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DIY EV Guy
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2011
I own an out-of-warranty Tesla Large Drive Unit that needed a rebuild. Affected cars: Tesla Model S/X with Large Drive Unit, 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV, Mercedes Benz B-Class Electric Drive. In my case: The RAV4. Toyota and Tesla are not capable and willing, respectively, to service it. So I am rebuilding it myself! This channel shows how. Hopefully it will bring some inspiration or maybe you know better ways - feel free to share.
Tesla Coolant Seal: 10563 mile update
In this episode, I show that the new (AliExpress, Ceimin, Chenming, CTLBDYW) triple-lip seal has not visibly leaked at 10563 mi (17000 km).
*See also*
sites.google.com/view/teslaldu/home
*Disclaimer*
This video is for entertainment purposes only. All work you do on your car is at your own risk.
*Keywords*
Toyota RAV4 2012 2013 2014 Mercedes B-class Electric Drive Tesla Model S large drive unit LDU motor BEV glycol coolant fluid Zerex G48 automatic transmission fluid ATF Dexron VI leak battery aegis ring bearing bearings grinding noise CAD model PTFE teflon rotary lip seal failure drain housing rotor shaft repair common mode grounding runout eccentricity fluting wear axial radial play speed sensor check rebuild assemble disassemble vent reluctor ring expensive cheap repair DIY out of warranty
*See also*
sites.google.com/view/teslaldu/home
*Disclaimer*
This video is for entertainment purposes only. All work you do on your car is at your own risk.
*Keywords*
Toyota RAV4 2012 2013 2014 Mercedes B-class Electric Drive Tesla Model S large drive unit LDU motor BEV glycol coolant fluid Zerex G48 automatic transmission fluid ATF Dexron VI leak battery aegis ring bearing bearings grinding noise CAD model PTFE teflon rotary lip seal failure drain housing rotor shaft repair common mode grounding runout eccentricity fluting wear axial radial play speed sensor check rebuild assemble disassemble vent reluctor ring expensive cheap repair DIY out of warranty
มุมมอง: 1 399
วีดีโอ
Tesla LDU Coolant Deposits Experiment (see updates in description)
มุมมอง 1Kปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I show discuss the rone of deposits in leak formation. *UPDATES* ● Not very scientific I know. *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:43 experiment 1:16 results 2:00 new seal mileage update *See also* sites.google.com/view/teslaldu/home *Disclaimer* This video is for entertainment purposes only. All work you do on your car is at your own risk. *Keywords* Toyota RAV4 2012 2013 2014 Mercedes ...
Tesla Coolant Seal: 2000 mile update
มุมมอง 1.3Kปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I show that the new Chenming seal has not visibly leaked at 2000 miles (~3200 km). *See also* sites.google.com/view/teslaldu/home *Disclaimer* This video is for entertainment purposes only. All work you do on your car is at your own risk. *Keywords* Toyota RAV4 2012 2013 2014 Mercedes B-class Electric Drive Tesla Model S large drive unit LDU motor BEV glycol coolant fluid Zerex...
Tesla Coolant Seal Lip Thickness Analysis (see updates in description)
มุมมอง 1.6Kปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I show that the Tesla Large Drive Unit coolant seal lip was proably not "worn out" at all. Instead, it probably already had a smaller thickness from the start (in the region where it contacts the shaft) due strains induced by manufacturing and installation. Previous video about coolant seal: th-cam.com/video/wwuJc5iBP2M/w-d-xo.html PTFE forming example (a pipe flange, not a sea...
Remote Diagnostics
มุมมอง 2.3K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I will show how to use remote diagnistics to solve the "Check EV system" problem. Learn and do better :-) *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:40 RAV4 EV computer systems, Toyota and Tesla 1:14 Tesla computer description 2:00 Online remote diagnostics schematic 3:02 make custom cable 3:48 other needed components 4:02 configuration of router 4:33 practical setup 5:23 online remote diagnost...
