fix for Tesla Model 3 axle click noise

Lubricant used: smile.amazon.c...

[@ashegam]

I don't own a tesla nor do I hear a click noise, but really enjoyed watching this!

[@2xeverything]

hey Guys, Tesla has a procedure for the correct way to fix this. You're supposed to use Molykote m77, and it does NOT go on the splines. There should be no grease at all on the splines. The grease goes on the flat face of the CV joint which comes into contact with the hub. Grease should be applied from behind the hub after the axle is pushed out, and the correct tool to use is a hub puller, not a hammer and brass drift! You can borrow the hub puller for free from any auto parts store. Also- torque spec is 220 ft lbs, not 180

[@sirpleasee3472]

Make a video

[@josebellvis8892]

What's the reason it happens? Is there a permanent fix?

[@cottsak]

If Tesla has a procedure then why did they quote me over $3000 to replace both half shafts? 2020 MIF SR+

[@jm-btt]

@@cottsak This is a common problem. The nut was not tightened to the specific torque at the factory. If the car owner does not immediately go to the Tesla service center, the axle splines will wear out, and the shaft will have to be replaced. Ask for this service to be carried out under warranty.

[@cottsak]

@@jm-btt my problem didn’t surface until ~2 years in. I was outside of basic warranty and this wasn’t covered

[@davidvaldez648]

Thank you for the video. I had most parts to do this at home so this was a quick fix. Did a few things differently but same overall process. Tesla wanted to charge $270.

[@cashu2]

My 2018 LR RWD was doing this on the drivers side, service fixed it for a day. It was getting worse recently, so I scheduled another service, I saw your video and decided to give it a try, the click is now gone, I cancelled the service, saved me a trip, thanks!

[@trubbishbish8423]

Tesla Service Center fixed this for me today on my new '22 Model 3 with only 1,500 miles. I mentioned possible loose axle nut in my service appointment request, and sure enough it was the issue. Thank you!

[@samsum13]

Thanks. How much did you paid?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Jon, your videos always have such incredibly useful information that is not seen anywhere else! Thank you so much, once again.

[@AleksGee2022]

This worked for my 2013 Tesla model S Did exactly what you did on the video and the noise is gone. Thanks 😊

[@gilsinhogma]

Hey Jon, I have model S 2013. I would like to thank you for solving my issue. The noise was annoying.

[@AleksGee2022]

Dam I have the same car did it really go away ?

[@ericy.2108]

I don’t remember subscribing but I’m glad past me did cause this is exactly what I had been looking for! I have the same issue since like a year ago and Tesla Service told me it’s normal. Now I can tell them how to fix it. I just hope they’ll be as thorough as you doing this procedure.

[@mikealani1168]

Tesla SC are BS all the way

[@NickCorona]

Did this exact repair work for you?

[@ericy.2108]

@@NickCorona Never got around to it and it seems to have gone away on its own

[@NickCorona]

@@ericy.2108 thanks for the reply

[@Laissez_Faire]

If you put your car in low regen it doesn’t do it. The reason it happens, it’s because you’re constantly going forward and then when letting off the gas it turns it the other way. And this happens hundreds of times over a few weeks and loosening the nut

[@kev288]

2020 m3sr+ about 41k miles. The click was on the driver's rear side. Followed the instructions for both left and right rear axels.The click is gone. Thank you.

[@ImMrBasshead]

****FOR THOSE WITH WHEEL COVERS ONLY- And update-7 months and 11k miles later, NO CLICK**** For everyone contemplating doing this, I just want it to be known my experience, 2020 Model Y with Gemini wheels, all I did was (with the car on the ground and the wheel still on) pop the wheel cover off, axle nut is right there 32mm 6 point socket for the axel nut, breaker bar to remove the nut put some WD40 on it and put it back on (I didn’t use a torque wrench I probably over torqued the hell out of it) but it is not clicking at all any more. Maybe worth just taking the nut off for a sec and torquing it back to spec or even just goodntight without the moly paste

[@OmarHijaz]

Wait. How do you do this with the car on the ground and wheel still on? Did you mean to say that you torqued the lug nuts, not the axel nut?

