# Service bulletin SB\-18\-31\-005

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

- Type: Service bulletin
- NHTSA id: 10142997
- Published by NHTSA: 2018\-07\-16
- Manufacturer's number: SB\-18\-31\-005
- Manufacturer's date: 2018\-03\-20
- NHTSA component: SUSPENSION

## NHTSA's summary

On certain Model 3 vehicles, the front stabilizer bar link ball joint studs might crack at the flange. As a result, the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar might lose torque. This might result in noise coming from the front of vehicle while driving on rough surfaces.

## The document

- [NHTSA's copy of the document (PDF)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10142997-9999.pdf)
- [If that address does not open, try this one](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10142997-0001.pdf)

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it.

## Components

Suspension

## Vehicles listed

- 2017 to 2018 TESLA MODEL 3

## Recalls for the same vehicles and component

- [23V235000](/recalls/nhtsa/23V235000.md), 2023-03-31: SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS; SUSPENSION:FRONT
- [2023194](/recalls/tc/2023194.md), 2023-03-24: Suspension

## Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component

- [SB\-25\-31\-004](/bulletins/11020192.md), 2025-07-04, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. A firmware diagnosis feature is being introduced on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles that monitors wheel alignment over time. This feature detects changes in wheel alignment that may be related to incorrect tire pressures, degraded ball joints, bushings or damaged suspension links. If the feature determines that an inspection at a Tesla Service Center is required, a customer\-facing alert will appear on the touchscreen.
- [SB2016003R1](/bulletins/10250496.md), 2024-02-20, Service bulletin: WHEELS; SUSPENSION. Certain Model 3 high voltage batteries may not have a sufficient quantity of bolts for the contactor DC link busbars, which may prevent the vehicle from charging or powering properly.
- [SB1831005R1](/bulletins/10210724.md), 2022-05-02, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION; BACK OVER PREVENTION. On certain Model 3 vehicles, the front stabilizer bar link ball joint studs might crack at the flange. As a result, the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar might lose torque. This might result in noise coming from the front of vehicle while driving on rough surfaces.
- [SB\-20\-31\-006 R3](/bulletins/10203342.md), 2021-11-08, Service bulletin: STEERING; SUSPENSION. On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface corrosion of these ball joints. This may result in a creaking sound coming from the front suspension when steering at low speeds and under high loads. This is exclusively an NVH condition only and does not result in premature failure of the ball joints.
- [SB\-20\-31\-006 R2](/bulletins/10203341.md), 2021-11-08, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. On certain Model 3, Model Y, and Model X vehicles, there may be a water ingress path to both front upper control arm ball joints that, over time, could possibly lead to surface corrosion of these ball joints. This may result in a creaking sound coming from the front suspension when steering at low speeds and under high loads. This is exclusively an NVH condition only and does not result in premature failure of the ball joints.
- [SB\-18\-31\-004](/bulletins/10142996.md), 2018-07-16, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. On some Model 3 vehicles, customers might state that the vehicle ride is too harsh. The ride tuning of early spring and damper assemblies is subjectively more firm than the ride tuning of updated assemblies.
- [SB\-18\-17\-003](/bulletins/10142995.md), 2018-07-16, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. On some Model 3 vehicles, the solid\-wire rear drive unit \(RDU\) ground strap might transfer motor vibration into the cabin. This might result in customer perception of high motor noise levels.
- [SB\-18\-31\-002](/bulletins/10142989.md), 2018-07-16, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. On some Model 3 vehicles, at 65 mph \(105 km/h\) and above, front upper control arm vibration might result in detectable cabin noise.

JSON: [/v1/bulletins/10142997](/v1/bulletins/10142997)

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