Tesla Model 3 Creaking Noise: Reasons and Solutions!

When you engage in the Drive mode after parking your Tesla Model 3 for a long time, there can be a creaking noise from the brakes. This may be normal in cold weather, but other creaking noises aren’t. You can get this noise for a lot of reasons.

So, what causes the creaking noise in the Tesla Model 3? Mechanical components, such as suspension, ball joints, rubber bushings, steering rack, control arm, tie rods, etc., can cause creaking noise. Low lubrication in the window panel or worn seals can also be the reason.

Let’s dig deeper into the problem to understand the reasons and find out the solutions.

Tesla Model 3 Creaking Noise: Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Here are the most common reasons behind the creaking noise in your Tesla Model 3. Don’t forget to check all of them out.

1. Suspension Is Worn or Damaged

The suspension system in Model 3 uses a coil spring to absorb the shock from the road and keep you comfortable. Over time, the coil spring can catch rust or face corrosion. The amount of damage is proportional to your driving time in adverse weather conditions.

Road debris, moisture, etc., accelerate the damage to the suspension. Besides, the suspension can wear faster if you drive on uneven roads with bumps and potholes. These reasons will result in a creaking noise from the suspension, especially when you turn the vehicle or drive at a low speed.

Solutions

1. You can use anti-rust sprays on the coil spring to prevent it from deteriorating prematurely. 
2. If the damage is already done, you should carefully inspect the condition of the suspension. Too much wear or corrosion can make the vehicle risky to drive. 

You should take the vehicle to a Tesla service center for suspension replacement. It might cost about $2,500, including parts and labor.

2. Worn Bushings

Rubber bushings are used as dampeners between suspension components. They prevent the metal components from rubbing against each other to reduce wear and noise. Like other rubber components, bushings deteriorate over time and get brittle.

Regular wear and tear is also common for these bushings. Once they are worn, they won’t dampen the vibration as much as before. So, you may often hear a creaking noise from under the vehicle. Clunking noise can also come when braking or accelerating.

Solutions

1. You need to replace the worn bushings to eliminate the noise. To do this, select the Jack mode from the Suspension settings. Then, go to “Controls” and choose “Safety.” Select “Power Off” from there to turn the car off.
2. Lift the vehicle using a car jack. Remove the lug nuts on the wheel with a lug wrench. 
3. Pop the frunk and remove the battery terminals. Go with the negative cable first. Then, remove the upper strut bolts using a 15mm wrench.
4. After the suspension is released, you can check the bushings and replace them as required. If you want to avoid hassle, I suggest taking the car to the Tesla service center.

Check this video out:

3. Control Arms Are Worn or Damaged

The control arms are a crucial part of the suspension system in any vehicle. As these parts move up and down a lot, they can wear easily. They can also get damaged if you go over bumps or potholes.

Over time, the control arms will start producing weird creaking noises. The noise may be more audible when you drive the car at a low speed. The car may pull to the right or left, and there will be uneven tire wear.

Solutions

1. You should follow the same settings as the previous method to turn the Jack mode on and shut the car off.
2. Then, remove the wheels as instructed above and loosen the upper struts. Check the control arms for signs of wear and damage. Replacing this component may require prior experience. So, it is best to book an appointment at the Tesla service center.

4. Tie Rods Are Worn

Tie rods are essential to transfer power from the steering rack to the control arms that move the wheels. If the tie rod is worn, it won’t deliver the power properly. As a result, the steering of the vehicle won’t be effective.

On top of that, you will hear a creaking noise from the front of the vehicle. When the tie rods are severely worn, the vibration in the steering wheel will increase. You may also notice a larger play in the steering wheel.

Solutions

1. Once the tie rods are worn, you can’t repair them. Tie rods should last for about 100,000 miles if you drive normally. But if you drive on rough roads, they will wear prematurely. 
2. However, you should contact the Tesla service center and get the tie rods replaced. It can cost about $300-400, including parts and labor.

5. The Power Steering System Is Malfunctioning

The power steering system in the Tesla Model 3 uses electronic controls to amplify the force on the steering rack. If there is a problem with the electronic system, the power steering might not work smoothly.

As a result, you will often hear creaking noises while turning the steering wheel, especially in the Park mode. The wheels may not respond properly to the steering input.

Solutions

This is a much deeper issue than a regular user can dig. So, it is best to contact the Tesla service center nearby and take the vehicle for a detailed inspection. The power steering system may cost about $200-300 to repair.

To learn more about steering issues, check out this guide on the causes and solutions for Tesla Steering Assist Reduced.

6. Ball Joints Are Worn

Ball joints allow the wheels to change directions when you turn the steering wheel. These joints should be snugly fitted. But they wear over time, and the joints may become loose. It causes a creaking sound from under the vehicle. The steering wheel also feels loose.

Solutions

1. You should use grease in the ball joints to prevent the creaking noise. Switch to jack mode first and then turn the car off.
2. After lifting the vehicle with car jacks, remove the wheels. Locate the ball joints by removing the bushings. Then, apply grease to the joints and let them sit for some time. 
3. Then, assemble all components properly and start the engine. Drive the vehicle for some time at a low speed so that the grease is properly distributed.
4. If the ball joints are completely worn, you should replace the joints.

7. The Window Seal Is Damaged

Your Tesla Model 3 has rubber seals around the window to prevent water from entering the cabin. These rubber seals may get worn over time. As a result, they will create a creaking noise while opening or closing the window.

Solutions

1. You can try to spray some lubricant on the rubber seals to prevent them from creaking temporarily.
2. But the permanent solution is to replace the rubber seals. Take the vehicle to a Tesla service center and get the seals replaced. It will cost about $200.

8. Door Joints Can Be Rusty

Metal parts on the doors are prone to rusting, especially the ones that are hidden. Door joints are such parts that can get rusty quickly and cause a creaking noise every time you open or close the door. 

Solutions

1. You should use a general lubricant on the door joints. Open the car door fully to expose the joints.
2. Then, use a lubricant spray nozzle so that the lubricant gets inside. Spray the lubricant onto the joint and let it sit for some time. The creaking noise will go away slowly.

FAQs

You should check the answers to the following questions regarding the Tesla Model 3 creaking noise.

Final Words

I can assure you that the creaking noise issue is common for many Tesla Model 3 owners. As there are a lot of reasons behind the Tesla Model 3 creaking noise, it might be hard to diagnose.

Knowing all probable reasons will give you an edge while detecting the problem, and you can solve it faster. The sooner you solve the creaking noise, the longer the service life of your car’s components will be. And it will make your rides safer.