wheel in and out it sounds like something is pulling as well as a squeak with the motor. I just want to know if the steering module as Tesla calls it is the same as a steering column. If so, I already had it replaced. Wondering if replacing the steering wheel will make a difference.

 

[CoolSilver]

Mine is a week old too and I got 1000 miles on it. Just noticed this same squeak. Only to left so far. XD

Mine went away. I also adjusted the wheel a bit but it seems like just breaking in with normal wear was all needed

 

[andrewsjra]

I found out what is causing this issue. Talking to so many TESLA folks I was bound to get a correct answer. So there is a rubber grommet down behind the steering wheel. It basically needs more oil to lubricate it. No replacement parts or nothing. One day fix. So basically the other service center I went to in Sunnyvale, CA had my car for a week and replaced the steering module/column for no reason. Should have just gone to the Fremont service center to begin with.

 

[bradbissell]

How do we go about fixing this ourselves? Is the grommet easily lubricated, or does it require a dismantling of the steering column?

 

[gadgetware]

How do we go about fixing this ourselves? Is the grommet easily lubricated, or does it require a dismantling of the steering column?

I'd like to know this as well. Mine does this when the weather gets close or below freezing.

 

[Park2670]

While pulling into the garage today with the window down, I noticed that my sound was actually worse outside the car. So mine appears to be something with the front rack.

 

[MacGreiner]

I'd like to know this as well. Mine does this when the weather gets close or below freezing.

That is a lot louder than I had imagined it to be. Sounds more like Fart Mode.