Tesla Model 3 Creaking Noise When Turning: Fixed

“Possible cause for Tesla Model 3 creaking noise when turning is a worn or broken suspension joint, faulty ball joint, or Bushings in the upper A-arms need to be replaced. If left unchecked, the sound may worsen over time, indicating a need for repair or replacement. It’s important to have a certified mechanic inspect and diagnose the issue to ensure safe driving conditions.”

Did your Tesla Model 3 recently develop a creaking or popping sound each time you turn the wheel at slow speeds?

You’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequently complained-about issues among many Model 3 owners. In many situations, it is reported that the creaking noise happens when turning left and often sounds like it’s coming from the front left corner.

Being a Tesla believer since before the hype, I have had to help fellow owners solve this problem at the shop. In some of the cases, after I had examined their entire steering and suspension system, I’d notice that the creaking noise was caused by compromised steering precision, which is traced to rain that drains directly from the windscreen onto the control arm and then into the ball joint.

In other words, when you hear this unwelcome sound while turning your Tesla, there is more than one possible culprit.

In the rest of this article, we will go over the possible causes of creaking while the Tesla Model 3 is turning and what you can do to solve the issue. e

Possible Reasons for Creaking Noise as Your Tesla Model 3 Turns

There are two major areas in which Tesla Model 3 creaking noises are usually traced back. These two areas are the armrest and the steering wheel.

So the actual defect going on in your Tesla that causes this sound each time you turn will depend on whether it’s coming from the armrest or the steering wheel.

Here is a table to better illustrate all the possible causes of this issue, after which I’ll explain in detail.

worn window seal

The rubber seals around your Tesla car window could be worn or damaged. If so, they are not weatherproof and can no longer effectively prevent water from penetrating the car. If the source of the noise can be traced to a faulty window seal, then it’s a minor issue, as you can simply replace these for a few bucks.

Lack of lubrication

The weird noise you hear from your Tesla as you turn could be due to a lack of lubrication. It still directly relates to the window operation because these windows run through tracks as they roll up and down. These tracks need proper lubrication using window-specific lubricants to prevent rust.

Faulty window regulator

If the noise is coming from the armrest as you turn your car, it could be traced to a faulty window regulator. It’s either they are lost or damaged, which means they’ll need proper replacement.

Suspension

Your Tesla can make those creaking sounds as you turn when the entire suspension is broken. As you hit road bumps and potholes at high speed over time, it puts a strain on the coil spring suspension of the Model 3 Tesla.

So if the suspension is the cause, it needs replacement because it’s irreparable.

Tire Rods

Does the noise sound like something grinding up against your wheels as you steer? If yes, then it is most likely due to a damaged tire rod.

Being the connection between the steering wheel and the steering knuckle, the tire rod, when damaged, can cause a creaking sound at low speeds while turning the Tesla.

Faulty power steering rack

The unwelcome noise from your Tesla each time you turn at low speed can also be due to a leak of the power steering fluid. This happens when the power steering rack is damaged and can’t soften the car’s steering wheel as it should, leading to more effort to turn the vehicle.

It may take the effort of a mechanic to diagnose this as the cause of the creaking noise, and the solution is to drain all the fluid and replace the leaking part.

Ball Joints

Another common cause of the Tesla making creaking noises when turning is when the ball joint is damaged. This is a usual wear-and-tear issue, but it can cause creaks when you turn the steering wheel.

In this situation, you should treat the problem as an emergency because any fault on this part of your suspension can lead to loss of control, especially when driving at high speeds.

How much does it cost to repair creaking noises in your Tesla Model 3?

Whether you’re able to trace the source of the creaking noise in your Tesla Model 3 or not, you will eventually need to take it to a certified Tesla technician for professional treatment.

The cost of repairing this creaking noise will largely depend on where the noise comes from and the cause of the problem.

For example, if it’s suspension-related, expect to shell out up to $5,000 or a little less to get the work done. But if the noise is caused by minor issues such as regulator tightening, window cleaning, or simple lubrication, then you won’t spend more than a hundred dollars.

It also depends on the Tesla dealership because the diagnostic fee varies. But be ready for payments because there could be more than meets the eye.

It’s a popular problem. What are engineers doing about it?

It is true that the creaking noise from Teslas, especially the Model 3 while turning at low speeds is becoming a popular problem. Some people would report that the front axle of the otherwise quiet premium EV squeaks.

Fortunately, sometime last year, a group of engineers in Hamburg from the spare parts manufacturer MEYLE AG developed a MEYLE HD control arm for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

According to the company’s development team, Tesla’s control arm for the Model 3 has been designed with insufficient moisture protection, allowing rain to drain from the windscreen and compromising the steering precision.

But even now, some Tesla Model 3 users are lucky enough to never experience this. If you hear a creaking sound while turning, it’s a common problem, and there’s a solution.

Summing up

When Tesla owners write to me about hearing a creaking noise while turning their vehicle, one of the first things I ask is whether they have any suspension mods.

I’ve seen this problem firsthand, so I recommend that you lift the front of the car (if possible), remove both wheels, and turn the axles from side to side.  Afterward, see if you can replicate the sound while looking for an unusual movement.

Sometimes, you’d be surprised to find out that the screw was loose, and once you put the wrench on it to tighten it up, there’d be no more creaking.

If the issue is beyond what you can handle, I strongly recommend that you call the attention of your Tesla dealership. The trained technician will give a steering wheel inspection.

In this analysis, we examine the entire steering and suspension system to determine the origin of the sound. This includes checking various parts like your tie rods, shocks, bushings, ball joints, and power steering system.

Remember, a creaking sound while you turn your Tesla is a red light on your steering wheel. It could be a simple fix, but it could also be an indication of something more serious.

Now that you pretty much know what to do, I wish you good luck.

If there’s a peculiar issue with your experience with a creaking sound as you turn your Tesla that I did not touch on in this article, kindly share it in the comments and I’ll respond.