[@ImMrBasshead]

Because if you just take your wheel cover off your axle nut is literally right there accessible through the wheel itself (I have Gemini wheels I guess maybe not possible for Uberturbine) but yea if you have the Gemini wheels no need to lift car or take wheel off just simply take off the wheel cover and torque the axle nut

[@OmarHijaz]

@@ImMrBasshead Ohhh, I got ya. Thanks.

[@Scornfyr]

Thank you. I'll try that on my 2021 model Y 🙏🏻

[@OmarHijaz]

@@Scornfyr let us know how it goes

[@andyo8488]

Thank you for your video. This fixed my issue. You couldn't of been more helpful.

[@amartins02]

Thanks. I’m out of warranty so this will save me a ton. Initially Tesla said it was something with the brakes that needed to be cleaned but obviously that wasn’t the case.

[@tedbaxter5234]

I have a 2020 model three. Mine does not have this particular problem. It is interesting to see your solution to this issue. I’m curious to see how long this will resolve the issue. Thank you for the time and effort to do these videos. Stay safe, stay healthy.

[@JunheePark]

This video is so informative. My 2019 M3 is going in for service for the first time next week for this exact issue. If this issue keeps coming back, I would definitely use your method (Tesla service center is 1+hr away)

[@TechTesla]

Awesome! So many people with early 3's have had this issue including myself! Tesla replaced both my half shafts under warranty, but it's awesome to see a DIY solution. Thanks for posting

[@Lilbittagas]

Do they replace the half shaft after 50k miles?

[@BenefitOfTheDoubtInquiry]

@@Lilbittagas mine started clicking at about 55k...

[@Lilbittagas]

@@BenefitOfTheDoubtInquiry literally same. What did u do about it?

[@BenefitOfTheDoubtInquiry]

@@Lilbittagas started hearing it a few weeks ago, and found myself here talking to you, so far. I've got a mechanic friend who might be able to help me do this fix. I also wonder if it's worth putting in a service request for the estimate too. Perhaps they'll see value in fixing it under "good will" for me. Is it a safety issue?

[@borshardsd]

​@Gazorpazorp I'm late but doubtful it's a safety issue if cleaning fixes the issue

[@Backs4more]

Tesla owners are the new Defender owners. Problem after problem but they are still loyal 😌

[@qudratzazai]

This is me rn with my 2022 model 😂

[@RayNLA]

😂 I sure hope not!

[@SetTheCurve]

So true. I’ve been a major Tesla fan for years, but on the verge of recommending to stay away from Tesla because of expensive repairs to quality issues

[@darreno1450]

Honestly, this is nothing compared to every other gas car I've owned. There is a lot of torque going to those wheels so a half shaft that needs to be greased isn't that surprising. My Model 3 is the best car I've ever owned.

[@souljah798able]

My Modes S had this repair done years ago under warranty. Now that I have 103k miles, it's come back. Was going to make an appt till I saw this! Hope it works for me also!

[@viktorvar]

Did you try this fix on your Model S? I have the same issue on my 2014 Model S.

[@POVTruckDrivingDenmark]

I have the same sound on my 2015 Model S, a friend had the same and after he cleaned brakes and lubricated like this, the sound is gone :)

[@tydlig]

I have the same car but not the problem yet. But I really hope to get it after watching this video. Really great documentation of the issue and solution. Thanks!

[@Hanchulyong]

It was solved in the same way through the video a while ago. Even if I hit the shaft shaft with a hammer, it didn't go in as easily as the video, but after retracting to some extent, I reassembled it through cleaning and Guris, and the noise disappeared. thank you 🙏🏻

[@tonybaroneee]

Really appreciate it Jon, followed this to a T and it worked flawlessly. I have a brand new MY and skipped the step of degreasing since it’s sparkly clean already.

[@halomegablokswarrior8798]

This fixed the clicking on my genesis coupe! Thanks man!

[@dannyle9484]

its just rust in the spine cause binding.. i usually use wd40 and air blow to clean out all the gunk, all good. this happens to all cars not just tesla. manual lube does not reach all the way inside spline where usually rust build up.

