Source
r/TeslaModel3•
opticspipe

Replacement Shocks?

I have a 2018 TM3 with about 180k on it. Original shocks/struts (4th control arm though!). They pass inspection, service center says they are fine (have had two SCs look at the vehicle).

Here’s the reason I’m doubting: I’m any inclimate weather, the car constantly feels like it’s about to ‘spin out’. While other vehicles are doing 65 in light rain or light snow on treated roads, I’m doing 40-45 with hazards on. All passengers can feel it, it’s absolutely terrifying. I’m beginning to suspect that the shocks aren’t pushing down and the car is bouncing on every little bump. Possible that the weight of the car disguises this phenomenon in dry weather.

Alignment supposedly okay according to SC. Tire wear is reasonably even, no obvious cupping or slanted wear.

Any thoughts? And if the answer is to replace the suspension, with what? I’ve always hated the ride of the vehicle, so open to suggestions.

Posted Mar 4, 2023, 1:08 PM UTC

820
prxpost•

With your mileage it's certainly possible that your shocks are done.

If tires are good, then worn out shocks could absolutely be the cause of your issues. Have some other garage you trust check them out - or you could just consider them a wear item and change them anyway.

3
opticspipeOP•

I’m happy to have the work done. Suggestions for what to use as replacement parts? Just get oem parts?

1
peachfuzz0•

Oem shocks are inexpensive (120$ each) and if you like the comfort I'd just get those. If not mpp or unplugged performance sells better suspension parts.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
klynch9784•

Have you had to replace the battery yet?

2
opticspipeOP•

12 volt yes, but only because the SC killed it. Regardless, I had to pay for it. HV battery is fine at 11% deg.

3
klynch9784•

At how many miles did you replace it? I just got an m3 with lfp battery..

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opticspipeOP•

Just to be clear, the drive battery hasn’t been replaced. The 12 volt battery replacement was at 60,015.

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PghSubie•

The shocks don't push the car down, gravity does. If you're hydroplaning, then look at your tires

0
opticspipeOP•

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. Tires are fine, and this has been getting worse. Last winter, it was slightly noticeable, but this winter now that we finally got a little bit of actual winter weather, it’s really noticeable. Totally different tires from last year, And there’s lots of tread left.

I was thinking that shocks push the tires back down onto the road immediately after some small bump where the inertia of the car cannot react that quickly. This is wrong?

2
PghSubie•

Yes, that's wrong. The springs compress and then rebound, when the car goes over a bump

0
RageYetti•

Springs compress and rebound, but shocks are dampers and moderate the response of the spring. So if op is saying it feels bouncy, then it’s likely the shocks are gone and they are not providing dampening. 180k miles this is likely the case, they do not last forever, I think 120-140 on a standard car or truck they’d be needing replacement if not sooner.

3
opticspipeOP•

Thanks! Unfortunately it doesn’t help explain the phenomenon I’m experiencing. I’ve driven a couple million miles in my life, and I thought I had felt anything a vehicle could do. But this doesn’t feel like worn tires. It’s as if there are patches of the road that are icy with a strong crosswind for just me.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

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PghSubie•

Still sounds like a tire issue

Are you sure that you're not driving on summer-only tires in the cold?

0
dafazman•

What city/state are you near? To help guide you to a suspension speciality shop

0
ordinaryflask•

What tires do you currently have on your car??

I’ve had some cheap tires and they were terrible in the rain/snow despite having a lot of tread. Switched to more expensive but higher rated tires and they were way better in both rain/snow. Always buy the best tires your can afford. They’re the only thing touching the ground.

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opticspipeOP•

I experienced this with both the OEM tire and Hankooks that are on it now. I admit that I’m not particularly fond of these tires, but they weren’t cheap.

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ordinaryflask•

OEM tires aren’t that good. Expensive tires also don’t mean they’re great.

0
opticspipeOP•

Oem is the best I’ve found for the car. Everything else is just noisy (except for these).

2
prxpost•

Tesla OEM (T0) Michelin tires are unsurpassed for Teslas, there's nothing else that can provide the mix of range, grip and noise.

0