Nitty Gritty Model 3 Details Revealed In New Video

A new video by YouTuber Ingineerix offers a perspective on the Tesla Model 3 few will ever see — the view from underneath. Entitled “Model 3 — The Dark Side,” the video shows the viewer many of the mechanical components of the car after the underside fairings and shields have been removed.

First up, the front of the car is revealed. Since this is a rear wheel drive car (all early Model 3s are RWD only) there is no front drive motor obstructing the view of the camera. The viewer can clearly see the air conditioning compressor encased in its separate housing along with the radiator for the battery pack cooling system. The fan for the cooling system is an engineering tour de force with blades carefully sculpted to provide maximum air flow with minimum noise. Tiny weights can be seen on individual fan blades to keep the entire assembly in perfect balance.

Mounting brackets for the front motor are included in all cars, as well as openings in the front hubs for drive shafts. Curiously, the front struts are mounted directly in the path of those drive shafts, so dual motor versions of the car will need to use an entirely different front strut assembly. Ingineerix notes the top link of the front suspension is made from fiber reinforced plastic — a first in his experience.

Details of the electrically-activated power steering and brake booster systems are clearly visible in the video as well as the dual piston front brake calipers. Channels in the front frame are included to accommodate the power cables that will be needed when a front motor is mounted.

Moving to the rear of the car, Ingineerix films the details of the rear suspension, The rear motor has an external oil filter and an electric pump, presumably to circulate lubricant throughout the motor and gearbox assembly. One comment on the Tesla forum suggests filter change intervals may be on the order of once every million miles!

One detail Ingineerix noticed is that the parking brake actuator operates directly on the rear brake caliper rather than using a separate small caliper as many manufacturers do. It’s all part of Tesla’s commitment to reducing the complexity of automobiles whenever possible.

If you enjoyed this video, be sure to check out Ingineerix’s other Model 3 video that explores the components of the car that live beneath the lining of the frunk. It’s interesting information that the average owner will never see. If there is ever a Part 3 in this series of videos, we will be sure to let you know.