Front Drive Unit Assembly - Front Drive Unit (Remove and Install)
Correction code 3901049111 FRT 2.46 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the above correction code and FRT reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. To provide feedback on FRT values, email LaborTimeFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.
- 2024-10-16: Updated torque values for subframe fasteners.
- 2024-03-28: Added missing steps for remove/install upper control arm to knuckle and disconnect/connect coolant hoses.
Remove
- Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
- Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
- Open the powered frunk.
- Place the vehicle into Service Mode. See Service Mode.
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On the vehicle touchscreen, navigate to quick controls > Service mode > Diagnostics > Thermal to access the thermal system routines.
NoteAuthorize routines by holding right turn signal, pressing brake pedal for 10 seconds with key on the phone dock.
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Touch Coolant System to enter coolant circuit screen. Touch Coolant Fill/Drain and then "PROC_VCFRONT_X_START-THERMAL-FILL-DRAIN-COOLANT' window appears. Touch Run.
NoteVerify indicator displays green for Coolant readiness.NoteThermal Fill Drain routine has a 50 minute time limit.
- Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Trim - Rear Apron Assembly (Remove and Install).
- Disconnect MV power. See Disconnect MV Power.
- Remove the frunk assembly. See Frunk Assembly (Remove and Install).
- Remove the front center applique. See Front Grille and Applique - Front Center Applique Assembly (Remove and Install).
- Remove the front fascia. See Front Bumper Fascia - Front Fascia (Remove and Install).
- Position a coolant catcher below the RH front of the vehicle.
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Release the spring clip, disconnect the radiator outlet hose from the radiator, and then plug the fittings.
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Release the spring clip, disconnect the radiator inlet hose from the radiator, and the plug the fittings.
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Release the spring clip, disconnect the powertrain supply hose from the Supermanifold, and then plug the fittings.
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Release the spring clip, disconnect the powertrain return hose, and then release the mounting clip and plug the fittings.
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Release the temperature sensor from the CFM, and then disconnect the electrical connector.
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Release the connector lock, and then disconnect the louver electrical connector.
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Release the harness clips (x5) and grommet that attach the harness to the CFM, and then pull the harness through from the frunk area.
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Remove the lower bolts (x2) that attach the CFM to the vehicle.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
- Remove the LH and RH front wheel caps. See Wheel Cover - Front - LH (Remove and Install).
- Remove the LH and RH front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
- Remove the front aeroshield. See Undertray - Front Aeroshield (Remove and Install).
- Perform Vehicle HV Disablement procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure.
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Remove the bolt that attaches the front drive unit HV harness to the front drive unit.
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Disconnect the front drive unit HV harness connector.
NoteRelease the locking tab, and then rotate the release lever up to disengage the connector.CAUTIONDo not force the release lever up.NoteMake sure the alignment tabs on the FDU header are not damaged.
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Remove the bolts (x2) and release the clip that attach the RH front wheel liner to the HV battery chinstrap.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
- Position the coolant drain container underneath the RH front of the HV battery.
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Disconnect the powertrain supply and return hoses.
Notex2 spring clips, x2 clipsNotePlug the hoses.
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Disconnect the Cooling Fan Module (CFM) electrical connectors (x2).
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With assistance, remove the bolts (x2) that attach the fore crossmember to the front subframe, and then remove the crossmember from the vehicle.NotePush up on the CFM to aid in releasing the crossmember. Use a hammer, if needed.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
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Remove the upper bolts (x4) that attach the CFM to the vehicle.NoteThe upper fasteners are accessible from the frunk area.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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With assistance, remove the CFM through the bottom of the vehicle.
NoteMake sure the electrical harness is not pinched during removal.
- Partially lower the vehicle.
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Disconnect the steering rack electrical connectors (x4).
NoteRelease the locking tabs.
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Disconnect the front drive unit harness connector.
Notex1 harness clipNoteRelease the locking tab.
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Disconnect the front drive unit breather.
Notex1 breather hose
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Release the front end harness from the front subframe.
Notex2 stud clips
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Remove the bolt that attaches the LH front brake hose bracket to the knuckle. Repeat this step for the RH front brake hose bracket.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm deep socket
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Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the LH front caliper to the knuckle, and then set the caliper aside with an S-hook. Repeat this step for the RH front caliper.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 24 mm socket
NoteThe rotor will be loose until the caliper is installed. -
Remove the LH front brake rotor from the hub. Repeat this step for the RH front brake rotor.
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Disconnect the LH chassis jumper harness from the knuckle. Repeat this step for the RH chassis jumper harness.
Notex3 connectors, x3 harness clips, x1 grommetNoteRelease the locking tabs.