[@papodac36]

Buddy thanks for the video as I had this issue when my car was @ 49k miles and now @ 55k and noise has returned occasionally. This will definitely save me the expense and the pain of taking it in! Thanks again and subscribing to your channel!

[@ctgrey02]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I was planning to just retorque until I saw this. The old lubricant was caked and came out in chunks. Nice and quiet again.

[@Whatwhatwhat1]

Thank you so much for the video! I was able to fix this issue on my model S 🎉

[@bigbluu99]

Thanks, Jon! This worked for me. It's only been one day, but will see how long the fix lasts. I had tried to bring this in to Tesla, out of warranty, paying out of pocket, but they refused to even look at it since I had aftermarket suspension. Ridiculous! Almost all my prior vehicles (non-Tesla) have been tastefully modified, and I never had issues with the dealers, even for warranty work. Also, after pounding the axel spline in, mine was never loose enough to push in so freely like in your video where it pops back out. How come?

[@knewmania]

My 2018 Model 3 had this issue and it was corrected by service. The ticket said greased axle. Great to know how to fix it if I need to in the future.

[@sirpleasee3472]

How much did it cost

[@knewmania]

@@sirpleasee3472 I believe they covered it under warranty.

[@999dave]

Thank you sir! Another satisfied viewer here, it worked perfectly. Great video.

[@kylebergemann3531]

Telsa's own service manual states, "Apply approximately 1 gram of Molykote M-77 Lubricant Paste only to the hub mating face on the outboard side of the LH rear drive unit halfshaft." There is a special note: "CAUTION Do not apply any lubricant to the halfshaft splines. If lubricant is mistakenly applied, wipe the splines clean with a shop towel." So seems like apply to the backside where the two surfaces mate, but NOT on the splines

[@AndreaDFC]

Hi @kylebergemann3531 ! Could you write a link to this Tesla procedure? Thanks!

[@akide]

Thank you. This is great. I had this problem and Tesla did some work on it under warranty and then it returned.. Tesla did the same thing. Now I can do this myself!

[@ullu7838]

Thanks for sharing! I didn’t same thing as your video. The clicking sound gone for a week then turn back again and louder.

[@reefgratos2035]

This video is 2 years old.. i have a 2023 .. so it probably doesn't apply to 2023 but tesla being a tesla, im sure there are other issues with newer models.. but you haven,t done any youtube video since this one…. And something about your video style is that you fix things with precision and you don't seem to rush the job.. and i say, you should keep doing more videos.. you quit too soon

[@shashipatel3852]

thank you for the great video on fixing the wheel noise, is it the same process for the 2016 Tesla S? and where do we buy the correct grease?

[@GarageFanatic]

This fix worked perfectly. Thank you.

[@joeel4727]

maybee we can use piece of valve ajustement tool, to keep the shaft in drive position (put the piece of valve ajustement tool between teeth of shaft and hub and cancel the clearance) the piece of valve ajustement tool will be crushed only in regenation but i don't know how much clearance there is between teeth ... sorry for my way of speacking, i am french ;)

[@christopherraines7080]

This video is awesome! It saved me a lot of money.

[@JamieKline-l5p]

I did this maintenance today and use M-77 lube. Used the higher torque (220 ftlb) instead of the 180. Let’s see how long it lasts. So far day 1 the clicking has STOPPED!!

[@vogz10]

Very ingenious way to clean and lube the axle splines. I had this problem on my 2003 Nissan 350Z years ago and took apart the suspension completely apart to pull the axle out of the back of the hub. I'm having this issue with my 2020 Model 3 Performance and will use your method. Jon Osborne was this issue only on the rear axles?

[@rdtc2854]

It was only rear on my car, but that's because it's only RWD. I suppose it could happen on front, but the rear axles sees much higher torque than front on dual motor cars.

[@vogz10]

@@rdtc2854 Thanks!

[@seenoweevil1991]

I had it on a 350Z, then my 370Z and now my M3P! This problem is following me from car to car lol.

[@Nitro187]

Such a great video. Thanks for posting this.

