what could be causing my Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present) to shudder while turning

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

519 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix shuddering during turns in Tesla Model S Plaid. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working underneath a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is in 'Park' with the parking brake engaged before starting repairs.

Symptoms

•Shuddering or vibrating sensation during turns
•Uneven tire wear
•Steering wheel vibration
•Noise during the turn (clunking or grinding)
•Decreased handling performance

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage, and verify proper inflation.
2
Check the wheel alignment and balance.
3
Examine the suspension components for wear or damage, focusing on control arms and bushings.
4
Scan for error codes using the Tesla service diagnostic tool to check for any drivetrain or suspension-related alerts.
5
Inspect the driveshaft and CV joints for any signs of wear or damage.

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 and jack stands
•Torque wrench
•Tire pressure gauge
•Alignment machine
•Tire balancing machine

Parts Required

•New tires (if necessary)
•Suspension components (if worn)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage, and verify proper inflation.
2
Check the wheel alignment and balance.
3
Examine the suspension components for wear or damage, focusing on control arms and bushings.
4
Scan for error codes using the Tesla service diagnostic tool to check for any drivetrain or suspension-related alerts.
5
Inspect the driveshaft and CV joints for any signs of wear or damage.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools: jack and jack stands, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, and basic hand tools.
Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Inspect Tires:
- Check for uneven wear patterns and bulges.
- Measure tire pressure and inflate to the manufacturer's specifications if necessary.
Replace Tires:
- If tires are damaged or worn unevenly, replace them with new tires of the same specifications.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to the specified torque (typically 100-120 ft-lbs).

3. Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Alignment:
- Perform a four-wheel alignment using an alignment machine.
- Adjust camber, caster, and toe angles according to manufacturer specifications.
Balancing:
- Balance all four wheels using a tire balancing machine.
- Ensure weights are properly attached to maintain balance.

4. Suspension Inspection and Repair

Inspect Components:
- Check control arms, bushings, and struts for signs of wear or damage.
Replace Worn Parts:
- If any components are damaged, replace them with OEM parts.
- Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque values.

5. Drivetrain Examination

Inspect Driveshaft and CV Joints:
- Visually inspect for any visible damage or leaks.
- Replace any worn or damaged CV joints or driveshaft components as necessary.
Reassemble and Test Drive:
- Reassemble any disassembled components and perform a test drive to ensure the shuddering has been resolved.