Tesla Control Arm Squeak and Creak Fix Suspension Problems Fix How-To

[@mariocastellanos8231]

Thanks so much! It solved the issue. You saved me a lot of money. 8-pack of beer is on me today.

[@KmanAuto]

YOU ARE AWESOME!

[@doctormallard0]

Had my mechanic do this for me. It worked GREAT!!! Took about 3 days of driving for the grease to work its way in. Squeak totally gone!!! He charged me $20. Fantastic. Thank you for this video!

[@YouStupid69]

Idiot, it's worn bushing. Replace the arm before it pop

[@KmanAuto]

My Pleasure! Please hit the like and subscribe button to return the favor!

[@txba516]

YOU SIR are BRILLIANT!! Just did this fix on my 2016 X that was creaking absurdly loud (the whole street could hear it). I injected into the boot until it swelled up a little, then worked the boot around for 15-30 seconds. Sealed with rubber cement where the needle went in. I didn't even get out of the driveway before noticing the sound was completely gone. Further driving around the neighborhood (lots of turns, roundabouts, etc) confirmed it is happy (and now so is my wife). 15 minutes of work (which included reading the owners manual for jack mode settings and jacking up the car) and $35 (for parts/grease)...Done.

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure :-) Please return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already :-) It helps tremendously!

[@antde2001]

I hope you're still active! Did you use the tools linked in the description or do you have a set you'd recommend?

[@KmanAuto]

@@antde2001 The recommended tools linked are more than adequate. I have a virtual mechanics shop in my garage (just added tire machine last month!). I personally use an Lithium powered grease gun. Very much overboard, but when I actually HAD a motorcycle shop, it was much more useful. Especially when greasing my fork lift.... 30+ Grease Zerks, and would take 5-6 tubes of grease! That durned a multi-hour greasing project into a 15-20 minute project 🙂

[@powerda]

Worked. First run around the block didn’t notice any improvement. Second time out complete fix. Be patient to let the grease get into the right place

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@SerenitY34929]

Thanks! Saved me a replacement FUCA on my 2020 Y.

[@KmanAuto]

Thank You! You are awesome!

[@shahnuli]

Thanks! Fantastic video that fixed my model X 2020 noises.

[@KmanAuto]

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@techandtorque2352]

I just paid the local service center $700 to replace just about everything - upper control arms and lower lateral link. Three weeks out of warranty so they covered labor. Nice guys, except 2 weeks later and 20 degree drop in temp and now the noise is worse. I think I'm going to try this since I have nothing to lose. I'm not paying another $700 any time soon.

[@KmanAuto]

You do have a 10,000 mile 1 year warranty on all paid service and repairs :-) So you are covered for the 1 year 10000 miles, whichever comes first. Milk it. Hit Tesla in the wallet. maybe they fill fix the root cause if it keeps costing them.

[@vissays634]

@@KmanAuto what about drive units? 10k seems low..

[@KmanAuto]

@@vissays634 I believe drive units are four years 50,000 miles same as the batteries when it's a paid repair. I can't be 100 per certain offhand however.

[@E59FF]

This worked great for me on a ‘20 X. The squeak was really bad and in my case it took about 5-10 miles of driving for the noise to go away. Thanks! 🙏

[@KmanAuto]

My Pleasure! Please like, Subscribe and share with other owners who WILL eventually need this, not if just when :-)

[@mariocastellanos8231]

How many miles on your X? I’m starting getting the noise too.

[@gregstephens2339]

@@mariocastellanos8231 My X started at 64K but it has been very wet here!

[@E59FF]

@@mariocastellanos8231 60k when it started. 74k now. Noise never came back after I greased the boots as described in the video.

[@JasperNuyens]

Thanks a lot! Fix seemed not to work initially, but after 100kms of driving; finally without squeaks again! So I owe you a beer!

[@KmanAuto]

My Pleasure! You can return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already. It helps Tremendously!

[@KmanAuto]

I’m about 20,000 miles since doing this video, and still no noise has returned :-) checked the injection holes, a little grease leakage, to be expected, but still well packed. too bad we couldn’t safely add a grease zerk to the top of the joint :-(

[@JasperNuyens]

@@KmanAuto shared, subscribed and liked. But I still owe you a beer! :-D

[@alphadelta87]

I've seen this video before, but just ordered parts to try it. I've got a 2018 M3P that I purchased used 12/2020 with 60k miles. Had the front upper arms replaced the following year (winter of 2021) and figured it would be done. They started squeaking again the next winter (winter of 2022). When I brought them in they discovered that the parts they used were under a recall so they swapped them again for free (around spring of 2023). But of course it started squeaking again a few months ago when it started getting cold again (I now have about 117k miles on my M3P)... I was just gonna give up, but figured I'd try this $35 fix. Can't hurt. I'm sure it'll work, but I'll report back. Thank you for this video!!

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure! Glad to help! Please do report back how well it works for you. Since making the video, I have about 60,000 more miles on the vehicle and have not had to recreate. I planned to add more before winter, life got in the way and I forgot though... Still going. I have other suspension issues though. Holding out for a while as I'm planning to have a battery diagnostic and drive units serviced right before my warranty is up end of next month.

[@alphadelta87]

@@KmanAuto that's awesome! Glad to hear that. My mileage warranty is up in about 3k miles, but I only drive about 500/month. Battery retention is decent.. about 226 at 85% (or 265 at 100%). Other than the control arms, and my popping door check straps, the thing drives like it's brand new. Can't complain.

