Drive Unit repair for Tesla Model S and X (Large Drive Unit)
Request a quoteTesla Model S (2012–2020) vehicles can develop a range of issues that require attention to the drive unit. Common problems include leaking motor cooling seals, worn bearings causing noise, and gearbox defects. We perform thorough diagnoses on the Tesla motor to accurately identify faults and defects in the drive unit.
In most cases, Tesla replaces the complete drive unit. The cost often exceeds €5,000.
Many drive unit problems originate from fluid leaks caused by failing seals. The question is not whether you will experience leakage in your drive unit, but when. That is why we also perform a coolant delete even if you have no symptoms yet — we reroute the coolant flow so that internal leakage can never occur again. (Newer Tesla motors have this as standard.)
At Tesland we can repair your existing drive unit
What does a drive unit repair at Tesland cost?
Preventive coolant delete: €1,850 incl. VAT
- Only available for motors without complaints such as unusual noises or fluid leakage
- We perform a diagnosis and test drive
- We remove the drive unit and inspect it for leaks and internal resistance
- We modify the coolant manifold so that leakage can never occur again, even in the future
- 2-year or 40,000 km warranty on this service
Basic: €3,250 incl. VAT
The basic repair includes:
- Diagnosis
- Inspection and repair of drive unit
- Coolant delete — prevents future leakage through failing seals
- Necessary repairs such as bearings etc.
- Gearbox oil replacement and coolant top-up
- HV battery health check and fault code inspection
- 1-year warranty or 20,000 km on the drive unit
Premium: €4,250 incl. VAT
The premium repair includes:
- Same as Basic, but with a 2-year or 40,000 km warranty on the drive unit
How do I know if my drive unit is faulty?
Possible symptoms include:
- A humming or other noise that increases in frequency as speed increases
- Creaking while driving that is independent of the suspension and does not change in corners
- The car can no longer drive and the PRND indicator turns red when selecting a gear
Fault codes may also appear indicating a drive unit issue:
- BMS_w172
- BMS_w158
- BMS_w142
How does the repair work?
Once a technician identifies a problem in the drive unit, we remove it from your Tesla. Since the drive unit can weigh up to 135 kg, we use a hydraulic table to lower and move it safely. We then open and disassemble the unit to perform the necessary repairs, ranging from replacing noisy bearings to resolving coolant leaks or inverter issues.
Worn rotor bearings
A common symptom of a faulty Tesla drive unit is a humming or whining noise at higher speeds, often caused by worn rotor bearings. This noise, which is unrelated to throttle position, typically gets louder as speed increases. Worn rotor bearings can be replaced if the problem is caught in time. Since these bearings spin at speeds of up to 22,000 rpm, we use a special ceramic bearing manufactured by SKF, which is rare and difficult to source.
Internal coolant leakage at the rotor seal
In the Large Drive Unit (LDU), used in rear-wheel-drive Model S/X and Performance Model S/X, internal coolant leakage through the rotor seal is a common issue. This can lead to insulation faults, causing a short circuit between the high-voltage system and ground. Tesla coolant is electrically conductive and, if it leaks into the motor, can form a conduction path between the motor windings and the drive unit housing. Insulation warnings such as BMS_w158 and BMS_w142 may appear on the instrument panel, and the car may shut itself down when the problem is detected. To prevent damage to the motor or inverter, it is advisable to have your Tesla transported to us on a trailer. To check for coolant inside the drive unit, we remove the rotor speed sensor and inspect the interior with a camera.
Solution: modified coolant manifold (coolant delete)
Tesla has never been fully able to prevent rotor seal leaks in the LDU. That is why newer versions of the drive unit feature a modified coolant manifold that completely blocks coolant flow through the rotor without affecting the longevity of the unit. We perform this upgrade on older drive units as well, preventing future leakage.
When identified in time, we clean the coolant-contaminated unit, replace worn bearings and permanently resolve the issue by applying the coolant delete.
This upgrade can also be performed preventively, even if there are no leaks yet. With new seals and fresh fluids, the drive unit is ready for years of reliable service — at roughly half the cost of a full replacement.
Drive unit problems?
Contact our specialist for a no-obligation diagnosis and a tailored repair proposal — for both Model S and Model X.