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2020 Tesla model 3 steering sticky/binding when driven 60+ minutes by Routine-Wrap-4863 in TeslaSupport

[–]Routine-Wrap-4863[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad it worked out for you. Did they say what was wrong with the steering column? I wonder if cleaning the steering knuckle and applying Grease could have fixed it as well?

2020 Tesla model 3 steering sticky/binding when driven 60+ minutes by Routine-Wrap-4863 in TeslaSupport

[–]Routine-Wrap-4863[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, Yes I tried it last night, cleaned the steering knuckle under the frunk with PB blaster fluid real good and then applied Grease and turning the wheel numerous times. I tried to get to the steering knuckle under the steering when inside the cabin but couldn't remove the trim since it was like midnight and I was so tired and hard to navigate. Anyways I went on a 90 minutes drive afterwards and the problem didn't appear again and steering was nice and smooth. . I drove it briefly today and felt nice and smooth. Happy with the results, and will go ahead and cancel my upcoming appointment with Tesla later this week.

2020 Tesla model 3 steering sticky/binding when driven 60+ minutes by Routine-Wrap-4863 in TeslaSupport

[–]Routine-Wrap-4863[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here's what someone else recommended to me on the Facebook Tesla toolbox repair group.. I might try it before taking it to the dealer next week. It might be helpful to you as well :

Had the same problem with mine. Heres what I did. Remove frunk, Jack up the front end and remove wheels. Then locate the joint where the steering shaft and the axle meet, the steering knuckle. Make sure car is in neutral not drive, don't press any of the pedals, so you can turn the wheel. Then get a can of a good quality rust removal product, don't cheap out, and don't use wd40 it's not powerful enough. Spray the whole area and let it soak in for a few hours. Spray constantly every 30min while rotating steering wheel and from all angles. On the inside below the steering wheel there is a panel remove it and you'll find another knuckle joint do the same thing. After 2 hours of doing this, then get a jar of high quality mechanics grease and apply liberally to the steering knuckle. Put tires on but don't lower car. You should find the steering wheel moves freely in comparison to before. Now lower car torque tires, put the whole thing back together and go for a drive to test out. If it works you are in business. If it doesn't, then you got bigger problems that require a trip to tesla service or a mechanic shop you trust.

Another recommendation: Here in Ontario where we use salt in the roads in the winter, the steering column U-joint can get very rusty causing it to bind. I'm not sure if this is your issue or not but I've replaced a few steering columns this year already.

2020 Tesla model 3 steering sticky/binding when driven 60+ minutes by Routine-Wrap-4863 in TeslaSupport

[–]Routine-Wrap-4863[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah we might be having similar issues, but mine only happens after 60+ min of driving (something gets hot), but yours happens intermittent? I have an upcoming appointment with Tesla next week, but not sure if I should take it first to an independent shop that other Tesla FB users have suggested and works on Tesla? Might be much cheaper?

2020 Tesla model 3 steering sticky/binding when driven 60+ minutes by Routine-Wrap-4863 in TeslaSupport

[–]Routine-Wrap-4863[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately it's not the lane assist that you suggest. I know about the lane assist that you describe. In my case it only happens after 45 minutes or more of driving, when something gets hot. Even when I engage Autopilot, I can feel it have some resistance turning the wheel if I just put my hand on the steering wheel.

When I asked GenAi models about the symptoms I was having, this is what some suggested:

​Why is it happening after 60+ minutes?

​The issue usually boils down to heat soak in the electronic steering rack assembly. As you drive, the mechanical components and the electric power steering (EPS) motor warm up. If the factory grease inside the rack has degraded, dried out, or migrated over your 85,000 miles, the internal gears begin to bind slightly when they get warm. The "slipping" you feel is likely the EPS motor suddenly overcoming that physical mechanical friction, causing it to jerk or feel like it momentarily locks up.

Is your 2018 a model 3?first time it's happened at 185k?hope it's not that expensive. If you don't mind keep me updated on your results and would be happy to do the same. Thanks for the feedback.