Even though Tesla claims that their motors have a million-mile range; nothing lasts forever, and these Motors are prone to fail with time too.
Replacing a Tesla motor is quite expensive since the cost mostly ranges between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on the exact model you have.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Tesla Motor?
Reportedly, the cost of installing new motors on the Tesla Model S and Model X cars ranges between $15,000 and $20,000, while Elon Musk claimed that the Tesla Model 3 car’s motor replacement cost stays between $5,000 and $7,000.
Even a motor replacement on the Tesla Model Y may cost you around $8,000 to 12,000.
Consumer reports claim that Tesla charges around $6,000 for replacing the motor with a refurbished option (comes with 50,000 miles warranty). Another user claimed to replace the motor by himself, but he got the motor from the Tesla Salvage yard at around $7,000.
However, the RepairSmith states that the average Tesla starter motor replacement will cost you around $393.
One Tesla user also claimed he got a quote from Tesla Service, which listed around $10,900 to replace the Drive Unit.
The cost breakdowns below will help you estimate how much you could have to pay for a Tesla motor replacement:
Tesla Model S Car’s Motor Replacement:
Based on available information provided by Tesla users on several online portals, Tesla body shops may charge between $10,000 and $20,000 for motor repair where_
| Price of Required Parts | ($10,000 – $15,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($800 – $1,200) |
Tesla Model 3 Car’s Motor Replacement:
Similarly, Tesla may charge between $10,800 and $15,000 for the motor repair or replacement, where_
| Price of Required Parts | ($8,000 – $12,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($700 – $1,000) |
Tesla Model X Car’s Motor Replacement:
Tesla may charge between $13,000 and $20,000 for the Model X motor, where_
| Price of Required Parts | ($12,000 – $17,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($900 – $1,300) |
Tesla Model Y Car’s Motor Replacement:
For replacing the motor of this newest edition in the Tesla EV family, Tesla may charge between $10,800 and $17,000 due to cutting manufacturing expenses, where_
| Price of Required Parts | ($10,000 – $15,000) |
| Labor Cost | ($800 – $1,200) |
However, remember that the overall cost estimate may change significantly by the time you contact or visit the Tesla-Specific Service Center for the replacement job.
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Tesla Motor Removal & Installation Guide:
The simplest way to get rid of your faulty Tesla motor is to contact your local Tesla Service Center.
But if you have required technical expertise and want to perform the replacement task by yourself to save time and money, simply follow the below motor removal and new motor installation instructions:
First, gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment you will need for this task:
| Socket set with various sizes Torque wrench Jack stands Hydraulic jack automotive Creepers Power drill Safety gloves and goggles |
Step_1: Preparing yourself & the workplace – Ensure that you have a complete set of mechanical tools and wear appropriate safety gear to protect yourself during the procedures.
Next, prepare the workplace where you’re going to perform the replacement on your Tesla car. Make sure you have a clean and well-lit area. It’s best to have a garage or a separate area, where you can safely replace the motor.
Also, ensure that you have sufficient ventilation to avoid any fumes or odors.
Step_2: Disconnect your Tesla Battery – Before working on any electrical components, disconnect the battery to prevent any accidents or electrical mishaps during the procedure.
Now, jack your car up enough so that you can easily go down underneath, where mostly the main Tesla battery packs are located.
Locate your Tesla’s battery (you can take help from your Tesla car’s user manual to locate its battery) and disconnect the negative terminal using a wrench.
Watch this quick tutorial, it will help you to take the battery out more easily:
Step_3: Remove your Old Tesla Motor – Now it’s time to remove the existing motor from your Tesla car. Follow these steps:
- Locate the motor compartment in your Tesla car (Refer to your owner’s manual or online resources if you’re unsure about its exact location).
- Then, remove any covers or panels obstructing access to the motor.
- Disconnect all electrical connections and wiring harnesses, such as coolant lines or wiring harnesses attached to the motor. Also, take your time and label each connection for easy reinstallation later.
- Use your socket set and wrenches to unbolt the bolts securing the motor to the transmission or drive unit.
- Bring a hydraulic jack and use it to lower the motor and remove it from the vehicle securely.
- Disconnect all electrical connections leading to the motor, including the power cables, control modules, or sensors. Do not forget to keep note of the correct positions and orientations for reassembly.
Step_4: Install the New Tesla Motor – Once you’ve successfully removed the old motor, it’s time to install the new one. So, follow these steps:
- Position the new motor carefully onto the transmission or drive unit and align it with the mounts or brackets.
- Begin by reconnecting all the electrical connections that were detached earlier. Double-check the positions and orientations to ensure a proper fit.
- Secure the motor in place using the appropriate bolts and torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reconnect all electrical connections and wiring harnesses.
- Reinstall any accessories or components that were removed during the motor removal. Follow the labels you created earlier to ensure correct connections.
Step_5: Reconnect the Battery and Test – Once the new motor is installed correctly, reconnect the battery. Then, attach the negative terminal and ensure its tightly secured.
Once done, test your Tesla car to ensure the new motor is functioning correctly. Take a short drive to confirm everything is working as expected. Listen for any unusual noises, check for proper functionality, and verify that there are no leaks or errors.
If there are no issues, dispose of any waste materials properly and clean up your work area. Now you’ve successfully removed and installed a new motor in your Tesla car.
Also, make sure to maintain your car’s motor according to Tesla Maintenance instructions to keep it in great shape.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How long does a Tesla car’s motor last?
Tesla claims that the electric motors installed in their Electric vehicles can last over decades.
The company offers an eight-year or 1,00,000 miles warranty for its Model 3 and Y car motors. Similarly, Tesla offers up to 150,000 miles for the electric motor of its bigger Model S or X.
Do Tesla cars use AC or DC motors?
The drive motors in a Tesla EV actually use AC, but the rest of the car’s components use DC to function.
Is Motor Replacement Covered by Tesla’s Extended Service Plans?
Tesla offers extended service plans that provide additional coverage beyond the standard warranty period.
These plans can include motor replacement as part of their coverage, depending on the specific terms and conditions.
What type of motor is used in Tesla Models?
All Tesla Electric cars feature an independent electric AC (Alternative Current) dual motor that is powered by a huge traction battery pack.
Are all Tesla car motors brushless?
Yes, Tesla cars use blushless electric motors. Especially, the Tesla Model 3 with one motor version features a Brushless DC Motor, and the Model 3 with the all-wheel drive version comes with one or both above-mentioned motor types.
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