MEYLE engineers solve Tesla's squeaking problem

Getting to the bottom of problems. On principle!

"Squeaking noises can occur with many everyday objects after a while," says Stefan Bachmann, Head of Chassis & Steering at MEYLE. "However, we didn't expect this so much from a Tesla. We are networked with car enthusiasts all over the world and are always as up-to-date as possible when it comes to trends or acute problems. Especially when it comes to susceptible chassis technology, we immediately start looking for a possible solution. We wanted to get to the bottom of this strange squeaking immediately. As a matter of principle."

After numerous inspections, the development team discovered that the Tesla wishbone is not sufficiently protected against moisture due to its design: when it rains, water flows directly from the windshield via the water drain to the wishbone. As a result, water enters the suspension joint and leads to the unloved and annoying squeaking noise. In rare cases, steering precision can also suffer.

Due to the high performance potential and the high vehicle weight of electric vehicles, suspension components are subjected to high stresses. These conditions put the control arm under enormous stress. The bearing bushes can also wear prematurely under this heavy load. Drivers usually notice the defect by squeaking noises coming from the upper wishbone of the front axle. Others report a rattling of the chassis.

A Tesla part and the HD principle: what has been specifically improved

"When, after identifying a weak point, researching the cause, development work and numerous tests, we manage to hold the first prototype of a future HD part in our hands, it's always something special for us. Even more so with a premium vehicle like Tesla. Ultimately, these are precisely the moments for which we give our best every day," says Stefan Bachmann, Head of Chassis & Steering. When re-engineering the MEYLE HD control arm for the Tesla, four decisive changes led to success:

1. A stable design of the control arm body made of high-strength, forged aluminum improves rigidity and saves weight compared to the original control arm, which is made of a steel-plastic composite. The FEM-optimized design (FEM - Finite Element Method) also ensures high safety reserves with a low dead weight.

2. The suspension joint design does not require flanging so that no water can penetrate. Standing water is avoided and absolute tightness is guaranteed. Water ingress, which is a problem with the original Tesla wishbone, is therefore no longer an issue.

3. The ball joint itself has a larger diameter than the original part and can distribute forces over a larger area. This is essential for a long-lasting spare part in view of the high and frequently called-up loads of the powerful vehicles.

4. The bearing bushes have also been optimized. This also ensures a longer service life.

MEYLE HD: Technically optimized parts for 20 years

All MEYLE HD parts are the result of intensive development work. This is why the spare parts specialist offers a four-year warranty on the HD control arm for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, as with all HD parts. With the HD series, MEYLE has been launching its own technically optimized spare parts on the market for 20 years. The company aims to be climate-neutral by 2030. The HD control arm for Tesla is part of a climate-neutral portfolio that MEYLE is presenting at Automechanika.