If you have a old RWD Model S, it is easy to get through via the frunk. You can see in this video;
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Steering U-Joint Lower Shaft Issue and my Solution so far.
- Thread starter islandbayy
- Start date
Jack should work no problem on your 2015 AWD, did you take the wheel off? Another option is to go through the frunk and remove the frunk inside. Takes about 2 minutes to remove the frunk.
There wasn't a boot in older designs, that was added later, so your car was probably made before the change. There are three different lower shafts listed:
The "shielded" one probably comes with the boot. (But I really don't know why there would be three current part numbers listed.)
Had the same issue and this behaviour. I have Model X 2018. Is there a easier way to access the u-joint without removing tyre or frunk?
My 2019 Model 3 also developed this symptom, hard stop every 90 degree with loss of power steering sensation, fixed by itself next day after car gets wet. Then found your thread. Super thankful. You just saved me $4100 for replacing the whole steering rack,
today I finally got the cleaner (WD40 solvent based degreaser) and lube (WD40 PTFE drylube) you recommended and redo again. However, the result is not as good as before with my bicycle chain lube. Maybe I didn't clean it well enough. When you clean the joint with degreaser, did you use brush to give the joint a nice scrubbing?
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There is time when lubing wont help, not saying this is your case, but it might be time to just replace it. Mine was rusted to the point of no return 
Eventually a replacement WILL be necessary. But this can extend the life quite a bit, or if caught early enough, extend the life a VERY long time
I'm about 70,000 miles since doing the original fix. With it kept lubed, the grim and dirt aren't really collecting on it like it was, and I'm just hitting it in spring & fall with a few shots of lube to keep it good. I am noticing ever so slightly, a little more play in the joint. So I'll budget in a replacement joint in the not to distant future. I think I milked it quite a bit, and mine was BAD when I first cleaned and lubed it.
Drive unit and battery warranty is up in December, and I plan to have a 90 or 100 kWh battery installed once warranty is up. I'll change the joint at that time, along with some other age worn suspension components.
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