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2017 Model S P100D - Whining noise from rear drive unit, especially under acceleration

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:00 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Tesla Model S P100D

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing a distinct whining noise coming from the rear of my 2017 Model S P100D lately. It's most prominent when I'm accelerating, especially from a stop or at lower speeds, and it seems to get a bit louder as I speed up. It almost sounds like a high-pitched gear whine or a bearing going bad.

I've got about 75,000 miles on the car. I haven't noticed any change in performance or range, but the sound is definitely new and concerning. Has anyone else experienced this with their Model S, particularly from this era? Could it be a drive unit issue?

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I schedule a service appointment. Thanks!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:00 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The whining noise you're describing in your 2017 Tesla Model S P100D is a common symptom reported by some owners and often points to an issue within the rear drive unit. This component houses the electric motor, gearbox, and inverter, all crucial for propulsion.

Here's what could be happening and what to do:

  1. Identify the Sound's Characteristics: Pay attention to when the sound occurs (acceleration, deceleration, specific speeds), its pitch, and whether it changes with temperature. This information will be vital for technicians.

  2. Potential Causes:

    • Drive Unit Bearing Wear: This is one of the most frequent culprits. Bearings within the motor or gearbox can wear down over time, leading to a distinctive whine or hum.
    • Gearbox Issues: While less common, internal gear wear or misalignment within the single-speed gearbox can also produce noise.
    • Drive Unit Fluid Degradation/Low Level: Although sealed, issues with the lubrication inside the drive unit can contribute to noise and wear.
    • Motor Rotor/Stator Issues: In rare cases, internal motor component issues could manifest as noise.

  3. Tesla Diagnostic Codes: While not standard OBD-II, your vehicle's internal diagnostic system might log specific alerts related to the drive unit, such as DRV_A010 (Drive Unit Bearing Issue) or DRV_A015 (Drive Unit Performance Degradation), which a service center can read.

  4. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately: Any new, persistent, or worsening noise from the drive unit should prompt an immediate service appointment. Ignoring it can lead to more severe damage, potentially requiring a full drive unit replacement, which is a costly repair.
    • Don't Delay: Even if performance isn't affected yet, the noise indicates internal wear that will only get worse. Continuing to drive could lead to a sudden failure or leave you stranded.

Contact Tesla Service as soon as possible. They have specialized tools and diagnostics to accurately pinpoint the source of the noise and recommend the necessary repair, which often involves replacing or refurbishing the drive unit.

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