Tesla Model S: Driveshaft Assembly - Front - LH (Remove and Replace)

Special tools required for this procedure:

1. Position the vehicle in preparation for raising it, but keep the vehicle at ground level at this time.
2. Remove the underhood storage unit (refer to procedure).
3. Release the 2 hook-and-loop straps that secure the RH section of the acoustic cover onto the front drive unit.
4. Remove the front LH wheel (refer to procedure).
5. Remove the front LH axle nut (torque 205 Nm).
6. Restrain the tie rod ball joint pin, then remove the nut that secures the tie rod end to the knuckle (torque 103 Nm).

   Caution: To prevent ball joint damage, always hold the ball joint pin with a wrench while loosening or tightening the lock nut.

   

7. Working in the LH wheelwell, release the rubber grommets that secure the front wheel speed sensor harness to the body (x2) and the knuckle (x1).

   

8. Remove the bolt and nut that secure the knuckle to the upper control arm ball joint (torque 60 Nm).

   

9. Disconnect the upper control arm from the knuckle.

   

10. Remove the front skid plate (refer to procedure).
11. Near the RH side of the drive unit gear box, release the clips that secure the coolant hose to the subframe. This provides additional access to drain the gearbox fluid in a later step.
12. Pull back the acoustic cover to provide access to the drain plug.
13. Prepare a suitable container to catch the gearbox fluid in the next step.
14. Remove the drain plug (torque 28 Nm). Allow the gearbox fluid to completely drain from the drive unit.
15. Remove and discard the bolt that secures the sway bar to the sway bar end links (torque 70 Nm).  

    

16. Remove the bolt and nut that secure the shock absorber to the rear lower control arm (torque 140 Nm). Caution: Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position. Caution: During reinstallation, ensure that this bolt is torqued while the vehicle is in ride height position.
17. Release the driveshaft from the hub.
18. Use the axle extractor to remove the axle from the drive unit.

Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:

Caution: Replace all Patchbolt(s).

Caution: Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position.

Fill the drive unit with the correct amount of proper fluid:

• Use the fluid specified in General Information > Fluids and Capacities > Fluids.
• Use the amount specified in General Information > Fluids and Capacities > Fluid Capacities. Caution: Use exactly the specified amount of gear oil.
• When installing the driveshaft into the drive unit:
  • Ensure that the opening of the snap ring is facing towards the bottom of the drive unit.
  • Do not damage or displace the oil seal.
  • Verify that the driveshaft is fully seated by carefully pushing it into the drive unit until there is an audible "click" from the snap ring.

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