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High-pitched whine from rear motor on my 2018 Model 3 Long Range

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Amanda S. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:20 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range

Hey everyone,

I've started noticing a distinct high-pitched whining noise coming from the rear of my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. It's most noticeable when I'm accelerating, especially between 20-50 mph, and sometimes during regenerative braking. It sounds almost like a supercharger whine, but it's definitely not that.

The car drives fine otherwise, no warning lights or noticeable loss of power. However, the sound is getting a bit louder and more consistent over the last few weeks. I'm worried it might be an early sign of a drive unit issue.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Model 3? Is this a common problem, and what was the resolution? I'm trying to figure out if this is something I should be immediately concerned about or if it's just a characteristic noise.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:20 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's not uncommon for electric vehicles, including Teslas, to develop a distinct whine from the drive unit over time. While often benign, a new or worsening high-pitched whine can indicate a developing issue within the motor or gearbox components. Here’s what you should know:

  1. Potential Causes:

    • Bearing Wear: The most frequent cause of a whining noise in an electric motor or gearbox is wear in the bearings. Over time, these can degrade, leading to increased friction and noise.
    • Gear Wear: While less common in Tesla's single-speed reduction gearboxes, wear or pitting on the gear teeth can also produce a whining sound.
    • Stator/Rotor Issues: Less frequently, issues with the motor's stator or rotor components, such as loose windings or magnetic field irregularities, can contribute to noise.
    • Inverter Noise: Sometimes, the high-frequency switching of the inverter can produce an audible whine, though this is usually more consistent and less likely to change with speed in the same way as a mechanical issue.

  2. What to Observe:

    • Note when the sound is most prominent (acceleration, deceleration, specific speeds).
    • Listen for any changes in the sound's pitch or intensity.
    • Check your vehicle's display for any new warning messages or alerts, even if none are present currently.

  3. When to See a Shop (Tesla Service Center):

    • Immediate Concern: If the noise is new, rapidly getting louder, or accompanied by any changes in driving performance (e.g., loss of power, unusual vibrations), you should schedule service immediately.
    • Proactive Check: Even if the noise is subtle, it's advisable to have it inspected by a Tesla Service Center. Tesla drive units are sealed, and internal diagnostics are proprietary. They can access detailed logs and perform specific tests to pinpoint the source of the noise.
    • Warranty: Many drive unit issues, especially on a 2018 model, might still be covered under Tesla's 8-year/120,000-mile (or 100,000-mile for Standard Range) Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty. Early diagnosis can prevent more significant issues and ensure potential repairs are covered.
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