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2016 Model S P90D - High-Pitched Whining Noise from Rear Drivetrain

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Rachel A. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:21 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Tesla Model S P90D

Hi all,

I own a 2016 Tesla Model S P90D, and for the past few weeks, I've started hearing a distinct, high-pitched whining noise coming from the rear of the car. It's most noticeable when I'm accelerating, especially between 30-60 mph, and it seems to get louder with speed.

It's not a tire noise, and it doesn't sound like brake squeal. It really sounds like something mechanical in the drivetrain. When I let off the accelerator, the whine usually subsides or changes pitch significantly. It's quite concerning, as it wasn't there before.

Has anyone with an older Model S experienced a similar issue? Could this be a motor bearing, or something else in the rear drive unit? Any advice on what to look for or what this might indicate would be helpful.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:21 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A high-pitched whining noise from the rear drivetrain of your 2016 Tesla Model S P90D, particularly under acceleration, is a classic symptom of wear or damage within the drive unit. This is a common concern for electric vehicles as they age, as the electric motors and reduction gears are constantly under load.

Here are the most likely causes:

  1. Motor Bearings: The bearings supporting the rotor within the electric motor can wear out over time. As they degrade, they can produce a distinct whining or humming sound that changes with motor speed. This is a very common source of such noises.
  2. Gear Reduction Unit: Tesla's drive units contain a single-speed reduction gear to transmit power from the motor to the wheels. Worn or damaged gears, or issues with the lubrication within this unit, can also generate whining noises. These noises are often more pronounced under load.
  3. Half-Shafts/CV Joints: While less likely to produce a high-pitched whine that changes with speed, issues with the half-shafts or their constant velocity (CV) joints could contribute to drivetrain noise. However, these typically manifest as clicking or clunking sounds, especially during turns or initial acceleration.

When to See a Shop: It is crucial to have this issue inspected by a Tesla service center as soon as possible. Ignoring a persistent drivetrain whine can lead to more severe damage, potentially requiring a full drive unit replacement, which is a significant repair. The service center will perform diagnostics to identify the exact source of the noise. They will likely check for specific diagnostic codes related to drive unit performance and may perform a road test to confirm the noise. Early intervention can sometimes prevent more costly repairs.

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