Engineers from German parts manufacturer MEYLE have developed a solution to an annoying squeaking problem that affects some Tesla Model 3 and Model Y models. In response to the irritating squeaking sound, MEYLE has introduced a new MEYLE HD control arm that reliably restores peace and quiet. Also thanks to collaboration with ClimatePartner, the MEYLE part is climate-neutral.

Developed from the ground up, the new control arm for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will be presented to the general public for the first time at Automechanika in Hall 4, Stand D41, from September 13 to 17. The high-quality product will be available to Tesla drivers and workshops around the globe from early 2023. 

After numerous evaluations, the MEYLE development team determined that the Tesla control arm had been designed with insufficient moisture protection. Rain drains directly from the windscreen onto the control arm and penetrates the ball joint, which ultimately leads to the unwelcome, irritating squeaking sound and, in rare cases, can compromise steering precision.

High performance and the increased weight typical of electric vehicles can take a heavy toll on the suspension components, subjecting the control arm to enormous stress. Even the bushings can wear sooner under this extreme strain. It’s usually the squeaking sound coming from the upper control arm on the front axle that warns drivers of the damage. Others report a rattling sound coming from the suspension.

A sturdy control arm body made from high-strength, forged aluminium improves rigidity and reduces weight compared to the original, which is made from a combination of steel and plastic. Optimised with the finite element method (FEM), the design also ensures high safety reserves with a low net weight. 

The design of the ball joint forgoes the use of crimping, thus eliminating water penetration, preventing standing water and ensuring absolute tightness. The issue of water penetrating the original Tesla control arm is therefore eliminated.

The ball joint itself has a larger diameter than the original part and can distribute forces across a bigger surface, which is essential for a durable spare part, considering the large and frequent loads the high-performance vehicles are exposed to.

Intensive development goes into each and every MEYLE HD part, which is why the spare parts specialist provides a 4-year guarantee (www.meyle.com/guarantee) for the HD control arm for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, just as it does for all its other HD parts. With its HD range, MEYLE has been launching its own technically enhanced spare parts for 20 years. The company aims to be climate-neutral by 2030. 

With products like the Tesla HD control arm, MEYLE underlines its expertise in the field of electric mobility. In addition to the new HD control arm, MEYLE also offers its dealer and workshop customers a wide and quickly expanding product portfolio for the electric vehicles of different manufacturers. The extensive MEYLE portfolio for vehicles with an electric drive has tripled in size over the past three years. With more than 3,300 products for hybrid and electric vehicles currently in its portfolio, MEYLE proves once again that, as the DRIVER’S BEST FRIEND, it can always find a suitable solution.