[@zeuschrist88]

Thank you so much for this video! My Tesla Model 3 2018 had a bit of a different style of joints but the trick worked just as well for me. Took about an hour of driving around after injecting the grease for the noise to stop and now it's all good. Save a few hundred bucks.

[@angelicareyes595]

My 2018 Model 3 just started making this noise. Hoping my hubby can fix this. Sound is embarrassing, especially while driving in the neighborhood or parking lots lol

[@Empylol]

@@angelicareyes595sammmeee, 2018 M3LR and creaking at low speeds now

[@Empylol]

@@angelicareyes595did you ever fix it?

[@stephen2220]

Great job on figuring this out and making this video, very helpful! What Tesla needs to do is re-design the rubber boot that surrounds the upper control arm ball joint and add a permanent grease fitting so that customers can periodically add grease when\if needed. This is the way it's been done on ICE vehicles for many years. Come on Tesla stop reacting to a problem with the same problem and design a solution!

[@sparky6592]

Not on newer ICE vehicles. I haven't seen a Zerk fitting on a car's suspension in the last 30 years.

[@jazzejoewinters]

Thanks for the video! I just ordered the stuff and I'll give it a try.

[@KmanAuto]

Holy Crap YOU ARE AWESOME! Glad I could hopefully help! If it ends up helping for your vehicles situation, please consider hitting like and subscribing. Also if you are in the USA, be sure to file a NHTSA complaint. If we get enough complaints in, might force a recall which would reimburse owners that have paid for this fix, and possibly get a Real, Permanent fix! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@jazzejoewinters]

@@KmanAuto Just reporting back that the fix worked perfectly and immediately. Squeak gone and it was super simple to do. Thanks again!

[@KmanAuto]

@@jazzejoewinters AWESOME!!!!

[@LeePatCab]

Vary good job, your the only one that offers something like this to help Tesla owners. Keep up the good work.

[@KmanAuto]

Grazie!

[@uswwt]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. For those interested, there is the price quote I got from Tesla service center in the San Francisco bay area. For a Model X, diagnosis $255. Upper control arm is $90 a piece. But labor is $275 to install. So it will be about $700 + tax, if that's exactly your problems. From the quote is doesn't seem like the diagnosis fee will count towards the repair cost. I mean, that's not too bad for an expensive car. They will even throw in tire pressure and conditional examination for free!! Hey, I can afford that but that doesn't mean I want to. The approach in this video is a grand total of about $20. It probably take 5 mins for each side. I don't plan on taking any wheels off. I will just set the air suspicion to the highest level and inject grease in there until it ballons a bit. After confirming that it's quiet I might put a drop of glue to seal up the hole. This is not rocket science. I suspect that water already gotten in there anyways. And we never worry about raining in California (oh well, except this year, lol). BTW, I also get a quote for a plastic trim. Surprisingly Telsa's price is only $29. The cheapest one I can find on Ebay is $60. Wow. I will give them credit for affordable parts. epc.tesla.com/ is super easy for finding the right parts.

[@gir1258]

When I put in my request, they automatically updated it based on my description as replacement of the upper control arms. I was quoted just over $300 for parts & labor. I’m in SoCal. Still, it is too much of an expense for something that is going to run into the same issue.

[@uswwt]

@@gir1258 I bought a mini grease gun, a needle. Set the car at the highest suspension mode temporarily. Then just poke into the rubber casing of the upper control arm and inject till it inflates a bit. I also spray some silicone lube into the connections in the other end of the upper control arms for good measure. The problem is gone for good. Total cost is less than $20.

[@gir1258]

@@uswwt I’m just about to do this, however I have a 3 so no adjustable suspension. Thought I was going to have to purchase a jack, but luckily saw another comment that said just turning the wheel will give enough room for access. Didn’t know about using the silicone spray too, I’ll give that a try. Is there a specific type of grease that you used?

[@uswwt]

@@gir1258 oh, I am not sure about the 3. Perhaps drive one side on a curb or brick and the other side will provide more room? I tried jacking up my X, hoping that the upper control arm will separate a bit more. It didn't. If you buy a mini grease gun with long steel tube, you probably don't need much clearance at the top of the tire at all. Silicone lube is just regular stuff from Lowes/HD. I don't think there is a problem inside there.

[@BurhanHalilov]

Thanks!

[@KmanAuto]

No, THANK YOU! YOU ARE AWESOME!

[@BurhanHalilov]

@@KmanAuto Authorized Tesla repair shop quoted me $780 for the repair

[@KmanAuto]

@@BurhanHalilov Sounds about right :-(

[@randygreen7871]

I was wondering what that noise was! Thank you so much for sharing this video, I will be doing this as soon as the needle comes in!

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Help others especially on the tesla forums and groups by sharing the video!

[@keytoarson]

Thanks for the vid. I've had two control arms replaced under warranty on my M3 and now I'm over warranty and my rear right wheel is squeaking. Gonna try your method over the weekend on both wheels in the rear! thanks again!

[@keytoarson]

Follow up: couldn't find where to do this in the back wheels and I didn't want to guess. Any tips? I did it in the front as a precaution and now the grease is coming out through the hole that I put the grease in. No success for me I guess!

[@apoloniomelayajr.1750]

thanks much - $44 fix and 15 min of my time.... all worth it... saves you $$$$

[@KmanAuto]

Glad I could help! Please consider liking and subscribing to return the favor! It helps tremendously!