Putting the Tesla motor back in the Toyota RAV4 EV
มุมมอง 1.1K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I put the Tesla Large Drive Unit back into the Toyota RAV4 EV and I reassemble the car back to its original state. But the car does NOT start! Learn and do better :-) *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:32 mount damper to DU 0:47 mount breathers, coolant pipe, speed sensor, wire harness clamp bracket 1:50 mount parking pawl servo 2:02 add gearbox fluid 2:26 *mount motor* 2:59 *first* mou...
Tesla Motor Leak Tests and Final Assembly
มุมมอง 9K2 ปีที่แล้ว
*Updates* There are alignment marks on the rotor spline end face and the gearbox primary shaft. Thanks to TMC member howardc64. Both parts may have been balanced combined. I did not notice the marks nor did I align them. In this episode, I do very basic short term leak testing and the final assembly of the Tesla Drive Unit. Learn and do better :-) *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:10 torqueing the gear...
Assembling the Tesla Gearbox
มุมมอง 5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I assemble the Tesla Large Drive Unit Gearbox. Learn and do better :-) *Updates* 1) Thread *sealant* is probably better for the differential bolts oil-tightness. - Thank you@Paul Young 2) Loctite 648 may not be the correct adhesive for the intermediate shaft bearings but I am not sure. Thanks @Al Savage 3) Use a softer material like brass instead of socket extensions to push be...
Tesla Motor Plumbing Modifications
มุมมอง 9K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I add emergency drains and extra vents to reduce the risk of leaks, amongst others. Learn and do better :-) *Updates* 1) Maybe bonding the brass nipples (does not have a tapered thread) is beter with epoxy because it's mechanically stronger. Thanks to @Al Savage. 2) Some LDU revisions do not even come with a hole behind the speed sensor! *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:13 chamber ove...
Spinning Tesla Rotor for Fun
มุมมอง 8052 ปีที่แล้ว
Spinning the Tesla rotor up to approx. 2000RPM. Can be used for "running in" the bearings and see in excess grease comes out. *See also* sites.google.com/view/teslaldu/home
Tesla Motor Coolant Seal: DIY Failure "Investigation" and Replacement
มุมมอง 12K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I replace the Tesla Coolant seal in the motor. Learn and do better 😀 *Updates* 1) Heat the aluminum manifold in the oven to 250°C before seal insert! Thanks to @TSINED1. Edit: around 125°C (~250F) may be better due to the lower chance of damaging possible adhesives /sealants (between the manifold and the pipe and/or in the seal). Or use a hydraulic press with a helper pipe. 2) ...
Repacking Tesla / SKF Rotor Hybrid Ceramic Bearings
มุมมอง 5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I Repack Tesla / SKF Rotor Hybrid Ceramic Bearings. Learn and do better :-) You can buy small quantities of SKF LGHP 2 grease from me on Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/225191574480 *Timestamps* 0:00 intro; remove front seal from inner bearing 0:48 test if really hybrid ceramic 1:17 bearing inspection 2:27 removed front seal from outer bearing; inspection 2:50 removed back seal from out...
"Potting" a Tesla LDU motor with epoxy to contain future leaks.
มุมมอง 2.5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
*Updates* Do not use acid-based caulks (some may smell like vinegar). They may corrode metals. In this episode, I seal off the connection between motor and inverter. Learn and do better :-) *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:10 remove insulating materials 0:25 explanation how leaked coolant travels to inverter strategy to avoid that 1:05 modify & assemble insulating sleeves 1:35 tape shut opening to mak...
The root cause of Tesla oil seal damage - and how to prevent it.
มุมมอง 3.4K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I analyze why the inner tesla seal between the gearbox and motor failed, and I replace the seal. Learn and do better :-) *Timestamps* 0:00 intro 0:18 loose nut observation 0:42 oil seal inspection and comparison to new 1:04 failure analysis with 3D CAD model 2:02 glue back the nut 2:39 rubber VS teflon (PTFE) seal 3:23 expert seal selection procedure 3:41 dimensional comparison...
Removing rotor and leaking seal from Tesla LDU
มุมมอง 5K2 ปีที่แล้ว
In this episode, I remove the rotor from the Large Drive Unit and the leaking seal from its housing. By brute force. Learn and do better :-) *Updates* Coolant seal removal: ● Possibly a more controlled way ro remove the seal: Drill and mount 2 or 3 regular sheet metal screws (not-self-drilling, non-self-tapping) and pry each. - Thanks to Al Savage ● Drill 2 tiny holes in seal. Next, slowly scre...
