2021 Tesla Model 3 Front Suspension
About this episode
Bernie Pawlik discusses a common but early suspension issue on a 2021 Tesla Model 3 with only 60,000 kilometers. After diagnosing a creaking front upper ball joint, Bernie explains why heavy electric vehicle batteries accelerate suspension and tire wear. The repair process reveals some surprising Tesla build quality quirks, including zip-tied sensor lines and unfinished interior paint. The discussion wraps up with essential EV maintenance advice, highlighting why regenerative braking systems still require regular servicing to prevent rust and sticking in wet climates.
Vancouver
"I'm here with Bernie Pawlik, Pawlik Automotive in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Vancouver's best auto service experience."
A rainy city in Canada where the wet weather and winter road salt can cause car parts underneath to rust and wear out faster than they would in dry climates.
A major coastal city in British Columbia, Canada. Its wet, rainy climate and winter road-salting practices can accelerate rust and corrosion on vehicle suspension and braking components, making routine maintenance critical.
2021 Tesla Model 3
"Today's guest is a 2021 Tesla Model 3. What was happening with this space vehicle?"
This is a popular all-electric sedan made by Tesla. Because it runs entirely on heavy batteries, it weighs much more than a gas car of similar size, which can put extra stress on its steering and suspension parts over time.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric compact executive sedan that served as the catalyst for global mass-market EV adoption. It features a skateboard chassis layout with the heavy battery pack mounted low between the axles, which improves handling but subjects suspension components to significant weight-induced stress.
Tesla Model
"Doing well today. Today's guest is a 2021 Tesla Model 3. What was happening with this space vehicle?"
The Tesla Model Y is a mid-sized, fully electric family SUV made by Tesla. It does not use gasoline, relying instead on a rechargeable battery, and is controlled almost entirely through a large touchscreen on the dashboard.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact luxury crossover SUV that shares much of its platform and components with the Model 3 sedan. It offers a higher ride height, optional three-row seating, and a versatile hatchback design, making it one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market. It is often discussed for its impressive range, minimalist cabin design, and advanced driver-assistance technology.
upper ball joint
"He had a creaking noise in his front suspension, and we had a look at it, diagnosed it, found that the upper ball joint was making some noise."
Think of this as a metal ball-and-socket joint, similar to a human hip. It connects the wheel to the car's suspension so the wheel can turn left and right to steer while also moving up and down over bumps.
A spherical bearing that connects the control arm to the steering knuckle, allowing the suspension to travel vertically while enabling the front wheels to pivot for steering. When the protective rubber boot fails, grease escapes and water enters, leading to a dry joint that produces a loud creaking noise.
upper control arm
"That is the upper ball joint, which is attached to the upper control arm. It's all one in piece assembly."
This is a metal arm shaped like a wishbone that holds the top of the wheel assembly in place, keeping it straight and stable as the car drives over bumps.
A suspension link that connects the top of the steering knuckle to the vehicle's chassis. It helps control the vertical movement of the wheel and maintains proper wheel alignment (specifically camber) during suspension travel.
strut assembly
"You can see the coil spring and it's a strut. There's a shock absorber inside the coil spring. So it's a strut assembly..."
This is a heavy-duty spring wrapped around a metal shock absorber. It sits above the wheel to absorb the impact of bumps, keeping the ride smooth and preventing the car from bouncing up and down constantly.
A structural suspension component that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single integrated unit. It supports the weight of the vehicle, dampens road impacts, and helps maintain tire contact with the road.
steering knuckle
"So it's a strut assembly and it's got the steering knuckle, which is that sort of silvery piece below the black control arm."
This is a heavy metal bracket behind the wheel that acts as the anchor point for almost everything. The wheel bolts to it, the steering system turns it, and the suspension holds onto it.
The central pivot point of the suspension system that contains the wheel hub and spindle. It connects the upper and lower control arms, the steering tie rod, and the brake caliper assembly to the wheel.
regenerative braking
"Brakes actually do last a long time because you've got regenerative braking. So they're not used that much."
When you take your foot off the accelerator in an electric car, the motor reverses to slow the car down and acts like a generator to put electricity back into the battery. This means you rarely have to step on the actual brake pedal.
An energy recovery system used in electric and hybrid vehicles that slows the vehicle by using the electric motor as a generator. This process converts kinetic energy into electricity to recharge the battery, significantly reducing the reliance on traditional friction brakes.
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