[@mossm717]

Thanks for the great video! I ended up using a can of aeresol spray tacky grease with a spray straw, and a screwdriver to poke a small hole in the boot, and it worked well

[@KmanAuto]

I'm glad it worked. Not the best way of doing it unfortunately. Going that route will be less "permanent" unfortunately. You'll need to check it more often and add more often. My method, I'm at 25,000 miles since doing it, and zero issues. If you ever notice water coming out when you are adding more, you MUST replace the joint then. Good Luck! AND THANKS FOR WATCHING! Please consider liking and subscribing to return the favor!

[@trevorwelty8059]

Worked perfectly! Took a day for the grease to work into the joint. You just saved me a ton of $. Thanks!!!!

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@alexculp4276]

I can also report success! Thank you for posting! 2020 M3P. Was squeaking so loud it echoed off buildings and thought I’d set off car alarms. 🤣 After about ~5 miles of driving around, the squeaking completely stopped.

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure :-) Please return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already :-) It helps tremendously! Also if you are in the USA, be sure to file a NHTSA complaint. If we get enough complaints in, might force a recall which would reimburse owners that have paid for this fix, and possibly get a Real, Permanent fix! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@adobenumpty]

The advert algorithm is doing my head in. No I don’t want solar panels in Scotland. I don’t live there!!! I came here for a wonderfully explained video about Tesla’s.

[@KmanAuto]

@@adobenumpty That's youtube for you. Though the adverts do help me to continue to make videos.

[@janmuileboom3509]

Thanks a bunch, all noise cured after 2 days of applying the salve!

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure :-) Please return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already :-) It helps tremendously! Also if you are in the USA, be sure to file a NHTSA complaint. If we get enough complaints in, might force a recall which would reimburse owners that have paid for this fix, and possibly get a Real, Permanent fix! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@MXP90DL]

I was just thinking of getting a grease needle and doing this on my truck. Timely video and helped me out greatly. Thanks for reading my mind. ;)

[@KmanAuto]

just did another hundred miles today, this time off freeway. I’m noticing overall steering is considerably more smooth. I stupidly scrapped the last control arm they replaced, as I keep all my parts, I should have cut open and experimented a little bit on that one. Grabbed it by accident with a bunch of other scrap I was taking to the junkyard. I do remember trying to move the joint by hand with it off the car. Even with a vice grips on the pin, I could not swivel or rotate the ball joint on the control arm. That one was squeaking quite a bit worse.

[@KmanAuto]

and as always, you’re welcome :-)

[@caseykittel]

11:40 I think that up in the air, back and forth thing may have finished the job perfectly! I wouldn't down play that step. at all

[@PaulSmith-tn4yu]

My early 2020 Model 3 started squeaking at 3 and a half years and 56K miles. Was only the LF upper ball joint. I had to inject a lot of grease into ball joint with needle attachment and slightly warm joint and force ball to move and work by kneading grease into joint for 5 mins before squeak finally went away. Greased RF as well, it was not making any noise and was free moving.

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure! Please return the favor by liking and subscribing! It helps a ton!

[@AJstanton3]

Mine just started squeaking. Thanks for showing me how to fix it.

[@ElectronicsGuy666]

My healthcare career coming in handy, lol. I already had some 10cc syringes and a blunt needle from work, which is the same size as the grease needle. I sealed it up with a couple wraps of the self adhesive silicone tape. Thanks for the heads up. Also- hemostats are great when dealing with wiring harnesses.

[@KmanAuto]

NICE! Very Resourceful! And yes, Hemostats are great when dealing with wiring! Thanks for watching, glad I could help! Please hit Like and Subscribe to return the favor! Also don't forget to file a NHTSA Safety Complaint if you are located in the USA. If enough people complain, maybe we will get a recall and a REAL FIX! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@ElectronicsGuy666]

Awesome, I will subscribe and thanks for the NHTSA heads up? I will file a report. Thanks again.

[@kiltedpiper98]

I found I also needed to remove the bolt and move the pin around a bit. That and the needle solved it! Thanks!

[@christophemaziereacteurcom5534]

Same problem with my Y. I filled the silent bloc with grease 2 times. Seems better but after 130 kms, there still horrible noise on every start and bumpers.. Strangely sometimes it disappears and come back after . I might be patient and wait a little more time maybe. Thanks again for this wonderful advice

[@lakergreat1]

Did it go away or are you still experiencing the problems?

[@DJChrismaz]

@ it was my suspension arms. Changed them for €1080

[@bpwk8800]

I am amazed by the Tesla quality build and part chose. I have this issue when the car only has 30k km on the car from new. And I have experienced it again at 85k.

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@mixdjjared]

Thank you for this video. After seeing how non-handy I am with cars, I googled the price of the part and then decided to hit up Tesla service. I have a 2018 Model 3 now outside of warranty. I was surprised they are doing the repair for free so I’m guessing despite the warranty, they are still trying to be proactive on making it right.

[@KmanAuto]

Very Surprised! Don't need to be handy to do this. Takes little to no skill to inject the grease. While new Control Arms is a very good thing, I'd still recommend proactively injecting grease in to them, as it's just going to be a repeat. Even a local mechanic, or if you know any shade tree mechanics can take care of it in less than 15 minutes 🙂

[@mixdjjared]

@@KmanAuto thanks for the info! Who knows maybe this is what they are doing is what your video suggests? 😂

[@KmanAuto]

@@mixdjjared Wouldn’t doubt it! We’re lucky to have a rockstar team at our local service center, but so many are very sub par.

