2025-12-17

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

Correction code 31031812 0.48 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. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2025-12-9: Added information for updated tools.
  • 2025-10-09: Added caution for tool usage.
  • 2025-08-13: Added part numbers for required chemicals.
  • 2025-06-04: Added references to sub-procedures.
  • 2025-02-20: Added note for region specific Loctite.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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.
Important: This procedure requires the availability of 1044454-00-B - RR SUS CABJ and the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY (part number 2130203-00-A or 2130203-00-B). If any of these parts is unavailable, replace the entire knuckle. Refer to Knuckle - Suspension - Rear - LH (Remove and Replace).
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CAUTION
Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
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Note
When using revision 2130203-00-B of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY, removal of the brake caliper is not necessary.
  • 1044454-00-B - RR SUS CABJ
  • 2130203-00-A or 2130203-00-B - CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY
  • 1025334-00-A - Loctite 680 (North America)
  • 2164041-00-A - Loctite 638 (EMEA)
  1. Remove the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
  2. Inspect LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for red markings.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the red markings are present on opposite sides (180 degrees), do not replace the Knuckle Ball Joint. The Knuckle Ball Joint is a 1 time replaceable part.
  3. Release LH rear upper aft link from knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm
  4. Remove the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball joint using revision 2130203-00-A of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Go to the next step when using revision 2130203-00-B.
    1. 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
    2. Press out LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
      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
    3. Remove Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint from knuckle ball joint replacement tool
    4. Go to step 6.
  5. Remove the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball joint using revision 2130203-00-B of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY.
    1. Remove 1 nut from threaded rod
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Remove the nut and separate from the bearing
    2. Install knuckle ball joint replacement tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for removal
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Install the nut on the receiver cup , Utilize the combination of cups for removal, M3 Bushings Receiver, B - Bushings Pusher, Ensure cups sit flush to ball joint and knuckle surface, And the arrow is aligned with mark on knuckle , Install M3 receiver cup with recess to corner of the knuckle, Ball joint will only press out towards rear of vehicle, Apply lubricant to threaded rod if dry
    3. 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
    4. Remove Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint from knuckle ball joint
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Loosen the nut and remove the receiver cup, then pull the ball joint out of the knuckle
  6. Put on protection gloves
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Apply Loctite on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use the region specific Loctite. For EMEA: Loctite 638. For North America: Loctite 680
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Take care not to apply loctite on the rubber seals
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Allow 30 minutes curing time for Loctite. Continue this procedure, but do not drive the vehicle during the 30 minute curing time.
  10. 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
  11. Install the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball joint using revision 2130203-00-A of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Go to the next step when using revision 2130203-00-B.
    1. 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
    2. Press LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint in
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
      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
    3. Remove knuckle ball joint replacement tool from LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
    4. Go to step 13.
  12. Install the Rear Upper Knuckle Ball joint using revision 2130203-00-B of the CABJ Bushings R&R Tool Kit M3/MY.
    1. Install knuckle ball joint replacement tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for Install
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Remove the nut from M3 receive cup and install on B - pushing cup , Utilize the combination of cups for Install, M3-LH Bushings Receiver, B - Bushings Pusher, Ensure cups sit flush to ball joint and knuckle surface, And the arrow is aligned with mark on Knuckle , Ball joint will only press in towards front of vehicle
    2. Press LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint in
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not use an impact tool or other power tool on the ball joint replacement tool. To prevent damage to the ball joint replacement tool, only use hand tools.
      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
    3. Remove knuckle ball joint replacement tool from LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
  13. Clean any excessive Loctite from LH Rear Upper Knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow 1 minute dry time
  14. Mark the LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint with red paint pen.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Machined surface should be near flush with ball joint. Markings must be on opposite sides (180 degrees).
  15. 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
  16. Torque bolt securing LH rear upper aft link to knuckle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x bolt, 21mm, 134 Nm, Mark with paint pen
  17. Install the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
  18. 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 correction code as a separate activity to the SV. See Alignment Requirement - Suspension.