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Fixing the front end squeak

Discussion in 'Tesla' started by bwilson4web, May 23, 2023.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Over time, gravity settles the grease below the control arm, ball joint leading to a metal-on-metal squeak. I just fixed my front end, ball joint squeak without injecting grease or replacing the control arm.

    Jack up the car; remove the tire, and; remove the clamp bolt. Then use something like vice grips to grab the ball joint shaft and squeeze the boot to get grease in contact. Move it back and forth to coat the ball and the resistance and squeak goes away. The only problem was the clamp bolt threads were wiped out getting the bolt out:
    [​IMG]


    So I walked over to Mike's Merchandise, a neighborhood surplus parts store, and bought a substitute bolt, two washers, and locking nut, $0.28:
    [​IMG]

    Those are WD-40 spray stains on the wheel well. I also squirted down the control arm bolts.

    Bob Wilson

    ps. I was inspired by a UK YouTube that correctly pointed out the grease didn't 'leak out'. Remember, gravity wins.
     
    #1 bwilson4web, May 23, 2023
  2. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    #2 Trollbait, May 23, 2023
    bwilson4web likes this.
  3. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Hope you used a 10.9 grade bolt and nut.
     
    #3 Georgina Rudkus, May 23, 2023
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    #4 xliderider, May 24, 2023
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I can’t for the life of me answer that. :unsure:

    What model of Tesla is this? What’s the miles on it, when this started happening?
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, May 24, 2023
    Last edited: May 24, 2023
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    #6 bisco, May 24, 2023
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  7. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    No good as the window washing fluid would spill out.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #7 bwilson4web, May 24, 2023
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