2025-06-04

Ball Joint - Rear - Upper - Rear Knuckle - LH (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 31031812 0.60 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 ServiceManualFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

  • 2025-06-04: Added references to sub-procedures.
  • 2025-02-20: Added note for region specific Loctite.
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Warning
This procedure is a DRAFT. Although it has been validated, Warnings and Cautions might be missing. Follow safety requirements and use extreme caution when working on or near High Voltage systems and components. Provide corrections and feedback to ServiceDevelopment@teslamotors.com.
Important: This procedure requires the availability of 1044454-00-B - RR SUS CABJ and 2130203-00-A - M3/Y Knuckle Ball Joint Replacement Tool. If either part is unavailable, replace the entire knuckle. Refer to Knuckle - Suspension - Rear - LH (Remove and Replace).
  1. Release the Electronic Parking Brake. See Parking Brake - Caliper - Rear - LH (Release)
  2. Remove the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
  3. Inspect LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect for any markings on the Knuckle Ball Joint, if any markings are present No replacement should be performed, Knuckle Ball Joint is a 1 time replaceable part
  4. Remove LH rear brake caliper from knuckle and hang onto body
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    2x bolts, E18, 83 Nm, Discard after removal, Hand tighten lug nut to secure rotor on early production vehicles
  5. Release LH rear upper aft link from knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm
  6. Install knuckle ball joint replacement tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for removal
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Utilize the combination of cups for removal, A - Bushings Receiver, B - Bushings Pusher, C - Remove Washer M3, Ensure cups sit flush to ball joint and knuckle surface, A to C has a key, Install A with recess to corner of the knuckle, Ball joint will only press out towards rear of vehicle, Apply lubricant to threaded rod if dry
  7. Press out LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ball joint should press out with minimal resistance, If met with high resistance inspect for misalignment of tool cups, Utilize windows in receiving cup to monitor progress, Knuckle shown out of vehicle for clarity
  8. Remove Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint from knuckle ball joint replacement tool
  9. Put on protection gloves
  10. Clean LH Rear knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Clean surface area where Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint is installed into the knuckle from any debris and oxidation, allow 1 minute dry time
  11. Degrease LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Clean contact area of Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint and allow 1 minute dry time
  12. Apply Loctite on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use one of the following region specific Loctite - EMEA: Loctite 638, NA: Loctite 680
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Take care not to apply loctite on the rubber seals
  13. Position new LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint to knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ensure ball joint is sitting concentric to the bore, installation is performed from the rear side of the knuckle and ball joint has only 1 orientation of the installation, discard Nitrile Gloves
  14. Install knuckle ball joint replacement tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for Install
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Utilize the combination of cups for Install, A - Bushings Receiver, B - Bushings Pusher, D - Install Washer M3 Ensure cups sit flush to ball joint and knuckle surface, A to D has a key, Install A with the recess aligned with the top line of the knuckle
  15. Press LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint in
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ball joint could be pressed in with some resistance, If met with extreme high resistance inspect for misalignment of tool cups, Utilize notch in installation cup to monitor progress, When nearing end of bore the installation cup may need to be re-aligned to meet machined surface, Verify full installation
  16. Remove knuckle ball joint replacement tool from LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
  17. Clean any excessive Loctite from LH Rear Upper Knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow 1 minute dry time
  18. Mark LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint with paint pen
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    Note
    Machined surface should be near flush with ball joint, Mark with paint pen
  19. Overlap curing time of Loctite on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
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    Note
    Allow 30 minutes curing time for Loctite
  20. Position LH rear upper aft link to knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm, Torque at later step
  21. Torque bolt securing LH rear upper aft link to knuckle
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    Note
    1x bolt, 21mm, 134 Nm, Mark with paint pen
  22. Install LH rear brake caliper onto LH rear knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    2x bolt, E18, 83 Nm, Install new bolts, Remove the S-hook from vehicle
  23. Install the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
  24. To disable EPB Service Mode, shift the vehicle into Park.
  25. Perform test drive
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Per current FRT (00040100) 0.3 hrs, If alignment was adjusted verify tracking, If DAS components were adjusted verify operation, If brakes were serviced perform burnishingRecommended Add correction code 00040100 as needed