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!

Will the halfshaft issue be fixed?

Dazureus

Member
Jan 9, 2015
326
370
Michigan
Almost anyone that has the dynamic air suspension in the Model X and Model S is familiar with the issues of prematurely worn halfshafts in the front suspension (aka acceleration shudder). I've had the halfshafts on my Model X replaced three times (all under warranty) with the latest fix being keeping the suspension in low at all times. It's suspected that the angle of the joint at ride heights greater than that a low is contributing to the wear.
With the Cybertruck's reported adjustable suspension, I'm wondering a few things:
1) Is this going to be a completely redesigned suspension, free from the S/X issues?
2) If it's an iterative design from S/X, how will this issue be addressed?

Also, with such a great variance in ride height, is there a mechanism to reduce uneven tire wear when riding at the various heights for long periods?
 

ryan.fenchel

New Member
Jun 10, 2019
1
1
Los Gatos, CA
Excellent questions. We have 2018 MX with shudder and I just scheduled service to replace (first time) half-shafts. It is my wife’s car but when I get it I hammer it on occasion (who am I lying too...every time.

Reserved a tri-motor Cybertruck for me. Will be bummed if it suffers similar issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SmartElectric

Hank42

Member
Sep 30, 2012
516
270
United States - NY
Almost anyone that has the dynamic air suspension in the Model X and Model S is familiar with the issues of prematurely worn halfshafts in the front suspension (aka acceleration shudder). I've had the halfshafts on my Model X replaced three times (all under warranty) with the latest fix being keeping the suspension in low at all times. It's suspected that the angle of the joint at ride heights greater than that a low is contributing to the wear.
With the Cybertruck's reported adjustable suspension, I'm wondering a few things:
1) Is this going to be a completely redesigned suspension, free from the S/X issues?
2) If it's an iterative design from S/X, how will this issue be addressed?

Also, with such a great variance in ride height, is there a mechanism to reduce uneven tire wear when riding at the various heights for long periods?

Are you referring to AWD models S/X? my 2012 RWD S has no such shudder/shaft problems - so I'm assuming this is an AWD issue?
 

Dazureus

Member
Jan 9, 2015
326
370
Michigan
Are you referring to AWD models S/X? my 2012 RWD S has no such shudder/shaft problems - so I'm assuming this is an AWD issue?

It's probably a combination of the linkages required for adjustable suspension with the torque output from the front motor. Here's a link to the 44 page thread in the Model X forum. Users are starting to report it on Raven models as well. I've had my halfshafts replaced a few times and during the latest repair, techs suggested that I keep the suspension in low to mitigate the issue.
 

OneLapper

Member
Jan 5, 2020
11
9
Connecticut
If Tesla gets the front end of the Cybertruck geometry correct, and it has no front end / ball joint / CV joint / half-shaft issues, then they have done something that Ford, Chevy/GMC, and Dodge/Ram hasn't been able to do.

Of all the trucks I've owned, only the 2wd versions have over 80k without a front end repair or rebuild.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: Fiddler

Cyber_Dav

Member
Nov 30, 2019
145
163
SoCal
Question, and forgive my ignorance, but would a quad motor correct this half shaft problem?
I understand it to be an articulation issue. If that is the case, no, number of drive motors would not affect this issue.

Unless perhaps they put the motors themselves on gimbals so the half shafts did not articulate at all. I have no idea if this is possible or feasible. :)
 

Xenoilphobe

Active Member
Jan 2, 2014
4,572
4,267
Fairfax County, Virginia
Almost anyone that has the dynamic air suspension in the Model X and Model S is familiar with the issues of prematurely worn halfshafts in the front suspension (aka acceleration shudder). I've had the halfshafts on my Model X replaced three times (all under warranty) with the latest fix being keeping the suspension in low at all times. It's suspected that the angle of the joint at ride heights greater than that a low is contributing to the wear.
With the Cybertruck's reported adjustable suspension, I'm wondering a few things:
1) Is this going to be a completely redesigned suspension, free from the S/X issues?
2) If it's an iterative design from S/X, how will this issue be addressed?

Also, with such a great variance in ride height, is there a mechanism to reduce uneven tire wear when riding at the various heights for long periods?
Fixed
125785415.jpg
 

wycolo

Active Member
May 16, 2012
3,068
422
WA & WY
Since the rear axle is unaffected it must be more a steering geometry (perhaps aggravated by ride height) issue.
--
 

K2500Z71

Member
Jul 17, 2019
183
121
Upstate NY
There is no fix for the shudder on Raven X and S yet so I’m guessing we’ll see the same problem on the early Cybertrucks at the very least.

The SC has refused to replace my half shafts on my 2019 X saying that a fix is coming.

I have a Tri-Motor CT order in. If this problem isn’t fixed for my X before the CT arrives, I’ll probably cancel my CT and go with a Rivian or Hummer EV (and swap my X for a Lyriq). The Electrify America network is coming along nicely and now that they’ve dropped free supercharging from the S and X models, the other brands look more compelling
 
  • Like
Reactions: coleAK

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