[@TeslaRoger]

I just had my upper control arms replaced out of warranty on my model 3 and it only cost $240 for parts and labor. Model S definitely cost more for maintenance.

[@KmanAuto]

Seeing prices vary from service center to service center. Model S the last time was about $480/arm installed + tax. Some service centers I've seen as high as $700/control arm. There really is no standardized pricing. Thats pretty cheap, at least, if they'd last.

[@sboerboom]

​@@KmanAuto $1,498.30 for both front upper control arms on a '14 MS, including diagnosis from my local SC service estimate...I'll be shopping around.

[@KmanAuto]

@@sboerboom Ouch. Another option, if you ARE going to replace, instead of lube/if lube doesn't work, is to buy just the parts from Tesla and have an Independent shop install. No alignment needs to be done for this repair, it's straight forward and extremely easy, any shop or shade tree mechanic should be able to replace both uppers in a matter of 1-2 hrs.

[@BuletChips]

Big thanks! Wasn’t instant but took a couple drives for the squeak to go away. Saved me $2k from tesla service center!

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure :-) Please return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already :-) It helps tremendously! Also if you are in the USA, be sure to file a NHTSA complaint. If we get enough complaints in, might force a recall which would reimburse owners that have paid for this fix, and possibly get a Real, Permanent fix! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@miscstuff7473]

Great content. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try this today. I saw another video that mentioned there is a zerk fitting on the top of the ball joint. Is there a reason you didn't use this one (other than it is pretty hard to get to). I'm wondering if that would be possible, and then would not leave a hole in the rubber boot? Any thoughts? Thanks again!

[@KmanAuto]

There is no Zerk on the top. Only on aftermarket ones. On top of that if you use aftermarket, tesla won't touch it anymore.

[@gregstephens2339]

Worked like a charm on my model X and my daughters model 3!

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@nains6954]

I'll try this but do we need to seal rubber boot after grease placed inside?

[@KmanAuto]

@@nains6954 no, other than immediately after injecting, grease really Won't come out

[@KmanAuto]

@@nains6954 The boot is not under pressure. The grease just slanders around the ball joint inside

[@timh2788]

Thanks for this I have a 2017 x and the squeaking upon wheel turning is driving me crazy. This is likely after the ca rains we had this season a ton of water like 18 inches in 3 months. Tesla told me replace control arms, and lubricate wheel bearings for $550 I’ll try this method and see if it works for me! I used silicone lube spraying on the arm joints and it worked for about 2 days before noise resumed once again. Thanks for the recommendation

[@KmanAuto]

My Pleasure! Hope it works for you like it has so many others. Tesla really needs a recall, considering how many thousands of people watched this video alone to try my fix solution. Spraying silicone unfortunately wont help much :-( Need to get the lube inside the joint. The rubber seal is designed to keep things out, so most or none of the lube made it in. At 25,000 miles on my MS in this video since doing the fix, and ZERO noise. My MX is starting to squeak, ever so slightly. Humidity just skyrocketed with the incoming warm temps. Tons of snow last week followed by florida weather friday.... If you have not already, please consider liking and subscribing!

[@timh2788]

Will do! That awful tesla gives such poor suspensions, I said to the tesla service center rep when I went so there “whatever happened no maintenance…???..” this is worse than my Honda. So I just injected and figuring out that gun was quite a mess, but after injecting so far I’m hearing no difference but I probably have to drive it for a day or two, maybe inject even more.

[@timh2788]

Will do! That awful tesla gives such poor suspensions, I said to the tesla service center rep when I went so there “whatever happened no maintenance…???..” this is worse than my Honda. So I just injected and figuring out that gun was quite a mess, but after injecting so far I’m hearing no difference but I probably have to drive it for a day or two, maybe inject even more.

[@KmanAuto]

@@timh2788 I HIGHLY recommend filing a NHTSA safety complaint. the next step is failure and the wheel flipping sideways, due to lack of lubrication. you'd have a LOT of warning before that, but still... www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index

[@timh2788]

So while the first time I injected some synthetic grease into the control arms, it didn’t solve the problem. So yesterday I injected a LOT more and it worked !!!!! No squeaking anymore! I went to Tesla and told them to cancel my appointment thanks to you!! Thanks so much for your help and for saving me $550!!!

[@stevenhorsfield7234]

Thanks for the instruction

[@AzizIzgin]

Fantastic video and great job 👏🏻. I have a m3 sr plus 2019 with rubbery sound when turning and even during bumps. Mostly in the front but I can sometimes hear it in rear right side too. Mine has 10k kilometers. Can one suspect any other problem when this problem occurs? I also have more wear on outer side of my tires. Is it enough with this procedure and later do a wheel adjustment/alignment ? When do one really need to replace the upper control arms?

[@SaurabhSingh-lf2hs]

I did the same thing, but instead of a syringe, I used a cutter and punched a small slit really small just enough to let the WD-40 nozzle go in ( The nozzle which comes with the WD-40 can pasted with the tape on the side) and with WD-40, I first cleaned everything from pressed a few times to get everything out from the slit , I injected high temperature lubricant for life. I use WD-40 because the last time I did just with the grease and the noise came back after two months. So second time someone suggested me to clean the old bees first because that might have some dust particles which will retain and then load it do fully. Do not be cheap putting grease. Let it overflow a little so that you know that there is no more room left. Today after two years left home happily after 10 minutes I heard the same noise again and my took away my smile and after 2 year and 2 months I again heard the same noise. So when I tried searching this problem on KZbin, so surprisingly found out that everyone is using the same method these guys doing it for first time because they are very much curious to make video, Also, it’s possible that they might not even have the problem, but they’re still doing it and doing it wrong. The problem is gonna surely come after two months.so when heill do the second time he will definitely, put wd40 if he reads this coment

[@KmanAuto]

I'm well over 60,000 miles on both my cars and noise has not returned

[@KmanAuto]

Well over 60,000 miles with grease and noise has not come back. WD-40 is likely one of the worst things to use. It is not meant as a full on lubricant. It is a mild lubricant/machine oil with water displacement properties. It has a very low film strength. While it will make the noise go away, you will still have metal on metal contact inside that joint causing it to continue to wear out. Grease is meant as a full on high pressure lubricant, with a strong sheer strength. That means that the protective layer of grease will prevent more metal on metal contact.