Broken seal in Tesla gearbox discovered after 42k miles: Was this to be expected?
มุมมอง 11K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Broken seal in Tesla gearbox discovered after 42k miles: Was this to be expected?
Dropping a Tesla motor - it almost failed.
มุมมอง 1.4K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Dropping a Tesla motor - it almost failed.
Draining transmission fluid and removing axles
มุมมอง 1.1K2 ปีที่แล้ว
Draining transmission fluid and removing axles
Lifting the RAV4 EV for motor drop at home
มุมมอง 7732 ปีที่แล้ว
Lifting the RAV4 EV for motor drop at home
DIY Toyota RAV4 EV Motor Coolant Leak Check
มุมมอง 2.1K2 ปีที่แล้ว
DIY Toyota RAV4 EV Motor Coolant Leak Check
Will this replacement prevent the coolant from killing the motor?
I am looking at using the motor of an LDU in a vertical application. Can you discuss the modifications required to do so? Like the spring seal, I’d imagine needs to be replaced with something stronger since the weight of the rotor would be sitting on it. But now the torque and vibrations would be applied laterally to the bearings. I’m not an engineer in any sense, any guidance is appreciated.
Why not do a coolant delete while you had it out
@@ineu1650 did not exist yet back then
I'm going the coolant delete route next week on my T revision LDU in my P85D. Noone seems to monitor temperatures after coolant delete, guess I'll be the first to keep an eye on it.
@@f36443monitoring: good idea
5:30 A wooden wedge with a slot for the shaft might work. Exactly like removing a chuck that uses a taper mount.
Do you possibly know if the torque settings the same for a model Y front motor 14NM? I can't find anywhere that details the specifications.
@@DarrenWilliams-kk1uf people suggest using the standard engineering torque tables for aluminum for non critical bolts.
I would use caulking on the tape seams so that it doesn't leak through immediately. Then remove the tape and caulking after the epoxy cures
@@elmachinaz yes I agree
Thats super! Btw what do you think of the new LDU bypass / delete kit. I am wondering how long the engine would last without the coolant going through it
@@krisztiankulcsar5579 no data available to make statement but some people have no other choice
Thanks for the great video. The tech I have work on my Model 3 recommends changing the oil and filter every 30k miles in the drive units. (Retired Tesla certified Tech)? He also says that in the annual maintenance is very important to visually inspect the drive units for leaks as well as all the suspension bolts for tightness. He also says that it very, very important to do a weighted wheel alignment as it has been his observation that the factory alignment is not very precise leading to premature tire wear.
Tesla techs retired before GTA 6
@@betahours9416 Not sure what you are referring to?
Please remove your concept to be TESLA!!!!
@@Potet578 What do you mean?
Have you guys considered replacing the dextron 6 with a more premium oil like the red one MT-LV ?
And great work, enjoyed a lot
@@lotfyken2759 No.
@@diyEVguy thank you i did it, i find it more suitable, that one is recommended for the most complicated hyundai double clutch trasmission.
Please do not make like shown in this video!
@@vers21 why exactly?
I'm going to check my T revision motor on my 2013 P85.
I personally wouldn't use epoxy. I'd use RTV as an adhesive. It's water proof and can easily be removed with no damage when needed. Only real drawback is it takes a long time to cure.
Interesting, thanks! I can see your point in context of ageing of the epoxy, higher brittleness, differences in thermal expansion etc.
@@diyEVguyI suggest BEKO's "Gecko Hybrid POP". We use this on wind turbines since decades. Applyable even under water. Non toxic. Nearly does not shrink. After drying it is really like rubber! Much better then RTV silicone.
If I wanted to add a drain at the inverter side, without dropping the engine, do you think it would be feasible? Guessing I should pull the firemans loop first, completely powering off the car, just to be on the safe side, right?
If you disconnect the 12 Volt battery, the 2 HV contactors can't switch on, so 0 Volt at the drive unit. That is enough.
