Tesla Drive Unit repair

TESLA Drive Unit Repair by RPR Motors

Frequent problems with the Tesla Drive Unit:

The drive unit consists of an electric motor, gearbox and inverter.
Typical problems that require repair are

Noises or vibrationsOften caused by worn ball bearings or seals.
Coolant leaksIngress of coolant into the motor, leading to corrosion or insulation faults.
OverheatingProblems with the cooling system or oil.
Wear of mechanical partsSuch as oil seals, gaskets or bearings.
Electronic faultsDefective sensors, e.g. the motor encoder, or problems with the inverter.

The cause!
The sealing ring responsible for rotor cooling works its way into the rotor shaft, causing the coolant to enter.

TESLA Drive Unit Repair - Why

What does coolant inlet mean?

Coolant ingress means that coolant (typically a mixture of water and glycol) from the drive unit’s cooling system enters areas where it should not be, in particular the electric motor or gearbox. This leads to corrosion, insulation damage or mechanical problems.

How does the drive unit’s cooling system work?

The drive unit consists of:

Electric motorContains stator and rotor, which generate heat during operation.
InverterConverts direct current into alternating current and also generates heat.
GearboxTransmits the rotary motion to the wheels and requires lubrication and cooling.

The drive unit’s cooling system uses coolant that circulates through channels near the stator and inverter to dissipate the heat. These channels are separated from the sensitive electrical and mechanical components by seals (e.g. radial shaft seals) and sealing systems.

Is DIY possible?

Repairs require specialist knowledge, especially for high-voltage systems. Non-professionals should not carry out repairs themselves, as there are safety risks. If the drive unit is irreparable, a replacement (new or used) may be necessary, which increases the costs considerably.

Making an appointment

We are happy to offer you an exclusive 1-hour inspection & meeting appointment for your Tesla model. Arrange your appointment with us today.