[@noahnajor2408]

My 2022 Y is doing this in the drivers side rear. I’ll do this! Thank you.

[@djdesiderium]

Does anyone happen know understand what's actually causing the clicking? What's happening when we hear it, and how does the lubrication prevent it?

[@bakkiepleur_FPV]

Curious aswell, same problem here on rear drivers side..

[@santiagoflores2416]

Great video..i had the same problem with my 2013 P85. followed the steps and hope it fixed the issue. have you had the sound come back with time.?

[@mksarfraz]

I have done this fix 3 times now. The issue goes away for a week but then comes back. Many people on forums have also posted that they took the car to Tesla and they did the same fix but it comes right back. Till now still looking for a long term solution

[@rdtc2854]

After having the sound return, I repeated the process, but I didn't bother cleaning out the old lubricant and just packed as much additional lubricant in as I could. That fix lasted longer than the first go.

[@JeffEdmondson]

I had mine fixed and then it came back after two weeks. I went back in and they did the same job, but it made the noise a few miles later. I wonder whats the point of fixing it and the long term issues.

[@medowatcher]

It worked!! Thank you so much!

[@Carsporttt]

Thanks!! Saved me a Ton!

[@dsims369]

Worked like a charm! Thanks man!

[@marcorossoni6489]

did you do the procedure exactly as in the video?

[@dsims369]

@@marcorossoni6489 Yes, unfortunately it was just a temporary fix for me. I did it several times and eventually gave up. The dealership says I'll need new axles to permanently fix the clicking issue.

[@AndreAguiar]

Just started to notice this clicking in my 2018 Model S. Tesla recently replaced my shafts and it’s possible the nuts were not torqued down. I will try that first otherwise will lube them up.

[@WilliamDeanPlumbing]

I have that exact same noise coming from my front left rim, is it the same procedure for the front I noticed yours was the back.

[@douglasolsson7768]

I think that is the issue for my Model S. I especially hear it in parking garages. Now I can tell the SC what to do!

[@alepio83]

Hi great video. Which camere did you use for recording wheel like this and also with which holder ? Thank u

[@swedishstile]

You are the man. That was getting annoying.

[@zaneenaz4962]

Very nicely done. Thanks

[@sirpleasee3472]

Is this necessarily harmful to the vehicle? This noise, could you simply live with it?

[@cottsak]

Mine is so loud you can hear it click from inside the car with windows closed and the AC on. Outside the car it’s disturbingly loud 😔

[@sopranosurfer]

This is the exact issue on my 2013 model S.... :) Thank you soo much.... did you have to do all 4 wheels?

[@foam27]

excellent, thank you. will get started today on this. subbed.

[@LordLoMR2]

I’m suspecting the axle nut is coming from the Tesla factory under torqued. Most of the Toyota’s I’ve worked on with 32mm axle nuts are torqued at 217 ft-lbs - those are just the low powered V6 camrys and siennas. Lol

[@JBoy340a]

Nice. My 2022 X had a similar noise but much louder. Tesla fixed it by cleaning and lubing. I guess this what they did.

[@bakkiepleur_FPV]

Hey, how is it holding up?

[@leesmithers1503]

Lubed hub first SC visit and sound came back, taking it back in tomorrow. MYP with 1000 miles. Will tell them to focus on splines.

[@RanaBanana92]

Amazing man thanks

[@JeffEdmondson]

I wish I was able to get that axle nut loose. I had a 4 foot breaker bar and couldn't get it to budge. I gave up before I hurt myself.

[@x0david]

I did this with a new washer and nut. mine had lots of rusty dust but didn't want to use brake cleaner since it's extremely oxidizing. Went away.

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

Great video and tip, thank you. How many miles/kms do you have on the car and what year is it? Thanks again.

[@rdtc2854]

It's a November 2018, with 15000 miles

[@Player-oz2nk]

Axel nut torque spec for model 3 is 300nM

[@jrami223]

SOLUTION HERE: I've had this problem!! Nissan has had this problems aswell!! You need a special lubricate to fix this problem it's called CHEMPLEX 50S u can get it at Nissan (ask a mechanic if he has some left over) this what u do don't take off the wheel remove axle nut hit the axle back until is lose and put a lot of the lubricant try ur best to jam it in there then use a tool to push the axle back and forth do it about 7 times to then re tighten it... I've done it haven't had a problem since!! Part#44003-1z610pp

[@Resist4]

If that part was bolted in tight, I don't understand how lubricating it stop any clicking noise, when it was tight and didn't move to begin with.

