Upgrade Guide

Tesla Model 3 & Y Suspension Upgrade Guide

If your Model 3 or Model Y rides harsher than you'd like — or you're chasing sharper handling — here's how to think about a factory refresh vs. the popular aftermarket paths.

Start with what's actually wrong

A lot of "the ride got worse" complaints on Model 3 (2017–2023) and Model Y (2020–2023) aren't about the shocks at all — they're worn control-arm ball joints and bushings. Fix those first and the car often feels new again without spending upgrade money.

  • Harsh ride over expansion joints and potholes
  • Front-end squeak or clunk from worn ball joints
  • Body roll or float in fast corners
  • Excess road noise transmitted through the chassis
  • Bottoming out when loaded or over speed bumps

If you have a squeak, clunk, or vague steering, replace the control arms before investing in coilovers. New shocks bolted to worn arms won't fix the root cause.

Path 1 — Factory refresh (best value)

Replace the front lower control arms (and, on higher-mileage cars, the full 6-piece front kit) with OE-spec parts. Ball joints and bushings come pre-installed. You keep the stock ride height and geometry — the car simply feels tight and quiet again. Best fit for daily drivers who want the factory feel back.

Typical spend: $549.95 – $899.95 mobile flat rate, installed. See the Services & Pricing page for exact kits.

Path 2 — MPP (Mountain Pass Performance)

MPP is the enthusiast-favorite tuning house for Model 3 and Model Y. Their comfort coilovers and sway bars soften harshness on rough pavement while tightening body control; their track-oriented kits go the other direction. Fully bolt-in, adjustable ride height, and dyno-tuned specifically for Tesla platforms.

Best fit for owners who want a noticeably better ride than stock and don't mind a mid-four-figure parts spend. Coilover kits typically run $2,500 – $4,000 in parts.

Path 3 — Öhlins Road & Track

Öhlins Road & Track coilovers are the premium option — DFV valving that keeps the ride compliant on the street while still holding the car flat when pushed. Widely regarded as one of the best "does everything" upgrades for Model 3 and Model Y Performance.

Best fit for owners chasing the highest-end street/track compromise. Kits typically run $3,500 – $5,000+ in parts.

Which path should you pick?

If you want…Pick
Squeak gone, factory feel restoredFactory refresh
Softer daily ride than stock, still composedMPP Comfort
Sharper handling, adjustable heightMPP Sport / Öhlins
Best-in-class street + track compromiseÖhlins Road & Track

TSR Mobile focuses on OE-spec control arm and ball joint service — the fix most owners actually need. For full aftermarket coilover installs we'll point you to a trusted local shop and recommend an alignment either way.