[@SaurabhSingh-lf2hs]

@@KmanAuto so after reading your reply, I got some white lithium grease and put that into the bushings after cleaning it with lithium WD-40

[@chadever87]

$20 for a gun, grease and needle. It didn't take the noise away immediately, so I massaged the grease in and now I'm squeak free.

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@dknite]

Hello can you repost the link to the recommended tools used? I can’t seem to find them on the comments. Thanks!

[@KmanAuto]

Tools Needed: Grease Needle, Grease Gun (Your choice, small or large) Grease Injector Needle: amzn.to/3rvnmk6 Currently $3.77 Grease Gun Large: amzn.to/3C2bJpS Currently $18 Grease for Large Gun: amzn.to/3e6gyq7 Currently $10.67 if sold out, then Grease for Large Gun: amzn.to/40BeV6t Currently $14.84 OR Grease Injector Needle: amzn.to/3rvnmk6 Currently $3.77 Grease Gun Small: amzn.to/3fIRm9Q Currently $17 Grease for Small Gun (3-pack): amzn.to/3yhqofP Currently $14.71 Optional: Paint Pen (8-Pack): amzn.to/3SVU2z5 Currently $11.39 Optional: Car Jack to raise Car: amzn.to/3P2cgA1 Currently $43.99 Optional: Jack Stands: amzn.to/3DU9h60 Currently $27.99 The Mini overall is more expensive total, however, may be more convenient for those who rarely need grease or have limited storage.

[@424bowz]

They sell the upper ball joint for the model S the model 3 no so you most put a Zerk on the top or do this

[@ntrgc89]

There's no need to close the hole afterwards?

[@KmanAuto]

nope

[@Dansk55]

Still on my original front suspension parts on my 03 Lexus Rx300. Was thinking of getting a Tesla 3. For sure a downgrade in reliability and build quality but who knows. I might like it

[@genghiskhano]

Thank you bro, this video saved me a lot of money.

[@KmanAuto]

@@genghiskhano Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@ZLy916]

Thanks for posting this. We got a 2020 MX LR+ and it makes that noise. Will need to give this a try.

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure! Please return the favor by liking and subscribing! It helps a ton!

[@dhp9691]

Awesome! Have an appt w Tesla in a few days for our 2020 Y. I'm sure they'll replace the control arm but unsure whether it will be covered under warranty 🤷‍♂️

[@KmanAuto]

If you still have the bumper to bumper, yes it's covered unless the service center wants to be jacka55's or are idiots. Service centers are too inconsistent. but it is a covered item.

[@dhp9691]

The grease injection worked beautifully, and Tesla ended up replacing both control arms for $210 out the door (even though they told me at first it was not covered under warranty). Good deal.

[@EVunedited]

How long does this last for? Will i need to do it every year?

[@KmanAuto]

I'm about 45,000 miles now since making this video. Planned to add more, but have not yet. Still no noise. Depends if you catch it right away before the joint starts getting worn down. Sooner you catch it and lube it up the longer you will usually be able to go without needing to add more. But for a 15 minute job to save $1000/year or two, who cars if you do need to add more.

[@DMG1777]

Great job. Do you think it's a good idea to do both sides even though it only creaks and squeaks from one side?

[@KmanAuto]

Yes, if out of warranty. Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@SuperShanks88]

Worked great for my Tesla Model S. Thank you so much 😃

[@KmanAuto]

AWESOME! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor!!!

[@yanksfan83]

If you replace the upper control arm, does it come with a new rubber covering? I have an appointment to replace the control arm (even though I noted in my message it seems they just need grease and got no response), but I’m tempted to try this first. If it doesn’t resolve the issue, just wondering if the rubber covering I’ll puncture gets replaced.

[@KmanAuto]

Tesla will not grease the control arms. or just about anything. Replace only, with the same defective parts. You are most likely right that all it needs is some grease. They will install an entirely new control arm, and charge you a fortune to do it just to have it fail same way.

[@biggabeats]

Any concerns about the grease leaking out from the needle hole?

[@KmanAuto]

No, a little will come out over time, but such a small amount. I'm over 20,000 miles since doing this and it still is going strong. If you do this, you'll already have the tools, can always add some more in at a later time.

[@AeroUprising_]

Just applied to mine, I kept putting in grease till it was overflowing, and put some rubber cement on to seal it back. Will update to see if it works.

[@KmanAuto]

@@AeroUprising_ Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-proble

[@AeroUprising_]

@@KmanAuto done, done and done.

[@AeroUprising_]

no success….. i have to wait for service :/

[@KmanAuto]

@@AeroUprising_ Too far gone :-(

[@GreatnessGirls]

Just took my model s to tesla and was quoted $1400. My question is, how do we know if it is indeed a bad control arm that could cause us to have a wreck on the road or if we just need to perform the procedure that you've documented...? which is great by the way.