[@rdtc2854]

Even when the bolt is tight, there is a very small amount of play in the splined connection, which is where the click comes from. The lubricant fills in any gaps to eliminate this play.

[@Resist4]

@@rdtc2854 For whatever reason I can't visual this, to understand it.

[@SofiaanF]

Hey@@rdtc2854 , is this the same for a performance model 3 and dual motor?

[@rdtc2854]

@@SofiaanF Yes, same axles used in all versions of Model 3.

[@SofiaanF]

@@rdtc2854 thanks! My spline is wedged in very tight. Hasn’t budged at all with a hammer and brass. Could banging damage it at all?

[@Dan__TGT]

Can this same thing be done with the front end ? Is it safe to push shaft through with hammer same as you did on the rear

[@blocknox3701]

Hi , I have the same noise at the front left and right, do you think I can apply the same method to get the axle in to lubricate it or do I need a hub extractor?

[@Keeping-It-Real-55]

Hey Jon, Do you think Tesla will cover this under warranty? 4 year 50k? I scheduled the service because Im still under warranty. The repair estimate is $210. I can do this without an issue. But if warranty covers it, I'd rather have proof Tesla worked on an issue. You never know if theres a deeper issue in the AXLE itself.

[@sirpleasee3472]

Did they cover it

[@Keeping-It-Real-55]

@@sirpleasee3472 yes

[@thiessyboyyy]

I had a similar issue with my driver side wheel. Followed instructions in this video and it the noise went away...for a few weeks. Now its back. After redoing everything in this video, the noise still is there. Wondering if theres another issue.

[@andreya5932]

Good afternoon. Did this procedure help, will it no longer hold it together

[@luisfajardo8371]

Had the same loud click from my rear driver side wheel. Just did the exact same thing and the noise is gone on my 2021 M3LR 🙏🏻

[@infinitegary]

has the noise stayed away?

[@mehan92]

Good luck to ta ke that for again dude!

[@joeydavid5783]

I have a 2015 MS with a similar noise coming from the rear end on acceleration. Could this potentially be the same issue?

[@TheKyleKrukar]

Tesla is charging me $132 to have this exact issue fixed. Shouldn't this be under warranty?

[@styl82]

they asked me the same too… but on principle I didn't want to do it since according to them there are no problems but only a noise. they should do it under warranty

[@pmpch1]

They teslaraped me for $260. Everyone knew what it was front desk, walked to service tech, and me from this video. Tesla has some bad karma coming🤔

[@john90025]

Same issue on my 2021 Model Y with 36k miles, driver’s rear side. Is this covered under Tesla warranty?

[@samsum13]

My car has the same clicking issue. Did you get a chance to fix your car? I wonder the same. Don't know does it cover under warranty.

[@john90025]

@@samsum13 yes I got it repaired and it was covered under warranty.

[@samsum13]

@@john90025 thank you

[@specialistvlad]

thanks a lot!

[@mrkasual6776]

Any alternative lubricants for the loctite?

[@MaruDD]

THX BRO

[@HitmanAtM16]

Does this work for the front wheels as well?

[@liquidcooled877]

I have this issue with my car. Is it dangerous, or annoying?

[@rdtc2854]

Just annoying. Not dangerous.

[@jaymann6220]

Do you have to change axle nut, Tesla says you have to replace Nut and washer once you taken off

[@pmpch1]

2013 MS: SC @ Tesla got me for $270 for this. 2 days without my car. 2 Uber rides. I gave Les Schwab the chance they had no clue. Very soon local mechanics are going to take your customers and all the legacy car manufacturers are going to sell EV’s for half your price

[@Lobo243]

Hi thanks for the video..But do you have any idea that how much any shop can charge for that ???

