Today, I want to share with you the journey I’ve been on with my 2013 Tesla Model S 85. This car has been my project car since I picked it up in December, and it’s been quite the adventure so far. From fixing the brakes to dealing with a mysterious clunking sound, I’ve been working hard to get this car in top shape.
One of the first major projects I tackled was the brakes. The rotors were scored, the parking brake needed new pads, and overall, the brakes needed some serious attention. After getting all of that taken care of, I thought I was in the clear. However, a persistent clunking sound every time I accelerated or decelerated had me worried that there was a more serious issue at play.
I decided to take the car into Tesla for a proper diagnosis, and they informed me that the motor mount bushings were completely shot. Their solution was to replace the entire Drive Unit, which would cost me $7,500. While this seemed like a steep price to pay for a clunking sound, I knew that with 157,000 miles on the car, it was probably time for some major maintenance.
After some deliberation, I decided to explore other options. I found a non-Tesla repair shop that was authorized to do the bushing work for a fraction of the cost. However, after receiving a quote for $2,100, I started to question whether it was worth investing in new bushings when the Drive Unit itself could fail in the near future.
In the end, I made the decision to go back to Tesla and have the Drive Unit replaced. The cost had gone down to $6,300, and I felt more confident knowing that I would have a new warranty on the part. The peace of mind that comes with knowing the Drive Unit is taken care of for the next 4 years or 50,000 miles is priceless.
While it was a bit of a rollercoaster trying to figure out the best course of action for my Tesla, I’m happy with the decision I’ve made. It’s all part of the journey of owning a project car, and I’m looking forward to hitting the road with a fully functioning Drive Unit. Stay tuned for updates on the replacement process, and feel free to share your own thoughts and experiences with car maintenance in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