[@KmanAuto]

if it's just squeaking then it's just got to get lubricated. If your steering is Huawei or feels loose when turning, better get it replaced

[@GreatnessGirls]

@@KmanAuto ah ok yes that makes sense!! Thank you!!

[@billnipp2309]

I got a 2 month old highland model 3 and I started getting a crunching or creaky noise in the front end when going over a speed bump or dip in the roads. I notice it more at temps below 60, is that possible? ty

[@KmanAuto]

Yes, they still aren't putting enough grease in the arms. Since you are under warranty, have warranty take care of it. As soon as you are out of warranty, grease those ball joints and forget having a problem for a LONG LONG TIME 🙂

[@jiminauburn5073]

Is that rust above the control arm normal. that looks pretty bad and looks like it will rust out in a few years.

[@iPigee]

Awesome! Just purchased a used 22 S. I had some noise to start, but seems to mostly have subsided. Regardless, I think I will do this as a good maintenance. One question, however. Will the grease not leak out of the poked hole?

[@anthonyireland4601]

They used rubber cement

[@UgurArcan]

Do you have to do any sealing for that puncture or does the rubber just seal itself? Do I have to worry about oil seeping out?

[@KmanAuto]

@@UgurArcan it is not under pressure, there will be very minimal leaking of the grease

[@5tackz5tackz74]

Hey did you do both sides?

[@KmanAuto]

Yes

[@KmanAuto]

Both sides were squeaking.

[@paofifa8779]

How much grease , would you put in there? I have a 3oz grease tube, enough for both sides? Thank you.

[@KmanAuto]

That should be plenty to do both. Doesn't take much.

[@paofifa8779]

@@KmanAuto Thank you for the quick reply.

[@KmanAuto]

@@paofifa8779 Of course! Please be sure to hit like and subscribe to return favor!

[@skyace888]

Thanks for the video. I think I'm having this issue as lately I can often hear creaking when turning the steering wheel at low speeds on my 2015 Model S with ~145K miles. Is there a way to confirm? Could the noise be anything else? Around 130K miles I had the lower control arms replaced by a 3rd party shop (seems different though). I don't have air suspension on my car and I have 21" tires but I can reach in to touch this part. Do I need to jack the car up?

[@KmanAuto]

A couple locations it "Could" be coming from, but 98% of the time, it's as shown in the video.

[@yesdharam]

Hi, Do you have to lift on a jack to do it ? or can you inject grease while the car is on its wheels? Also will the grease not come out through the same hole?

[@KmanAuto]

@@yesdharam if you have air suspension put it on high, you don't have to put it on a jack but it would be much easier. Some grease will come out but in general once the initial little bit leaks out no it should not be out too much. The joint is not under pressure it's just moving around in there.

[@waynesembrano9492]

Hello! Thanks for this video. I bought all your recommended stuff through your link. The WD40 is now discontinued. So i bought the other grease. Is there another grease that you recommend….i will be stacking up some more 😊

[@KmanAuto]

www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBHAV8/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_N4H16QWF1D9T91CPD9QT?linkCode=ml2&tag=christop08895-20

[@eusouocara23]

Will the grease squeeze out of the pin hole left by the needle? Thanks for the video!

[@KmanAuto]

a little bit when you remove the beee, and a little over time. not much though. 30,000 Miles I have not had to redo the grease on the car is a video

[@eusouocara23]

@@KmanAuto thank you! I'm gonna try that out!

[@KmanAuto]

@@eusouocara23 and don't hesitate to put too much in, worst case if you put too much it will just squirt out under the pressure of the boot contracting. Just do it slowly, little bit at a time. Too much will not hurt just try not to blow off the boat

[@mamu679]

Another possibility is to inject chainsaw oil (used to lumber the chain). You can do it with a syringe in the larger needle (e.g. 21G), both available from pharmacy shops.

[@KmanAuto]

No, that would not work well at all. You need a thick grease that won't rub out or wash out.

[@henrikengdahl4918]

Very níce video first of all. Second: does anyone know which lube/grease to use? or atleast which one to avoid? I have found a greasegun and needle but im not sure if i can use genertal/universal lube/grease or if i should opt for marine use grease? My M3 started squeaking then it went away but i suspect that it will return once the dry weather starts here in sweden.

[@KmanAuto]

Thank You! If you have not yet, please like and subscribe! It helps tremendously! In description box, I do have links to grease. However, it's best to use one that has very high stability and will not separate. Marine use grease is good with water displacement, so a Marine Trailer Bearing Grease would work well. Check reviews though, to make sure your selection doesn't have a lot of complaints about the grease separating. One of my personal favorites, not sure if it's available by you, is Penzoil Marine Trailer Bearing Grease. It's actually getting difficult to find here too :-( I have nice stockpile though so I'm good for a few more years.

[@henrikengdahl4918]

@@KmanAuto wow Thankas for the quick and extensive answer. I'll be sure to grab some marine grease then. Do you think that a regular syringe with a low gauge needle will do the job? Or do I need the pressure from a grease gun? I'm sorry that I ask a lot of questions, I just don't like having tools laying around that I'll seldom use

[@TeslaRoger]

For black paint your car is looking pretty dang good for how many miles you got on that thing.

[@KmanAuto]

It needs a good hand wash and a waxing. If we get a nice day yet, I will likely do so. I do take care of my cars, and while they do get USED, they aren't BEAT.

