03/10/2023 04:13:26

Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 32010102 1.08 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.

  • 2023-10-03: Deleted steps for radiator coolant hoses disconnection.
  • 2023-07-25: Differentiate torque figures for outer bolts that attach the steering gear to the front subframe between 13 mm (27 Nm) and 15 mm (47 Nm) bolts.
  • 2023-07-06: Updated the procedure based on the latest validation.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Vehicles built before March 25th, 2019 have 1st generation front subframes. Vehicles built on March 25th, 2019 and after have 2nd generation front subframes. 1st generation subframes require special M8 bolts (torque 27 Nm) to install 2nd generation steering racks. Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog for the latest information. 2nd generation subframes cannot accommodate 1st generation (discontinued) steering racks. A 2nd generation steering rack must be installed.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications:Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
75 Nm (55.3 lbs-ft)
  • 18 mm socket
  • 6 in extension
Reuse
Outer bolts (13 mm) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
27 Nm (19.9 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  • 11 in extension
Reuse
Outer bolts (15 mm) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
  • 15 mm socket
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  • 11 in extension
Reuse
Bolts that attach the underhood storage unit bracket to the cooling fan assembly
16 Nm (11.8 lbs-ft)
  • 10 mm socket
  • 2 in extension
Reuse
Nut that attaches the tie rod end to the knuckle
180 Nm (132.7 lbs-ft)
  • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
  • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
  • 3 in extension
Replace
Jamb nut onto the outer tie rod end.
80 Nm (59.0 lbs-ft)
  • Combination 12pt 21 mm wrench
  • Wheel alignment torque wrench kit
 Reuse
Bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column
18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
Reuse

Remove

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  2. Remove the wheel cap, if equipped. See Cap - Wheel (Remove and Replace).
  3. Loosen the lug nuts.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Use only hand tools to remove or install the fasteners. Do not use impact or power tools.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Use a 6 point socket. Do not use a 12 point socket or a specialty socket.
  4. Open all doors and fully lower all windows.
  5. Remove the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).
  6. Move the driver seat rearward.
  7. Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
  8. Using the steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel into position.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Protect the seat from damage.
  9. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  10. Remove the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  11. Disconnect 12V power. See12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  12. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  13. Remove the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  14. Slide the electric steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
    Tip: Wiggle the steering column or use a deadblow hammer for ease of removal.
  15. Remove the front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  16. Remove and discard the nut that attaches the RH tie rod end to the RH front suspension knuckle, and then remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 3 in extension
  17. Loosen the jamb nut to the LH outer tie rod end.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Combination 12pt 21 mm wrench
    • Wheel alignment torque wrench kit
  18. Remove and discard the nut that attaches the LH tie rod end to the LH front suspension knuckle, and then remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 3 in extension
  19. Remove the LH tie rod end from the steering gear assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Record the number of turns during removal.
  20. Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height.
  21. Use an open-ended wrench to rotate clockwise to fully compress the LH side of the steering gear assembly.
  22. Remove the fasteners that attach the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket to the vehicle, and then remove the bracket from the vehicle.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
    • 2 in extension
  23. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Recommend an assistant to support the cooling fan module assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
  24. Move the cooling fan module assembly away from the steering gear assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Take care not to damage the surrounding components.
  25. Release the connector locks, disconnect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then move the 12V steering gear harness aside for clearance.
  26. Release the connector locks, and then disconnect the logic connectors below the steering gear.
  27. Remove the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Tip: Depending on the dimension of the bolts used. Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
    or:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
  28. Remove the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
  29. Slide the steering gear assembly to the RH side of the vehicle to remove it through the underhood storage area.

Install

  1. Loosen the jamb nut to the LH tie rod end on the new steering gear assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm combination wrench
    • 14 mm combination wrench
  2. Remove the LH outer tie rod end from the new steering gear assembly.
  3. With assistance, fully disperse the pressure of the steering rack to the RH side.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Combination 12pt 15 mm wrench
  4. Position the steering gear assembly into the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Position the RH side of the steering gear assembly into the underhood storage area first, and then slide the LH side into the vehicle.
  5. Loosely install the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
  6. Install the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe. For older M3 vehicles with 13 mm bolts:
    27 Nm (19.9 lbs-ft)
    For newer M3 vehicles with 15 mm bolts:
    47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
    or:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
  7. Tighten the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    75 Nm (55.3 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
  8. Position the fan assembly back into its original position.
  9. Use an open-ended wrench counterclockwise to decompress the LH side of the steering gear assembly and verify both LH and RH tie rod ends are evenly distributed as possible.
  10. Slide the electric steering column downward to install it onto the steering gear assembly.
    Tip: Make sure the intermediate shaft is aligned and fully seated.
  11. Install the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.
    18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  12. Connect the logic connectors below the steering gear, and then engage the connector locks.
  13. Connect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then engage the connector locks.
  14. Install the radiator inlet hose onto the superbottle, and then fasten the clip that attaches the hose to the superbottle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Place absorbent material below the hose to avoid coolant on the steering gear connections.
  15. Install the radiator outlet hose onto the superbottle, and then fasten the clip that attaches hose to the superbottle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Place absorbent material below the hose to avoid coolant on the steering gear connections.
  16. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.
    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Recommend an assistant to support the cooling fan module assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
  17. Position the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket onto the cooling fan, and then install the fasteners that attach the bracket to the assembly.
    16 Nm (11.8 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
    • 2 in extension
  18. Connect 12V power. See12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  19. Install the front underhood storage. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  20. Install the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  21. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  22. Partially raise the vehicle.
  23. Position the RH tie rod end onto the RH front knuckle, and then install a new nut that attaches the tie rod and to the knuckle.
    180 Nm (132.7 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 3 in extension
  24. Install the LH tie rod end to the steering gear assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Record the number of turns during removal.
  25. Install a new nut that attaches the LH tie rod end to the LH front suspension knuckle.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 3 in extension
  26. Tighten the jamb nut onto the LH outer tie rod end.
    80 Nm (59.0 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Combination 12pt 21 mm wrench
    • Wheel alignment torque wrench kit
  27. Install the wheel cap, if equipped. See Cap - Wheel (Remove and Replace).
  28. Install the front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  29. Remove the steering wheel holder and steering wheel level from the vehicle.
  30. Install the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).
  31. Move the front seats to the original positions.
  32. Reinstall firmware via touchscreen. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  33. Raise all windows and close all doors.
  34. Remove the vehicle from the lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  35. Refer to the Alignment Requirement tables to determine whether an EPAS alignment check (EC) or four wheel alignment check (AC) is necessary. If performed, add the alignment check/adjust as a separate activity. See Alignment Requirement - Suspension.