Improving tired Model3 suspension control arms

[Honeywell]

As I am in the market for a three year old Model3 (with heat pump) it's likely that the control arms will be squeaky and tired.

Are there any popular options for replacing with something non OEM?

I want 18 inch wheels as ride comfort is a priority in this commuter machine and I hate the 20inch run flats on my current BMW on my broken rural commute. I am not averse to considering better dampers as they don't cost that much but can make a big difference in my experience of tinkering with a GT86 and MX5. I was thinking that if the car is going to go somewhere for new bushes and control arms it might be cost effective whilst its on the ramp with its suspension dismantled anyway to spend a bit more on dampers and maybe springs.

Any wisdom on this?

[Zcd1]

Honeywell said:

As I am in the market for a three year old Model3 (with heat pump) it's likely that the control arms will be squeaky and tired.

Are there any popular options for replacing with something non OEM?

I want 18 inch wheels as ride comfort is a priority in this commuter machine and I hate the 20inch run flats on my current BMW on my broken rural commute. I am not averse to considering better dampers as they don't cost that much but can make a big difference in my experience of tinkering with a GT86 and MX5. I was thinking that if the car is going to go somewhere for new bushes and control arms it might be cost effective whilst its on the ramp with its suspension dismantled anyway to spend a bit more on dampers and maybe springs.

Any wisdom on this?

You may be overthinking this.

With 2 different Model 3s and 75,000+ miles driven, neither car has had issues with the front control arms, or really anything.

18" wheels and tires might improve ride comfort slightly, but I'd drive the car a bit before deciding how to proceed.

[tr3a]

Honeywell said:

As I am in the market for a three year old Model3 (with heat pump) it's likely that the control arms will be squeaky and tired.

It's not likely. While there have been cases of early cars needing new control arms at 30,000 miles, I was recently assured by a mobile Tesla tech that as a rule, recent Model 3's that have not been driven hard over cart tracks daily, don't require them as early as that. He told me he had seen plenty of high mileage Model 3's (>100,000 miles) that were still fine.

[Honeywell]

That's interesting. I had read that they commonly knackered by 50,000 miles.

[Gone fishing]

Honeywell said:

That's interesting. I had read that they commonly knackered by 50,000 miles.

Depends who you want to listen to. A tesla employee talking down a problem or users who actually have the problem. I imagine its not as bad as some would have you believe and not as good as the technician is making out, but they're relatively cheap to replace regardless so not the end of the world. .

[quinny100]

Biggest suspension issue on the later Model 3’s is the upper control arm ball joint creaking due to lack of lubrication. It’s more down to water ingress than wear - the drains from the windscreen dump water onto the top the arm and some gets into the joint. Meyle have an aftermarket solution, or you can insert grease into the boot of the Tesla parts to increase longevity.

They’re not immune from other bushes and joints wearing but it’s not a case it’ll be done by 50k, it’s usage dependent,

Suspension noise on EV’s tends to be more noticeable due to the absence of engine noise.

[Honeywell]

Thanks. Seems MEYLE have a great solution for a suspension refresh if I buy an 80,000 mile 2021 M3LR.