how to check if my Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present) wheel bearings are bad

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

1-2 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

528 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to check and diagnose wheel bearing issues on your Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh. Step-by-step guide with symptoms and diagnostic steps.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

1-2 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is in park and the parking brake is engaged before lifting.

Symptoms

•Unusual noise coming from the wheel area (grinding or humming sounds)
•Vibration felt through the steering wheel
•Abnormal tire wear patterns
•Difficulty steering or a loose feeling in the steering
•Warning lights related to traction control or stability systems

Diagnostic Steps

1
Examine the wheel and suspension components for any visible damage or wear.
2
Jack up the vehicle and manually shake the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions to check for excessive movement.
3
Rotate the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness.
4
Ensure that brake pads and rotors are not causing noise and that calipers are functioning correctly.
5
If available, use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen to the wheel bearing while spinning the wheel to isolate noise.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Mechanics stethoscope
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•Wheel bearings (if replacement is needed)
•New lug nuts (if damaged)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Examine the wheel and suspension components for any visible damage or wear.
2
Jack up the vehicle and manually shake the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions to check for excessive movement.
3
Rotate the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness.
4
Ensure that brake pads and rotors are not causing noise and that calipers are functioning correctly.
5
If available, use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen to the wheel bearing while spinning the wheel to isolate noise.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench, mechanics stethoscope, torque wrench.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is off. Engage the parking brake.

2. Lifting the Vehicle

Sub-steps:
1. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel slightly (do not remove them).
2. Jack up the vehicle using the designated jacking points.
3. Place jack stands securely under the vehicle to support it.

3. Inspecting the Wheel Bearing

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the wheel by fully loosening and removing the lug nuts.
2. Check the wheel hub and bearing for any signs of rust, dirt, or physical damage.
3. Manually shake the wheel and assess for any play or wobble.
4. Spin the wheel and listen for any unusual noises indicating bearing failure.

4. Reassembly

Sub-steps:
1. Reattach the wheel, aligning the holes with the wheel hub.
2. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
3. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands and use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque value (typically around 129 lb-ft for Tesla).

5. Final Inspection

Sub-steps:
1. Perform a final check to ensure all components are secure.
2. Test drive the vehicle to confirm that there are no noises or vibrations.