[@RobertBullock]

Did the injection with grease. That’s all. Use a sharpened football inflator needle and a syringe that it fit. (Saline.) No reseal, no removal of anything. I doubt it’s going to leak much. And eventually I’ll put some more in if I have to.

[@KmanAuto]

Glad to help! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps immensely with the algorithm :-) Also don't forget to file a NHTSA safety complaint! Maybe we can get a recall if enough complaints! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@christophemaziereacteurcom5534]

Despite this nice trick the noise was still present. Ive checked with a mechanic and we saw under the car the suspension arms left and right are definitely dead. Then if you have the same problem than me you should control that. I'm afraid about the future bill...

[@KmanAuto]

@@christophemaziereacteurcom5534 Too far gone for lubricant. Definitely helps the earlier the grease is applied :-( about 100,000 miles in on each vehicle since greasing and still good to go.

[@christophemaziereacteurcom5534]

@@KmanAuto you also put grease on suspension arms? They are not the same and impossible to inject inside them

[@KmanAuto]

@@christophemaziereacteurcom5534 you're correct you cannot inject the grease into the rubber, it's solid rubber. No only option is to replace those bushings or the whole arm. You can get the bushings from rock auto or even the entire arm. Have an independent shop install if you can't do it yourself. Tesla does it you're looking at $1000 per side at least the last time I had to have them do it. Independent shop will probably be around $400 per Side including park cost if you bring your own.

[@KmanAuto]

@@christophemaziereacteurcom5534 I had to reread, I thought you wrote upper control arms. I have not had to do anything since greasing my upper control arms. Is what I was meaning to say. I do for a slight bit of grease on the bolt holding on the control arms upper lower everything, and swivel. Don't think it really does Anything though wouldn't waste my time doing it again

[@christophemaziereacteurcom5534]

@@KmanAuto thanks a lot. Unfortunately in France the country where I live, there is not indépendant garage to do the job for now. And I’m not a good mechanic 🧑‍🔧. I have an appointment at Tesla in 2 weeks… we’ll see…

[@emilianflorea3604]

Thank you

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure! Please hit like and subscribe to return the favor! It helps A LOT!

[@SabrToothSqrl]

Having a 2nd set of front uppers replaced under warranty. 45k on 2019X. Thank you for the video. I can't see the parts well enough to know this, but, would it be possible to drill and tap the fitting/joint, so it would then become a true greaseable joint?

[@KmanAuto]

The way they are designed, I thought the same thing but decided against it. overall Tesla‘s suspension components are just way too weak to begin with. The last thing I wanted to do was start putting holes in structural components

[@Mr.Kerokerokero]

How long can the fix last?

[@KmanAuto]

I'm personally a year and 40,000ish miles since doing this fix, no return of the sound. Going to shoot a tiny bit more in before winter though, and do the model x too as a preventative. I don' feel like doing it below freezing if it comes back, thats the only reason why.

[@dzsink]

Interesting that the latest MS has aluminum upper control arm. Seems like also the ball joint is different.

[@KmanAuto]

Less than a year old but I’m outside of mileage for service warranty. Out of warranty repairs come with a one-year 10,000 mile warranty. so basically about 6 to 10 weeks after having any service done that warranty is gone. not sure what the revision is, but it’s a newer one without the plastic cap on top which caused even more trouble. pretty much my entire suspension on the front has been replaced piecemeal over the last three years, many components multiple times

[@KmanAuto]

and this is with 95% of my driving on the freeway

[@dzsink]

@@KmanAuto I have started a discussion with a bush manufacturer. But it need tooling cost for each bushings. They also wanted to have each control arm for reference.

[@thevoiceofus1]

Removing wheel is NOT an easy fix .. but this is super helpful aside from that

[@dzsink]

Didn't get any squeaking, but when I have replaced all the control arms and suspension arms because rubber bushings started to crack this ball joint was at its end of life. This was at about 110K miles on a 2013 MS60.

[@KmanAuto]

that’s pretty good. My original factory installed one lasted the longest, unless tesla replaced and at some point without me knowing, Which wouldn’t be the first time.

[@dzsink]

@@KmanAuto I have found reasonable source for control arms in the price of replacement bushings

[@KmanAuto]

@@dzsink From where?

[@dzsink]

@@KmanAuto I got parts from Tesla at that time.

[@MyTube072]

Can you please give an update as of today?

[@KmanAuto]

Well over 60,000 miles, and noise has not returned.

[@xavierlane6469]

Just finding this video, not sure if there’s videos with the squeak happening? Mine happens when I take right hand turns around 5-15 mph or take deep right turns. I also have to be moving, if it’s at a dead stop it doesn’t happen. Is that what was happening with yours?

[@KmanAuto]

Likely still is control arm. The Control arm as shown in the video makes up 98% of the squeaks.

[@onis]

Question. Wouldnt the front be the dryest injection site? The wheel spins counter clockwise to go forward and kicks water and other stuff up the back.

[@robmendoza4289]

Will this work on a 2020 Model Y. The rubber boot looks slightly different.

[@KmanAuto]

yep

[@robmendoza4289]

@@KmanAuto thanks for the quick reply. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

[@KmanAuto]

@@robmendoza4289 although if you are still covered by the factory or extended warranty, this part will be covered. It's not worth spending the $200 for the deductible for extended warranty, but if you're getting something else fixed add it in

[@mimissaw]

If you poke a hole in the joint, wouldn't that allow the grease to come out?