@@Stefan_Dahn Thank you 😊 I must pull the motor soon. The noise is getting Worse 😩
Fantastic stuff! Thanks! ❤
Mine had a thin brownish film. Could it be assembly lube?
Maybe or rust from rotor/stator or grease from bearing or deposits from coolant additives or reaction product of any of the above.
Maybe, or rust from rotor/stator or grease from bearing or deposits from coolant additives or reaction product of any of the above.
What do you think about you creating a thread on TMC forum with pictures etc about your experience?
@@diyEVguy sure I could do that 😊 link/ invite?
@@fatmanbhkbjorn teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/
Seems to be something for the engineers at Tesla to implement. You should work there. Thank you ❤
Awesome job! Thank you ❤
Hey man, love your work ❤ is there any way I can add emergency drain on Tesla LDU without pulling the unit? Got a low whirring noise coming from the DU when accelerating, and I am worried about the seal leaking. Gonna check speed sensor today. Going on a long trip in a couple of days.If it is dry, I suppose the issue could be a bearing, but if not I would like to add drain on inverter side before going on our summer vacation drive.
Maybe this: th-cam.com/video/zVdrrgQc9EM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-lWGg9rBhx9Kf2dr or 113a8f-4f.myshopify.com/products/tesla-ldu-coolant-delete-kit
@@diyEVguy Thank you 😊 adding a drain on inverter side will stop condensation? Or do I Also need vents on the top of the inverter cover?
@@diyEVguy Thank you so much :) I have the car on a ramp now and will check soon - the weep hole below the seal seems to be a great idea. Was wondering about that drain plug you put on the inverter side, though; do you have the excact position I would wanna drill? Was thinking by hand, so I don't go too far in. Also, I will add a hose, like you did.
@@fatmanbhkbjorn I did it for the Toyota (th-cam.com/video/I_T-djy3TqI/w-d-xo.html) - I don't know the ideal location for the Tesla...
@@diyEVguy Thank you! 🙂 I will do it tomorrow, and post video footage. I'll just try to put it approximately where you put it in your other LDU video (if I discover any moisture on the speed sensor).
Very good results! Please, remind me what mileage this RAV4EV has had since the previous repair?
I rebuilt the motor at 99212mi. No leak at 109775mi (this video). Difference is 109775 - 99212 = 10563mi = 17000km
@@diyEVguy Thanks for answert. You install and use software v.1.1.46?
I’ve been wondering, thanks for the update!
Yey.....I've done this update to my Model S LDU....note that EV clinic now uses a German made dual lip Teflon/Carbon seal instead of the Chinese 3 lipped one.
Damn! You must be a real engineer! This seems to be really thought through. Thank you! ❤
I think these units have sealed bearings on the motors. These bearings will fail at some point, I have not seen all your videos, but if you are doing this much work, might as well replace. Also, there is a replacement / update for the coolant bypass tube, better design that avoids the seal failure issue altogether.
Just saw the other video with the bearing repacking. No way those sealed bearings will last 100k miles. Are all Tesla motors designed with sealed bearings? I’d rather change oil than pull that motor every 100k miles.
@@johnstuder847 early models had steel ball rotor bearings. Later they switched to hybrid ceramic bearings.
Yeah and many questions remain. Like will the rotor overheat? Is there enough statistical data from real world experience etc.
What is the trick for removing the rotor. Mine really doesn’t want to come out….
th-cam.com/video/nHN5mrreBdI/w-d-xo.html
It appears that QC charge has a great solution for this isssue.
The parking brake seen here is also used in mercedes with tesla large drive unit
Correct
@@diyEVguy What do you think about the coolant delete option?
@@rienkvandenberg9103 Thoughts: which exact conditions would cause the rotor to overheat and damage when deleting it's cooling? If it only means that you can't abuse the car on a race circuit but all other everyday use is fine, then the deletion is preferred over seal replacement.
@@diyEVguy Someone told me that this motor is only rated for 30kw constant. But peak power is almost 300kw. I think cooling is very important even for daily use if you like to accelerate fast.
Can I just add emergency drains ?
Yes. Still, what you will do then is experimental too.
