Time to replace upper-control arm ball joints

[Rmchrger]

Newest silver cast iron FUCA part numbers are now up on the service/parts sites.These depricate all previous old part numbers up to J/K revisions.

1288321-00-A = LH
1288326-00-A = RH

Also sharing a photo of one (these are different from the silver FUCAs sold across Alibaba/Aliexpress, eBay Motors, Amazon, etc since sometimes in 2019/2020.

View attachment 848854

Good find and great info, thanks. Now we wait for availability...lol. You would think they would transition fast into production and be available soon after.
Either way I'm good for a while, just had mine replaced under warranty at 36k and still have my other sets ready to go with the grease zerks installed.

 

[TomT]

Newest silver cast iron FUCA part numbers are now up on the service/parts sites.These depricate all previous old part numbers up to J/K revisions.

1288321-00-A = LH
1288326-00-A = RH

Also sharing a photo of one (these are different from the silver FUCAs sold across Alibaba/Aliexpress, eBay Motors, Amazon, etc since sometimes in 2019/2020.

View attachment 848854

Since the issue is the ball joint, one wonders how the different control arm is going to make any difference...

 

[Perscitus]

One has a point. Perhaps the manufacturer of the entire assembly and/or subassemblies that make up the FUCA is finally different and with it, the ball joint.

Whatever the case, Tesla should learn a thing or two with the 3/Y and even the S/X suspension setup and take a page (or multiple) from Porsche Taycan's non-air suspension setup.

Hopefully the rumored substantial 2024 refresh or possibly the TBA 2nd gen Model 3/4 reflect that.

 

[KenC]

Was having a passenger seat restraint warning checked, when I walked around my Service Center, and looked in the dumpster:

Look at all those control arms!!!

 

[SpencerR]

Was having a passenger seat restraint warning checked, when I walked around my Service Center, and looked in the dumpster:
View attachment 848924View attachment 848925
Look at all those control arms!!!

My reaction, captured within your photo.

 

[Perscitus]

Yup most of the SC dumpsters around here look exactly like so, along with windshields, a pillar appliques, stress cracked tailights, frunk supports, lower compression and trailing arms, cracked wheels, etc. and right next to them a nice pike of LVBs (12v).

Yet, zero official recall. Within spec.

 

[texas_star_TM3]

My upper control arms were replaced again last week, only 2 years and 12K miles after the first time. Fortunately still under warranty - they claim that the new version should last longer.

longer than 2yrs and 12k miles? lol. I'd hope so. control arms typically arent a part needing replacement for well over 70k miles...

 

[one2many]

Meyle designs new control arm for Tesla - electrive.com
Nice little gem for your weekend reading.

 

[KenC]

Meyle designs new control arm for Tesla - electrive.com
Nice little gem for your weekend reading.

So, I'm assuming the OEM is left, and the Meyle is right. The Meyle article says windshield rain drains right onto the arm, leading to water penetration and eventually squeaking. How about just diverting the windshield rain so it doesn't drain onto the arms?

 

[Perscitus]

I've got the Meyle front and rear end links and so far they are superb. OEM+, HD and designed as OEM parts should be.
When the time comes to replace the FUCAs, these will offer an interesting alternative to the meh OEM parts.

 

[Perscitus]

And some new photos of the redesigned cast iron silver FUCAs from Tesla installed on one or two cars... btw new 2023 production cars do not come with these yet (typical Tesla logic).

 

[Flybyglass]

I've got the Meyle front and rear end links and so far they are superb. OEM+, HD and designed as OEM parts should be.
When the time comes to replace the FUCAs, these will offer an interesting alternative to the meh OEM parts.

How much were they and did you contact directly in Germany to purchase or via Facebook? Who installed Electrified Garage? Thanks.

 

[Perscitus]

How much were they and did you contact directly in Germany to purchase or via Facebook? Who installed Electrified Garage? Thanks.

They were about $100/pair and purchased locally in the US. There is a popular reseller that offers them.
Remove/replace installation is a breeze so any mechanic shop can do it.

 

[Sophias_dad]

They were about $100/pair and purchased locally in the US. There is a popular reseller that offers them.
Remove/replace installation is a breeze so any mechanic shop can do it.

They look great... $100/pair seems like an unreasonably low price.

 

[texas_star_TM3]

They look great... $100/pair seems like an unreasonably low price.

maybe Tesla should provide a better part which lasts longer than just a few years... versus customers having to go aftermarket for something as crucial as this.

 

[Two-rocks]

They look great... $100/pair seems like an unreasonably low price.

Ends links $100, not FUCA's (as I read the reply, could be wrong).

 

[Flybyglass]

They were about $100/pair and purchased locally in the US. There is a popular reseller that offers them.
Remove/replace installation is a breeze so any mechanic shop can do it.

How about more of a hint. I haven't located them.

 

[Perscitus]

Ends links $100, not FUCA's (as I read the reply, could be wrong).

Correct. The price was for aftermarket OEM+ HD endlinks, not the aftermarket FUCAs. Although Teslas own FUCAs are not much more expensive.

How about more of a hint. I haven't located them.

Hopefully this doesnt anger the forum admin jahs.

Meyle HD Heavy Duty Rear Sway Bar End Links for Tesla Model 3 & Model Y

• Fear no pothole, gravel road, or lowered suspension!• Longer-lasting, nearly indestructable sway bar end links• Utilizes oversized, precision-manufactured, metal ball joints• Upgrade blown end links or bulletproof your still-intact suspension• Meyle HD's indestructable 4-year limited warranty•...

evannex.com

Meyle HD Heavy Duty Front Sway Bar End Links for Tesla Model 3 & Model Y

• Fear no pothole, gravel road, or lowered suspension!• Longer-lasting, nearly indestructable sway bar end links• Utilizes oversized, precision-manufactured, metal ball joints• Upgrade blown end links or bulletproof your still-intact suspension• Meyle HD's indestructable 4-year limited warranty•...

evannex.com

 

[Sophias_dad]

HD-Control Arm Tesla

Sadly, not available until the "First half of 2023".

I probably wouldn't proactively replace them on my 2018, but when the already-replaced-by-tesla control arms go again, I'll certainly go for Meyle.

 

[Flybyglass]

HD-Control Arm Tesla

Sadly, not available until the "First half of 2023".

I probably wouldn't proactively replace them on my 2018, but when the already-replaced-by-tesla control arms go again, I'll certainly go for Meyle.

That's my plan as well. Mine were replaced a year ago but not sure how long they will last. Also, I will consult with Electrified Garage up in Seabrook for the replacement and recommendations if Meyle is a good replacement part. They look better made.