Tesla Model 3 Bearing Noise From Wheels – Why

If you hear bearing noise coming from the wheel of your Tesla Model 3, you should find out the cause of the issue and how to fix it. Fortunately, we did the research for you, and here is what we found.

The following causes the bearing noise coming from your Tesla Model 3 wheels:

  • Wrong installation
  • Bad tires
  • Stress on the wheel area
  • Moisture
  • Faulty bearing

If you notice this issue, deal with it immediately to avoid further damage. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to fix the bearing noise coming from your wheels. 

Tesla Model 3 Bearing Noise From Wheels - Why

Here are the common causes of noisy wheel bearings in Tesla Model 3:

Photograph of a Tesla model 3 in front of a mountain in the wilderness, Tesla Model 3 Bearing Noise From Wheels - Why

Wrong Installation

If you got your wheel bearing changed not too long and it starts producing noise, this could be the issue.

It's possible that the wheel bearings were installed incorrectly or contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations. This incorrect installation of wheel bearings can cause noises from your car's wheels.

Bad Tires

Wheel bearings, tires, lower arms, lower joints, knuckle arms, and shock absorbers are the components that make up a modern vehicle's wheel system, including the Tesla Model 3.

So, when your tires are not adequately stable, some components may malfunction, causing the bearing noises from the wheels.

Stress On Wheel Area

Generally, wheel bearings always move and work with other components. Therefore, if there were to be an accident involving the wheel region, the wheel bearing would most likely be affected and could become much noisier.

Moisture

Engineers create seals for wheel bearings so there won't be too much pressure on the bearing. Petroleum-based lubricants are used in the seal during the manufacturing process.

However, this seal and lubricant do not prevent the passage of water. If you happen to drive through water, the chances are the bearings in your Tesla Model 3 would be exposed to moisture

When this occurs, the water mixes with the lubricant, which renders it ineffective. As a result, the bearings will be subjected to excessive friction, which ultimately will result in their deterioration.

newest navy tesla model 3 charging at supercharger station

Faulty Bearing

The wheel bearings of Tesla Model 3 and other cars are subjected to the total pressure generated by the vehicle's weight. As a result, if you were to travel over a lousy road filled with potholes, the wheel bearing may go wrong. It could lead to a loss of steering control.

Car bearings are susceptible to having their balls pushed into the race, or grooved ring, upon impact on bad roads. If you keep driving the automobile with these damaged bearings, you will generate more heat and friction than you would otherwise. 

The heat will then cause small pieces to remove, which affects the lubricant of the wheel bearing and cause it to fail earlier than expected, generating noise in the process. 

Click here to view this wheel bearing and hub assembly on Amazon.

What To Do If I Hear Bearing Noise From Tesla Model 3 Wheels?

Photograph of a Tesla model 3 in front of a mountain in the wilderness of Canada.

Diagnosing the specific cause of the wheel-bearing noise in a Tesla can be difficult. The regenerative braking system may mean that the bearing noise remains constant when applying the brakes. Furthermore, bearing noise in Tesla Model 3 may differ from that of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle due to its electric motor and drivetrain.

Do these if you hear bearing noise from your Tesla Model 3 wheels:

Diagnose The Noisy Wheel Bearing

To do this, turn left or right with the steering wheel. If the noise gets louder, the problem is most likely caused by one of the wheel bearings.

Use a jack to lift the vehicle until the tire is above the ground. Now try moving the tire in a horizontal direction, and if that doesn't work, try moving it vertically. If the wheel is loose and jiggling around or has some play, it's a sign of damage to the bearing. 

Fix Or Replace The Bearing

You can look for instructions on how to fix the bearing in the user's manual that came with your Tesla Model 3. You might get away with simply packing the existing bearing with grease and then tightening it.

If you have to get a replacement, consider it seriously before deciding to do it yourself. This is because you will need some equipment to unscrew the seized bolts and press the bearing out.

Click here to see this all-purpose grease on Amazon.

Call A Professional

It is essential to have access to service information before performing any maintenance or repairs on a Tesla. It is in your best interest to have a professional examine your car if something is wrong. Also, a professional can quickly determine the cause of the bearing noise from the wheel and offer a solution.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Tesla Model 3 Wheel Bearing Noise?

Photograph of a red Tesla model 3 in front of a distant city.

When a wheel bearing fails, it is almost impossible to repair it. In most cases, it needs to be changed completely. The cost of the component will vary depending on a wide variety of factors.

It is possible that purchasing from an online seller will be less expensive than purchasing from a dealer or motor factor. However, always make sure that the supplier is legitimate because it is common for counterfeit branded auto components to be sold.

The average price to replace the bearings in your Tesla Model 3 is $605. However, there can be a confusing array of bearings, with differences in the same model and manufacturing year of the car. So, it is vital to get the right one. 

If you are having trouble finding the appropriate component for your model, consult a professional in your area. He'll help determine whether there is a bearing supplier close by.

Is It Ok To Drive With A Wheel Bearing Noise?

No, it is not! Your safety is compromised when you drive with a noisy bearing since the noise is usually a sign of damage to the bearing. If one of your bearings is worn out, it may cause the wheel to stop while you are driving. A damaged wheel bearing also places significant stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission system, leading to a hazardous situation.

Therefore, you shouldn't drive more than 500 miles with a wheel bearing in poor condition. Driving more than 500 miles at a stretch could put your vehicle at risk of developing major mechanical problems.

If you drive it longer, it can lead to extreme wear of other parts of your suspension and cause uneven or accelerated wear on the powertrain and car tires.

Does Wheel Bearing Noise Go Away On Its Own?

Close up hand a man change bearing of wheel in the car maintenance concept

Yes, the noise from the bearings may sometimes go away on its own. However, there's a possibility that it won't go completely, but you will notice a difference in the sound. The sound may go away at some speed and reappear at a different one.

When you turn, the noise can get louder or stop entirely for a short while. You shouldn't wait for too long for the noise to go away. Try diagnosing the problem and finding a solution before it worsens.

To Wrap Up

A new Tesla Model 3 all electric vehicle driving down a country road

For proper wheel alignment and smooth motion in your Tesla Model 3, working bearings are necessary. It is risky to hit the road with faulty wheel bearings because of how easily they can cause accidents.

If you notice a bearing noise coming from your Tesla Model 3 wheels, this could be caused by incorrect installation, bad tire stress on the wheel area, moisture, or simply a faulty bearing. To solve this problem, all you need to do is fix or replace the bearing. Don't hesitate to call a professional if you can't deal with the issue.

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