2025-03-12

Liftgate Hinge - LH (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 1133050302 FRT 0.00 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 LaborTimeFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications:Liftgate Hinge - LH (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Bolts (x2) that attach the LH liftgate hinge to the liftgate
24 Nm (17.7 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
 Reuse
Inner nut that attaches the LH liftgate hinge to the vehicle
24 Nm (17.7 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
 Reuse
Outer side nut that attaches the LH liftgate hinge to the body
24 Nm (17.7 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
 Reuse

Remove

  1. Remove the rear headliner panel. See Rear Headliner (Remove and Replace).
  2. Carefully release the clip that attaches the LH rear lower section of the headliner to the vehicle.
  3. Apply masking tape to the area surrounding the liftgate hinge on the body and door to aid in alignment during installation.
  4. Use a telescoping hood prop to support the liftgate.
  5. Release the clip that attaches the upper end of the trunk power strut to the upper trunk lid ball stud.
  6. Place an inflatable air bag between the liftgate and the roof glass and then inflate it.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    This is to prevent the liftgate from directly pressing against the roof glass, causing damage to the glass.
  7. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the LH liftgate hinge to the liftgate.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  8. Remove the inner nut that attaches the LH liftgate hinge to the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  9. Apply masking tape to the LH side of the liftgate hinge on the body to protect the paint.
  10. Place a protective pad to the 2nd row LH seat backrest.
  11. Use the air saw to cut the inner side bolt on the LH liftgate hinge.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Cut 9mm upwards from the bottom of the bolt, and be careful not to apply too much force towards the end of the cut.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Wear proper PPE to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.
  12. Remove the masking tape from the LH side of the liftgate hinge on the body.
  13. Remove the outer side nut that attaches the LH liftgate hinge to the body.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  14. Remove the LH liftgate hinge from the vehicle as follows:
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Take care not to damage the glass.
    1. Slowly lift the LH side of the hinge to remove the inner bolt from the body.
    2. Rotate the LH side of the hinge ~30 degree clockwise.
    3. Slowly lift the RH side of the hinge to remove the outer bolt from the body.
    4. Remove the LH liftgate hinge from the vehicle.
  15. Remove the old spacers from the vehicle.

Install

  1. Position the LH liftgate hinge to the vehicle as follows:
    1. Install the outer bolt of the hinge to the body.
    2. Rotate the LH side of the hinge ~30 degree counterclockwise to install the inner bolt of the hinge.
  2. Hand-tighten the nuts (x2) that attach the LH liftgate hinge to the body.
  3. Hand-tighten the bolts (x2) that attach the LH liftgate hinge to the liftgate.
  4. Deflate the inflatable air bag, and then remove it from between the liftgate and the roof glass.
  5. Install the clip that attaches the upper end of the trunk power strut to the upper trunk lid ball stud.
  6. Remove the telescoping hood prop from the liftgate.
  7. Close the liftgate and verify the fitment is within specification.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Refer to CVIS for specifications.
  8. Open the liftgate and make adjustments if necessary.
  9. Tighten the bolts (x2) that attach the LH liftgate hinge to the liftgate.
    24 Nm (17.7 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  10. Tighten the nuts (x2) that attach the LH liftgate hinge to the body.
    24 Nm (17.7 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  11. Shake the touch up paint, and then apply the paint to the LH liftgate hinge nuts and bolts. Wait for some time to dry.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow the first coat to dry for 20 minutes before applying a second coat, if necessary.
  12. Install the clip that attaches the LH rear lower section of the headliner to the vehicle.
  13. Remove the rear headliner panel. See Rear Headliner (Remove and Replace).
  14. Remove the protective pad from the 2nd row LH seat backrest.
  15. Remove the masking tape from the vehicle.
  16. Close the liftgate.