23/01/2023 10:43:05

Subframe Assembly - Front - 1st Generation (Remove and Install)

Correction Code 30010301

Special tools required for this procedure:

Supplier Part Number Description
Tesla 1021241-00-B Subframe Fixture, Rear, MDLS
Tesla 1021242-00-C Subframe Fixture, Front Jig - MDLS
This procedure is for vehicles built through April 24, 2019. For vehicles built after April 24, 219, see (refer to procedure).

Remove

  1. If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension:
    1. Activate "Jack" mode (refer to procedure).
    2. Depressurize the air suspension system (refer to procedure).
  2. Center the steering wheel, and then install the steering wheel holder. Make sure that the front road wheels are in a straight ahead position.
  3. Remove the HV Battery (refer to procedure).
  4. Remove the front skid plate (refer to procedure).
  5. Remove both front wheels (refer to procedure).
  6. On each side of the vehicle, remove and discard the nut that attaches the tie rod end to the knuckle and disconnect the tie rod (torque 104 Nm).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    To prevent ball joint damage, always hold the ball joint pin with a wrench while loosening or tightening the lock nut.
  7. On each side of the vehicle, remove and discard the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar end link to the stabilizer bar (torque 70 Nm).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    To prevent ball joint damage, always hold the ball joint pin with a wrench while loosening or tightening the lock nut.
  8. On each side of the vehicle, remove and discard the nuts that attach the fore and aft lower links to the knuckle (torque 195 Nm).
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    To prevent ball joint damage, always hold the ball joint pin with a wrench while loosening or tightening the lock nut.
  9. On each side of the vehicle, remove the bolt that attaches the strut to the aft lower link (torque 140 Nm).
  10. On each side of the vehicle, mark witness lines on the bolts that attach the fore and aft lower links to the subframe. Remove the bolts and remove the lower links from the vehicle (torque 130 Nm).
  11. Mark a witness line on the steering shaft and steering gear input shaft. Remove the bolt that attaches the lower steering shaft to the steering gear (torque 30 Nm). Separate the lower steering shaft from the steering gear.
  12. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the chiller to the subframe (torque 12 Nm).
  13. Disconnect the low voltage harness from battery coolant pump 1.
  14. Remove battery coolant pump 1 from the bracket on the subframe and set the pump aside.
  15. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the steering gear.
  16. On each side of the vehicle, remove the bolt (torque 20 Nm) that attaches the condenser fan module bracket to the subframe.
  17. Install the front subframe jig onto the subframe fixture.
  18. Install the locating pins into the forward holes on the subframe fixture.
  19. Have an assistant lower the vehicle. Guide the front subframe onto the fixture.
  20. Remove the bolts (x4) that attach the subframe to the body (80 Nm for bolts that attach the front stabilizer bar mount to the body, and 115 Nm for bolts that attach the front subframe to the body).
  21. Slowly raise the vehicle. As the vehicle is being raised, move battery coolant pump 1 and its hoses underneath the stabilizer bar to provide clearance.
  22. On each side of the vehicle, reinstall the condenser fan module bracket to provide support for the condenser fan module.

Installation

Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Replace all patchbolt(s).
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Replace all nylon-insert locknuts.
  1. Refill and bleed the cooling system (refer to procedure).
  2. Install all components that were removed for access, except for the following:
    • Front aero shield
    • Mid aero shield
  3. After installing all suspension components, pull on the inner halfshaft cup to confirm that the circlip is locked into place. If the halfshaft detaches from the drive unit then reinstall the halfshaft and then test that it is fully seated.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If reinstalling the halfshaft:
    • Take care not to damage or displace the oil seals.
    • Make sure that the opening of the snap rings are facing towards the bottom of the drive unit.
    • Carefully push the halfshaft into the drive unit until there is an audible "click" from the halfshaft stub contacting the pinion shaft.
    • There will be a slight pulling sensation on the halfshaft as the halfshaft circlip locks into place.
  4. Perform a Lock To Lock-Angle test. See Lock To Lock-Angle Test.
  5. Transfer the vehicle to a 4-post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 4 Post Lift.
  6. Torque the front suspension components.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position.
  7. 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.