2025-07-02
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.
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).
- Release the Electronic Parking Brake. See Parking Brake - Caliper - Rear - LH (Release)
- Remove the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
-
Inspect LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
for red markings.
NoteIf 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.
-
Remove LH rear brake caliper from
knuckle and hang onto body
Note2x bolts, E18, 83 Nm, Discard after removal, Hand tighten lug nut to secure rotor on early production vehicles
-
Release LH rear upper aft link from
knuckle
Note1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm
-
Install knuckle ball joint replacement
tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for removal
NoteUtilize 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
-
Press out LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball
Joint
NoteBall 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
- Remove Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint from knuckle ball joint replacement tool
- Put on protection gloves
-
Clean LH Rear knuckle
NoteClean surface area where Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint is installed into the knuckle from any debris and oxidation, allow 1 minute dry time
-
Degrease LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball
Joint
NoteClean contact area of Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint and allow 1 minute dry time
-
Apply Loctite on LH Rear Upper Knuckle
Ball Joint
NoteUse one of the following region specific Loctite - EMEA: Loctite 638, NA: Loctite 680NoteTake care not to apply loctite on the rubber seals
-
Position new LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball
Joint to knuckle
NoteEnsure 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
-
Install knuckle ball joint replacement
tool on LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint for Install
NoteUtilize 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
-
Press LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
in
NoteBall 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
- Remove knuckle ball joint replacement tool from LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
-
Clean any excessive Loctite from LH Rear
Upper Knuckle
NoteAllow 1 minute dry time
-
Mark the LH Rear Upper Knuckle Ball
Joint with red paint pen.
NoteMachined surface should be near flush with ball joint. Markings must be on opposite sides (180 degrees).
-
Overlap curing time of Loctite on LH
Rear Upper Knuckle Ball Joint
NoteAllow 30 minutes curing time for Loctite
-
Position LH rear upper aft link to
knuckle
Note1x bolt, 1x nut, 21mm, 134 Nm, Torque at later step
-
Torque bolt securing LH rear upper aft
link to knuckle
Note1x bolt, 21mm, 134 Nm, Mark with paint pen
-
Install LH rear brake caliper onto LH
rear knuckle
Note2x bolt, E18, 83 Nm, Install new bolts, Remove the S-hook from vehicle
- Install the LH rear wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install)
- To disable EPB Service Mode, shift the vehicle into Park.
- 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.