Here is the list of 5 labels for Model 3 Suspension Noises, followed by their specific causes and the latest 2026 solutions:
Upper Control Arm Creaking,
Cause: Water penetrates the ball joint seal, washing away grease and causing corrosion. This creates a high-pitched "squeak" or "duck call" sound when steering or hitting bumps.
Solution: Full replacement of the front upper control arm (FUCA). Newer 2025–2026 service parts feature an improved one-piece boot design to better exclude moisture.
Lower Lateral Link Clunking,
Cause: The rubber bushings in the front lower lateral links tear over time (common after 40k miles), leading to metal-on-metal contact.
Solution: Replacement of the lateral link arm. Tesla technicians typically replace the entire arm assembly rather than just the bushing to ensure structural integrity.
Sway Bar Link Rattling,
Cause: Play develops in the ball joints of the stabilizer (sway bar) end links, causing a light rattling or "loose" sound over uneven road surfaces.
Solution: Tightening mounting bolts to spec or replacing the end links with updated hardware.
Compliance Arm "Crunching",
Cause: The large "compliance" bushings that handle fore/aft movement during braking and acceleration tear, causing a crunching sound or a "sloppy" feeling in the steering.
Solution: Replacement with updated OE (Original Equipment) compliance arms. Aftermarket "solid" bearings are also a popular solution for owners out of warranty to prevent future tearing.
Cold Weather Strut Squeaks,
Cause: In temperatures below 0°C, the rubber isolators and seals in the coil-spring suspension contract and harden, creating temporary "groaning" noises.
Solution: Tesla Service often classifies this as "normal operation" for the sporty, stiff suspension, but applying silicone-based lubricant to accessible rubber bushings can dampen the noise.
Labels List Only
Upper Control Arm Creaking,
Lower Lateral Link Clunking,
Sway Bar Link Rattling,
Compliance Arm "Crunching",
Cold Weather Strut Squeaks,
Would you like me to find the part numbers for these updated "moisture-sealed" control arms?