[@MCEE-p8d]

$62 per axle + $100 diagnostic

[@Lobo243]

@@MCEE-p8d Thanks 😊

[@carlesscustomization1649]

I did that on my S, however after half a year the problem is back, wondering if you got it back as well, maybe I need other lubricant like more dense one etc.

[@rdtc2854]

The first time I did this, the noise came back after a month or so. The next time I made sure to get more lubricant on the splines, and so far it's lasted longer.

[@Nitro187]

@@rdtc2854 Is it still good another year later?

[@rdtc2854]

@@Nitro187 The fix has lasted since the 2nd application of lubricant I mentioned in the previous comment, which as probably been about a year, although not too many miles driven in that time. My recommendation would be to clean before the first time you add lubricant, and if the noise returns, don't bother cleaning again, but just add as much additional lubricant as you can.

[@Nitro187]

@@rdtc2854 Tesla fixed mine and it hasn't returned.... I'm just mentally preparing for when it's out of warranty in the off chance it returns. :) thanks foe the video!

[@vwduiven3072]

Model s same story , garage did the same month ago sound is already coming back again...

[@generalimac]

Does this also work for a 2021 Model Y? Thx for a great video.

[@rdtc2854]

Yes, will work for Model Y as well.

[@PersonalUseChannel]

I have a different noise coming from front wheel. it sounds like playing card flapping the rotating wheel.

[@joeel4727]

there is another video from other guy for the click when you turn your steering wheels, i have the same

[@marshallfelter2414]

Yeah okay, The trailer park solution to working on a Tesla 🧐

[@khompressor]

I had this issue at 30k miles, tesla wanted 250 if it was out of warranty.

[@the8419]

Teslas have probably the worst build quality of any car I’ve ever seen

[@chausteven56]

Can I send u a video to see whether my model s’s problem is same as u?

[@rdtc2854]

Sure - jonco223 at google's email address

[@cyclefrst7799]

That rotor retention screw is not right… it cannot sit proud above the rotor / wheel mating surface. The way it is now will cause vibrations because the wheel cannot achieve perpendicularity with the axle rotational plane.

[@bigbluu99]

There's hollow spacing in between the lug holes on Tesla factory wheels on the inside surface mating against the hub. A lot of aftermarket wheels are like this as well, so the wheel does indeed mate perfectly flush against the hub even with the rotor screw there. Look at the markings on the hub and you can easily see where the wheel mates to it.

[@ILikeGuns24]

my model Y just started doing this it only has 300 miles.

[@thomaskleinhenz6437]

I am having this issue on a brand new Model Y at around 500 miles. Went to the shop to grease the axles. Didn't fix it. They lubricated all four Half Shafts on each wheel. Did not fix it. They changed the rear subframe, did not fix it. Now it's gone into shop for #4 time on the same issue and they are trying once more to lubricate the axle splines. This does not just seem to be a Tesla problem. There are other videos out there, stating the cause to be a fitting issue, and actually advising against using any type of lubricant within the hub spline assembly. Why is Tesla (even from their repair centers) conducting this as a repair? Doesn't that just kick the can down the road, and we potentially have more problems later?

[@ILikeGuns24]

car has been in service 3 times now and they have not fixed the clicking sound. Was supposed to pick it up today, but they pushed pickup back another 4 days.

[@thomaskleinhenz6437]

@@ILikeGuns24 keep us updated how many attempts it takes and if they are able to fix it eventually. Will do the same. My car was also supposed to come out from repair yesterday and did not happen. Assuming it takes them longer.

[@ILikeGuns24]

@@thomaskleinhenz6437 Just picked it up today and the sound is fixed! took 4 visits to the shop to get it repaired.

[@albertzhang154]

@@ILikeGuns24 what exactly was the diagnose ? mine has been having this issue since 300 miles and now it is 1600. first visit did not solve and the lubricated some mechanism behind the mirror ( wth？）the sending it in for the second time in about a week …

[@chaz33xxx]

I inherited a 2021 Tesla 3 with this clicking noise…can’t wait to fix it and unload this car…I’m keeping the 2008 Hyundai w 150k miles…