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Remove the bolts (x3) that attach the LH lower control arm shield. Repeat this step for the RH lower control arm shield.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the LH damper to the lower control arm. Repeat this step for the RH damper.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 21 mm socket
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Remove the nut that attaches the LH front upper control arm to the knuckle. Repeat this step for the RH side of the vehicle.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
NoteUse a step ladder as needed. - Fully raise the vehicle.
- Move the subframe lifting tool underneath the front subframe area.
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Connect air supply to the subframe lifting tool.
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Placeholder - Position and support the front subframe with the subframe lifting tool.
NoteRecommend assistanceNoteSecure the front subframe to subframe lifting tool with straps.
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Position the rear FDU support posts to the front drive unit.
NoteBoth FDU supports need to engage the front drive unit. The left side post is dimpled and fits into a recess on the front drive unit, and the right side post has a Teflon block that sits against the front drive unit. Both posts are threaded and the handle should be turned until the posts are tight.
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Remove the bolt that attach the ground strap to the HV battery chinstrap.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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Remove the bolt that attaches the RH FDU mount.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- External Torx E18
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Remove the bolt that attaches the LH FDU mount.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- External Torx E18
NoteAccess through the hole in the HCU bracket. -
Remove the front subframe bolts.
Note2x bolts, 24mm, 220 Nm, 2x bolts, 21mm, 220 Nm, 4x bolts, 24mm, 215 Nm, Rearmost four bolts with stud have lower torque value of 215 Nm
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Lower the front subframe from the vehicle.
NoteRecommend assistance.NoteWatch for any missed connections or trapped harnesses when lowering the front subframe.
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Disconnect the air supply from the subframe lifting tool.
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Remove the subframe lifting tool from under the vehicle.
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Remove the powertrain supply hose from the front drive unit and the front subframe.
Notex1 spring clip, x2 clipsNoteRelease from lower inverter port, and then set it aside.
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Remove the powertrain return hose from the front drive unit.
Notex1 spring clipNoteRelease from the heat exchanger, and then set it aside.
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Remove the front drive unit harness.
Notex4 connectors, x10 harness clipsNoteRelease locking tabs.NoteRelease inverter connector lock, and then pivot lever out to release.
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Release halfshafts from the front drive unit.
NoteShift the front drive unit as required to allow halfshafts to clear the front drive unit.
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Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the front drive unit gearcase mount.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
NoteShift the front drive unit rearward if tools become jammed once released. -
Position the drive unit stand underneath the gantry.
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Attach the drive unit sling tool to the drive unit.
Notex3 hooks
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Secure the drive unit sling to the gantry.
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Raise the sling to lift the drive unit out of the front subframe.
NoteRecommend assistance.NotePull the drive unit rearwards to clear the steering gear.NoteRotate as required to clear the halfshafts.
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Position the empty drive unit crate below the drive unit.
NoteMay need to adjust sling.NoteUse the pallet if no empty crate is available.
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Lower the drive unit into the drive unit crate.
NoteUse the pallet if no empty crate is available.
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Remove the lifting sling from the drive unit.
Notex3 hooks
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Attach the drive unit sling tool to the drive unit.
Notex3 hooks
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Secure the drive unit sling to the gantry.
Install
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Raise the front drive unit out of the drive unit crate.
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Lower sling to position the front drive unit into the front subframe.
NoteRecommend assistance.NotePosition the front drive unit to clear the steering gear.NoteRotate as required to clear the halfshafts.
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Position the rear FDU support posts to the front drive unit.
NoteBoth FDU supports need to engage the front drive unit. The left side post is dimpled and fits into a recess on the front drive unit, and the right side post has a Teflon block that sits against the front drive unit. Both posts are threaded and the handle should be turned until the posts are tight.
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Remove the lifting sling from the front drive unit.
Notex3 hooks
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Install the bolts (x2) that attach the front drive unit gearcase mount.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
NoteShift the front drive unit as required to align. -
Install the halfshafts to the front drive unit.
NoteShift the front drive unit as required to allow halfshafts to clear the front drive unit.NoteVerify that an audible click is heard as the circlip engages.
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Install the front drive unit harness.
Notex4 connectors, x10 harness clipsNoteEngage the locking tabs.NotePivot inverter connector lever to engage.
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Install the powertrain return hose to the front drive unit.
Notex1 spring clip
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Install the powertrain supply hose to the front drive unit and the front subframe.
Notex1 spring clip, x2 clips
- Position the subframe lifting tool and front subframe under the vehicle.
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Connect shop air supply to the powertrain table.
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Raise the drive unit and front subframe into position.
CAUTIONDo not damage components while raising the front subframe.
