12/03/2024 01:05:52

Links - Aft - Lower - LH/RH (Remove and Replace)

Correction Code 31013802

  • 2024-03-12: Added a warning to remind technicians to inspect and test the cutting tool to avoid personal injury.

Special tool to remove the LH/RH lower aft link to subframe cam bolt, if the bolt head is near the HV battery and the nut is toward the front of the vehicle:

  • 1522126-00-A 4" Extended Corner Cut-off Tool, for North America
  • 1522126-01-A 4" Extended Corner Cut-off Tool, for Europe, Middle East, Africa
  • 1522126-02-A 4" Extended Corner Cut-off Tool, for Asia Pacific
  • 1212152-02-A Extended Reach Cut Off Tool, 4in.

Alternatively, an Oscillating Multi-Tool with a carbide teeth blade can be used to cut the bolt.

  • 1732792-00-A Oscillating Multi-Tool, M18

Removal

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
If the vehicle has air suspension, activate "Jack" mode on the touchscreen before raising and supporting the vehicle.
  1. Remove the front LH and RH wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install) .
  2. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  3. Use a 21 mm socket and Torx T40 to break loose the nut that attaches the LH lower aft link 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.
    Figure 1. LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity
  4. Use a 21 mm socket and wrench to remove the bolt and nut that attach the front spring module to the LH lower aft link (torque 140 Nm).
    Figure 2. LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity
  5. Remove and discard the nut and washer that attach the LH lower aft link 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.
    Figure 3. LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity
  6. Use a 21 mm socket and 22 mm wrench to remove the cam bolt and nut that attaches the LH lower aft link to the subframe (torque 130 Nm).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the bolt head is facing towards the HV battery, it cannot be removed without being cut off. Refer to Aft Link (Cut Bolt) before continuing.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The labor for cutting the aft link cam bolt is not included in the labor for replacing the lower aft link. Correction code 31013907 should be added as a separate item on the Repair Order to account for the additional labor.
    Figure 4. Bolt head toward the front of the vehicle and nut near the HV battery (LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity)
  7. Remove the LH lower aft link from the vehicle.
  8. Repeat step 3 through step 7 on the RH side of the vehicle.

Installation

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.
  1. Maneuver the LH aft link into position and then install the cam bolt and nut that attach the LH lower aft link to the subframe. Hand tighten the cam bolt and nut.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Make sure that the bolt head is facing the front of the vehicle if the HV battery was removed for any reason during another repair. Failure to orient the bolt correctly can result in unnecessary increased labor in the future.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The fasteners are torqued later as part of the alignment check.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If a new cam bolt and nut are needed but constrained, use 1608802-00-C (cam) and 1610820-00-B (washer) from Model S/X (2021+) instead.

    2007106 has a shiny washer, 1608802-00-C has a gray dull washer

    Figure 5. Bolt head toward the front of the vehicle and nut near the HV battery (LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity)
  2. Use a 21 mm socket and Torx T40 to install a new nut and washer to attach the LH lower aft link 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.
    Figure 6. LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity
  3. Install the bolt and nut that attach the front spring module to the LH lower aft link. Hand tighten the bolt and nut.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The fasteners are torqued later as part of the alignment check.
    Figure 7. LH shown, RH similar; some components hidden for clarity
  4. Repeat step 1 through step 3 on the RH side of the vehicle.
  5. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  6. Install the front LH and RH wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install) .
  7. Transfer the vehicle to a 4 post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 4 Post Lift .
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Torque the above hand-tightened bolts and nuts.
  8. 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.

Aft Link (Cut Bolt)

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Before cutting the bolt, the cutting tool should be inspected and tested to ensure that it is safe for use.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
When cutting the bolt, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that includes safety goggles, face shield, gloves, dust mask or respirator, protective long sleeve (non-synthetic) shirt, and hearing protection.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
The labor for cutting the aft link cam bolt is not included in the labor for replacing the lower aft link. Correction code 31013907 should be added as a separate item on the Repair Order to account for the additional labor.
  1. Use a 22 mm wrench and 21 mm socket to remove the nut that attaches the LH aft link to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The bolt cannot be removed because the HV battery is blocking it.
  2. Slide the bolt out from the aft link until the bolt head is nearly touching the HV battery. This exposes the body of the bolt, which can be cut to allow the bolt to be removed.
  3. Position the cut-off tool guard between the bolt head and the subframe mount.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Make sure the cut-off tool is not able to cut into the HV battery or subframe.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    The cut-off tool with create a considerable amount of sparks; make sure the surrounding area is free of flammable or combustible items.
    Tip: The guard on the cut-off tool can be adjusted by pressing the lever on the cut-off tool head and rotating the guard.
  4. Use the cut-off tool to cut through the body of the aft link bolt to remove the bolt head.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    When cutting the bolt, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that includes safety goggles, face shield, gloves, dust mask or respirator, protective long sleeve (non-synthetic) shirt, and hearing protection.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    The cut-off tool will be hot. Do not touch the tool with an unprotected hand and avoid placing the cut-off tool on or near combustible or flammable items.
  5. While continuing to wear PPE, use pliers to remove the body of the cam bolt from the aft link and subframe.