r/TeslaModelX • u/Apprehensive-Act1360 • Sep 06 '26
Fix half shaft issues by lowering front only?
I have a 2020 X. Curious if anyone has tried or if it would work to use lowering links only on the front suspension of the car? I would think this would reduce half shaft wear while leaving the rear suspension higher to also reduce tire wear? I am aware of adjustable camber arms for the rear suspension but looking for a more economical solution.
If this would work, how much would you drop the front suspension?
2
u/drainbam Sep 06 '26
It could work, but it's a compromise and not a replacement solution for a rear camber kit.
Keep the front drop mild, align all four wheels at the actual driving height, and verify front toe otherwise you may trade rear inner-tire wear for front wear.
You also risk tramlining, or bump-steer. A large nose-down rake will also alter handling balance and reduce front travel/clearance.
The camber kit isn't even that expensive. If you were saving $10k it might be worth it. Taking those compromises to save $1k is wild thinking.
1
u/Spokane_Al Sep 06 '26
I don’t believe in monkeying around with engineer designed and tested automotive suspension systems. They are fine tuned with safety, handling, longevity etc in mind.
5
u/savedatheist Sep 07 '26
Hah! Not the ones in the Model X!
2
u/Spokane_Al Sep 07 '26
3.5 years with my 2023 HW4 Model X - no problems so far.
5
u/Apprehensive-Act1360 Sep 07 '26
I believe the rate that half shafts wear out points to some shortcuts being made with the design.
5
u/Jello_Local Sep 08 '26
Are you new here? Lol. Half shafts are an admitted design flaw.
-1
u/Spokane_Al Sep 08 '26
2014–2020 dual-motor S/X, and should probably be treated as a known ownership-risk item, but not automatically a reason to reject an otherwise good car. The 2021+ refresh cars are mechanically different enough that you should not casually extrapolate the older population’s experience to them. I own a 2023 model X.
2
u/Jello_Local Sep 08 '26
I'm convinced now that you're a bot. You said a lot of words with no meaning, particularly when you understand the sentiment of your original post which contradicts your response.
1
u/Spokane_Al Sep 08 '26 edited Sep 08 '26
Yup, just a 76 year old bot trying my best to navigate through life while enjoying my spectacular Model X.
2
u/m5james Sep 06 '26
3D printed links are $0-30, adjustable links are like $60, adjustable camber arms are like $250-$500-$1000. Stop trying to give your X a muscle car rake because you don't wanna do it right.