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Install the front subframe bolts.
Note2x bolts, 24mm, 220 Nm, 2x bolts, 21mm, 220 Nm, 4x bolts, 24mm, 215 Nm, Rearmost four bolts with stud have lower torque value of 215 Nm
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Install the LH FDU mount bolt.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- External Torx E18
NoteAccess through the hole in the HCU bracket. -
Install the RH FDU mount bolt.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- External Torx E18
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Install the bolt that attach the ground strap to the HV battery chinstrap.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
- Remove the subframe lifting tool from under the vehicle.
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Disconnect the air supply from the subframe lifting tool.
- Partially lower the vehicle.
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Install the nut that attaches the RH front upper control arm to the knuckle. Repeat this step for the LH side of the vehicle.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
NoteUse a step stool as needed. -
Install the bolts (x2) that attach the RH damper to the lower control arm. Repeat this step for the LH damper.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 21 mm socket
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Remove the bolts (x3) that attach the RH lower control arm shield. Repeat this step for the LH lower control arm shield.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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Secure the RH chassis jumper harness to the knuckle. Repeat this step for the LH chassis jumper harness.
Notex3 connectors, x3 harness clips, x1 grommetNoteEngage the locking tabs.
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Install the RH front brake rotor. Repeat this step for the LH front brake rotor.
NoteThe rotor will be loose until the caliper is installed.
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Install the bolts (x2) that attach the RH front caliper to the knuckle. Repeat this step for the LH front caliper.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 24 mm socket
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Install the bolt that attaches the RH front brake hose bracket to the knuckle. Repeat this step for the LH front brake hose bracket.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm deep socket
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Position the RH front wheel onto the vehicle, and then install and hand tighten the lug nuts. Repeat this step for the LH front wheel.
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Secure the front end harness to the front subframe.
Notex2 stud clips
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Connect the front drive unit breather.
Notex1 breather hose
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Connect the front drive unit harness connector.
Notex1 harness clipNoteEngage locking tab.
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Connect steering rack electrical connectors (x4).
NoteEngage locking tabs.
- Raise the vehicle fully.
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With assistance, position the CFM into the vehicle.
NoteInstall the CFM from the bottom of the vehicle.NoteMake sure the electrical harness is not pinched during installation.
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Position the fore crossmember into the vehicle, and then install the bolts (x2) that attach the fore crossmember to the front subframe.NoteLift the CFM away from the beam to aid in clearance.NoteInstall the beam by sliding it rewards.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
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Connect the CFM electrical connectors (x2), and then engage the connector locks.
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Install the upper bolts (x4) that attach the CFM to the vehicle.NoteThe upper fasteners are accessible from the frunk area.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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Connect powertrain supply and return hoses.
Note2x spring clips, 2x clips, Remove plugs from hoses
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Install the bolts (x2) and fasten the clip that attach the RH front wheel liner to the HV battery chinstrap.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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Install the front drive unit HV harness.
Notex1 bolt, 10 mm, 10 NmNoteMake sure the locking tab engages.
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Install the mid aero shield.
Notex6 clips; x3 bolts, 15 mm, 70 Nm; x3 bolts, 13 mm, 28 Nm; x2 bolts, 10 mm, 6 NmNoteApply Loctite 222 onto mid aero shield bolts and install fasteners.
- Install the front aeroshield. See Undertray - Front Aeroshield (Remove and Install).
- Install the LH and RH front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
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Install the lower bolts (x2) that attach the CFM to the vehicle.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
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Feed the electrical harness through the frunk area, and then secure the harness clips (x5) and grommet that attach the harness to the CFM.
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Connect the louver electrical connector, and then engage the connector lock.
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Connect the temperature sensor electrical connector, and then secure the connector to the vehicle.
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Connect powertrain return hose.
Note1x spring clip, 1x mounting clip
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Connect powertrain supply hose from supermanifold.
Note1x spring clip, Plug hose
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Connect the radiator inlet hose to the radiator, and then secure the spring clip.
NotePerform a push-pull-push test to ensure the hose is fully engaged.
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Connect the radiator outlet hose to the radiator, and then secure the spring clip.
NotePerform a push-pull-push test to ensure the hose is fully engaged.
- Install the front fascia. See Front Bumper Fascia - Front Fascia (Remove and Install).
- Install the front center applique. See Front Grille and Applique - Front Center Applique Assembly (Remove and Install).
- Refill the cooling system. See Cooling System (Vacuum Refill).
- Reconnect MV power. See Disconnect MV Power.
- Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
- Remove the vehicle from the lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
- Raise the LH front window and close the LH front door.
- Review wheel alignment requirements and add correction code as needed.