On my Tesla S the original seal lasted 290.000km. Failed in the last year of warranty. The RMN seal (red) failed after 90.000km only. I have done the drains as per your suggestions and installed the triple lip seal now. The surface of the rotor shaft was in a very good condition. I saw the coolant delete kit from QC Charge but for now i hope the seal will work out ok. A big thank you to you for making these videos and your contributions on the open inverter blog too...a must read for all LDU fans.
you have to use kluber nbu 15
Great video!!
Thank you for creating this channel - I am starting on my nightmare journey using those as a road map)
God Bless You!
Your analysis may be more thorough than by Tesla Engineering and QA, indeed most auto manufacturers. If they were so thorough, perhaps there would be less endemic problems with vehicle designs.
When threading aluminum there's a product called tap magic that is a light cutting oil that's good for aluminum. The stuff you used is designed for cutting steel. A good cheap option though is straight WD-40. I've tapped a lot of holes in aluminum with it and I get good results. A good sharp high quality tap is key. Your recommendation to tap by hand is a good one, and I would not use that combo drill/tap for this. It's very easy to cause damage during power tapping and even skilled machinists are reluctant to do it on anything critical or expensive. These combination drill/tap tools are not good for material that's of any thickness too. A lot of chip material is created from the drill point and then you stack more chips on top of that cutting the thread and the likelihood of something getting caught up in the cutting edge of the tap as it turns increases exponentially. You're almost guaranteed to get galled threads with one on a thick casting like this.
Thanks for the clarification!
I've been wrenching on my own cars for 30+ years and I've found that the best way to drive a seal like this is to just use the flat face of a ball peen hammer and gently tap the seal in walking around the seal to keep it as even as possible. Seal drivers always seem to want to apply too much pressure to one side or the other and I've bent a couple trying to do it that way. I've never had one fail using the gentle tap with a hammer face method. It's interesting to me that these seals fail so readily. Standard water pump seals on ICE cars can run for 100k+ miles without leaking, so based on that I wouldn't expect to see these coolant seals failing any sooner. I'm also thinking of like a rear main seal on an engine because it's much larger diameter than even these LDU motor seals so sfpm on the sealing surface should be equally high, and again they'll run a very long time before failure, and those seals can see 60+ psi of pressure. My truck when I bought it had 190k miles on it and it wasn't even leaking yet. I changed it because the transmission was out of it, but there was no leak yet. I'd be interested to hear from an engineer with expertise in this area with ideas on why this happens in this application.
Thanks for the input. We have done a ton of research about Teflon seals. See also the website in the description for more info.
First of all thank you for step by step videos of your repair process. I am also in process of repair my Rav4EV and currently trying to find all the seals(primary rotor seal, rotor seal on manifold and 2 shaft seals) In your videos I did not see you replace the primary rotor seal. Did you reuse this seal? Much appreciated if you can reply. Thanks
I did. See my other video on that.
@@diyEVguy Your right. You did cover on another video. Thank you.
Awesome bro
Is milling sound related to this?
Dutch man in the states? Groeten!
@@jonitan3584 ja. Not sure if milling is related to a leak. Could be that you have a leak and bearings have been flushed dry and are worn out so that the gears start to grind, but that's all quick speculation.
@@diyEVguy Dank je! ik denk inderdaad dat dat gebeurt is.
Thank you for the video. A bolt that is torqued properly will take more torque to remove it due to friction.
spray welding just for worn bearing journals not suitable for sealing surfaces it makes lips worn for best result laser welding or chrome plating
drill 2 holes in to the nut than treat it m4 and putt a small bronze piece than tighten it with setscrews and also use loctite
find economos machine to order special sealing to update local ask for skf local partner to economos cnc machine
you made a mistake with use epoxy because you stopped the termal reduction of phases that causes overheat on phases just let them open to get cool
don’t use liquid for test we use air for leaks detection first close the inlet than give 2 bar air to systsem than check it with leak detection
Do you put soapy water on the outside to see where it starts foaming? Or just listen for a hissing sound? O wait first you just watch whether the pressure stays the same.
@@diyEVguy can you see my comment please share your email with me