The recent discovery of oil leaks in the rear drive unit of the refreshed Tesla Model 3 Performance has raised eyebrows and questions about the reliability of electric vehicles.
Despite the company’s initial reluctance, Tesla has acknowledged the issue and issued a service bulletin outlining a costly solution involving relocating the drive unit breather and replacing the lubricant fluid.
The problem, first noticed in August on a racing Model 3 Performance, has led to a debate between owners and service centers over whether it’s a design flaw or the result of misuse. While many owners have reported similar leaks, Tesla has blamed the new low-friction lubricant, KAF, used in the Performance model.
One of the main concerns raised by owners is the potential long-term damage that oil leaks can cause to the rear drive unit. If the leaks are not addressed promptly, they can lead to premature wear and tear on the unit, potentially requiring expensive repairs or even a complete replacement.
Additionally, the leaks can also affect the car’s performance and handling, as the lubricant fluid plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of the rear drive unit. The issue of oil leaks in the Tesla Model 3 Performance has also highlighted the importance of thorough testing and quality control before new models are released to the public.
While it is not uncommon for new vehicles to have teething problems, the relatively high number of reports of oil leaks in the Model 3 Performance suggests that there may have been some issues with the design or manufacturing process. Tesla has promised to address the oil leak issue through the service bulletin, but it remains to be seen whether the solution will be effective in preventing future leaks.
In the meantime, owners of the Model 3 Performance may want to keep a close eye on their cars for any signs of oil leaks and seek professional assistance if they notice any problems. Tim, the first to report the oil leak to Tesla, discovered that the faulty breather valve was the culprit.
The valve couldn’t vent the pressure building inside the drive unit, especially under demanding conditions like racetrack driving or supercharging. This caused the fluid to push against the axle seals, leading to leaks.
After admitting the problem, Tesla explained the issue and promised a fix. A month later, they announced a solution involving relocating the breather valve. However, the repair would take time due to the need for new parts. The service bulletin indicated that the solution involved relocating the breather valve, using the same part number as the faulty one.
The term “relocation” suggested a more complex solution than simply replacing the part. The Tesla service team informed Tim that new tooling and parts were required, which would need to be sent to all service locations. This could delay the start of repairs by about a month.
The repair would also be potentially costly, as it required removing the rear subframe assembly to access the rear drive unit. The service bulletin estimated over two hours of labor if no leaks were found. If lubricant leaks were present, Tesla would also replace the fluid, adding to the time and cost.