[@KmanAuto]

no.its not a pressurized joint. It just mashed around in there. You might have some squeeze out after initially greasing it, but that's about it.

[@YoutubeAccount-qq7zj]

I have this on my M3 now. Took it to tesla where they replaced both control arms but issue hasn’t been resolved. Since its new control arms, do you think this injecting grease would still work? Also I don’t have a jack but it seems easy enough to access without jacking it up?

[@KmanAuto]

If they did it under warranty, don't do it, wait until warranty is over, or they will not cover another replacement. If you paid out of pocket, you get a 1 year 10,000 mile parts & labor warranty with the repair, wait until thats up before injecting grease. It could also be another joint, however, unlikely. ALL these joints seem to be lacking adequate grease from factory.

[@derekhird6586]

Awesomeness Thankyou

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure :-) Please return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already :-) It helps tremendously! Also if you are in the USA, be sure to file a NHTSA complaint. If we get enough complaints in, might force a recall which would reimburse owners that have paid for this fix, and possibly get a Real, Permanent fix! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@plusfox_]

Any estimate on how much time it takes for the grease to work its way around the bearing. It's been a few days and it still creaks like crazy for me.

[@KmanAuto]

if you put enough in, should be fairly quick. 10-15 minutes of driving. It is quite possible it's one of the other joints as well.

[@plusfox_]

@@KmanAuto yeah I definitely feel like I dumped a bunch of lube into that boot. But that seems to be where the sound is coming from. Anywhere else you would recommend I look?

[@KmanAuto]

@@plusfox_ How many miles on the car? or how many since the last time you he control arms were replaced if ever? There's a bunch of boots similar to that control arm boot, can try hitting them all. I ended up doing just that for good measure on my Model S. My Mx is just starting to make the noise, so when I rotate tires I'll lube it all up too.

[@plusfox_]

@@KmanAuto I have about 30k but never had the control arms replaced. My model 3 is on air so Tesla won't touch it 😭 maybe I should just replace the arms myself and go from there. I'll definitely hit the other spots I can find with lube though.

[@AD-yo5my]

Love it

[@chandlermcclelland6810]

I don't have much squeek but knocking clunking noise as I slow down or when I start to go. Is that the same issue you think?

[@KmanAuto]

No, that is usually lower arm bushings. Schedule service appointment for better diagnostic. Could also be sway bar links, though less likely.

[@dddmw]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏻It really helps

[@KmanAuto]

My Pleasure! Please hit the like and subscribe button to return the favor!

[@treborg777]

Wow, I’m going to order the parts to do this now. My 2017 MX is on its third set of control arms, and these are now squeaking. Can you reshoot this with better lighting, especially showing how you got the control arm mounts?

[@treborg777]

The squeaking came back with vengeance a few days ago during 100 deg conditions after doing what you showed here. The noise then completely stopped the next day. ??? High ambient temps (100 deg +) may be a contributing factor.

[@TromboneAl]

Excellent. Many thanks.

[@KmanAuto]

My pleasure :-) Please return the favor by liking, subscribing and sharing if you have not already :-) It helps tremendously! Also if you are in the USA, be sure to file a NHTSA complaint. If we get enough complaints in, might force a recall which would reimburse owners that have paid for this fix, and possibly get a Real, Permanent fix! www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem

[@Ryanlyle89]

consider alternative lifetime warranty parts if you replace Tesla suspension due to failure

[@Zapocalypse2012]

Thanks

[@kebo3822]

I am getting grease leaking out of the fitting where the tube accepts the needle instead of into the rubber casing. Any suggestions?

[@KmanAuto]

If i'm understanding correctly. Where the needle connects to the grease gun fitting, the fitting can rotate to tighten. Tighten the clamp then reconnect the needle.

[@kebo3822]

@@KmanAuto I inserted the needle with the fitting loosely screwed on, then hand tightened the fitting onto the tube. I noticed the needle still easily pivots inside the fitting similar to a ball joint. It was completely tight but still leaking

[@joaquinalvarado4264]

How do I ask this to my mechanic!! 😢

[@KmanAuto]

Just show him the video. If he argues about just replacing it, tell him the replacements will start doing same thing after ~15,000 miles. Inherent defect of not having enough grease from factory.

[@stardarkk]

do I have to jack my car up for this?

[@KmanAuto]

No, however, it will be easier and faster if you can.

[@stardarkk]

@@KmanAuto I see, could I just put my hand above the wheel and poke the hole?

[@KmanAuto]

@@stardarkk Yep

[@andresmith2399]

You are a lifesaver I was miserable, thank you so much #subscribed

[@andresmith2399]

2018 Tesla Model X

[@djlotussutol]

anybody know if the upper control arms are covered under warranty because of this squeak?

[@KmanAuto]

Yes, covered by factory bumper to bumper warranty, or the ESA. There is no recall.

[@Kucloma]

has anyone tried sealing the needle hole with some sort of rubber/glue compound?

[@KmanAuto]

No point, with the flexing, pretty much anything you put won't stick or last very long.

[@laryx7045]

@@KmanAuto When the squeeking on my mx lr 2018 returns, i will try this trick, and maybe try to seal the puncture with some aquasure glue. That glue is flexible and sticks to almost anything.

[@latalyajenkins3251]

Is it still okay to drive it until the pin comes in?

[@KmanAuto]

Couple days, yes, wouldn't drive it for the LONG term. The more you drive it, the more likely you'll need a replacement. So far im 10000 miles in on this fix and going good zero noise.

[@latalyajenkins3251]

@@KmanAuto Thank you!😊