why does my Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020) have a vibration at high speeds

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

447 words

Problem Statement

Discover how to diagnose and fix high-speed vibrations in Tesla Model S (2012-2020). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostics, 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 under a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is securely held before performing any inspections or repairs.

Symptoms

•Vibration felt in the steering wheel or chassis at speeds above 60 mph
•Increased noise from the wheel area
•Uneven tire wear
•Steering wheel pulling to one side
•Possible warning lights on the dashboard

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure to ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.
2
Check for visible damage to wheels and tires (e.g., dents, bulges).
3
Perform a wheel balance check to identify any imbalances.
4
Examine the suspension components for wear or damage (e.g., bushings, control arms).
5
Inspect alignment settings to verify if they are within the factory specifications.
6
Scan for any stored error codes in the vehicle's diagnostic system.

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

•Tire pressure gauge
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Wheel balancer (or access to a tire shop)
•Alignment tools (if doing it in-house)

Parts Required

•Tires (if replacement is necessary)
•Suspension components (if wear is found)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure to ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.
2
Check for visible damage to wheels and tires (e.g., dents, bulges).
3
Perform a wheel balance check to identify any imbalances.
4
Examine the suspension components for wear or damage (e.g., bushings, control arms).
5
Inspect alignment settings to verify if they are within the factory specifications.
6
Scan for any stored error codes in the vehicle's diagnostic system.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
Disconnect the battery if necessary for safety.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the wheel covers or hubcaps if applicable.
2. Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire’s pressure; inflate or deflate to the recommended PSI.
3. Inspect the tread depth using a tread depth gauge; replace tires with uneven wear or low tread.
4. If tires are damaged, replace with OEM or high-quality equivalent.

3. Wheel Balancing

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the wheel from the vehicle using a socket set.
2. Take the wheel to a tire shop or use a wheel balancer.
3. Adjust weights as needed to achieve balance.
4. Reinstall the wheel and torque bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically 100-120 ft-lbs).

4. Suspension Inspection and Repair

Sub-steps:
1. Lift the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and secure it with jack stands.
2. Visually inspect all suspension components for wear, including bushings and ball joints.
3. Replace any damaged components with OEM parts.
4. Recheck alignment after repairs are made.

5. Alignment Adjustment

Sub-steps:
1. Take the vehicle to an alignment shop.
2. Adjust camber, caster, and toe settings to match manufacturer specifications.
3. Test drive the vehicle to ensure proper handling.

Tools Required:

Tire pressure gauge
Socket set
Torque wrench
Wheel balancer (or access to a tire shop)
Alignment tools (if doing it in-house)

Parts Required:

Tires (if replacement is necessary)
Suspension components (if wear is found)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
Ensure the vehicle is securely held before performing any inspections or repairs.