03/10/2023 04:13:26

Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 32010102 0.96 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.

  • 2023-09-07: Added conditionals for RHD vehicles.
  • 2023-05-04: Updated procedure. Coolant drainage is no longer necessary.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Vehicles built before March 25th, 2019 have 1st generation front subframes. Vehicles built on March 25th, 2019 and after have 2nd generation front subframes. 1st generation subframes require special M8 bolts (torque 27 Nm) to install 2nd generation steering racks. Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog for the latest information. 2nd generation subframes cannot accommodate 1st generation (discontinued) steering racks. A 2nd generation steering rack must be installed.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications:Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
75 Nm (55.3 lbs-ft)
  • 18 mm socket
  • 6 in extension
Reuse
Outer bolts (15 mm) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
  • 15 mm socket
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  • 11 in extension
Reuse
Bolts that attach the underhood storage unit bracket to the cooling fan assembly
48 Nm (35.4 lbs-ft)
  • External Torx Plus EP14
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  • 3 in extension
Reuse
Bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column
18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
Reuse

Remove

  1. Open the LH front door and fully lower the LH front window.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  3. Set the steering wheel.
    • LHD - Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
    • RHD - Set the steering fully to the left.
  4. Using the steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel into position.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Protect the seat from damage.
  5. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  6. Disconnect 12V power. See12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  7. Remove the front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  8. Remove the LH and RH tie rod ends. See Tie Rod End - LH (Remove and Replace).
  9. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Non-Structural Pack) (Remove and Replace).
  10. Remove the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the intermediate shaft assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  11. Slide the electric steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
  12. Release the connector locks, and then disconnect the logic connectors below the steering gear.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    DO NOT push down on the red locking tab. Pull the tab away from the connector until the connector is unlocked, and then continue pulling to release the connector.
    Figure 1. Logic connector location
  13. Lower the vehicle so that the tires are just above the ground.
  14. Remove the bolts that attach the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket to the vehicle, and then slide the bracket rearward for clearance.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx Plus EP14
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 3 in extension
  15. RHD Vehicles Only - Remove the bolts that attach the lower LH and RH of the cooling fan module to the front end carrier.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    With assistance, lift up on the cooling fan module to ease the removal of the bolts.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 4 in extension
  16. Use a bungee cord to position the cooling fan module away from the steering rack.
  17. Release the connector locks, disconnect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then move the 12V steering gear harness aside for clearance.
  18. Remove the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
  19. Remove the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
  20. Slide the steering gear assembly to the RH side of the vehicle, and then remove it through the underhood storage unit opening.

Install

  1. Loosen the jamb nut to the LH and RH tie rod ends on the new steering gear assembly
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm combination wrench
    • 14 mm combination wrench
  2. Remove the LH and RH outer tie rod ends from the new steering gear assembly.
  3. With assistance, fully disperse the pressure of the steering rack to the RH side.
    Tip: This will aid in positioning the steering rack in the vehicle for installation.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm 12pt combination wrench
  4. Position the steering gear assembly into the vehicle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Position the RH side of the steering gear assembly into the underhood storage area first, and then slide the LH side into the vehicle.
  5. Loosely install the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
  6. Install the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
  7. Tighten the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    75 Nm (55.3 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
  8. Connect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then engage the connector locks.
  9. Remove the bungee cords, and then return the fan and radiator assembly back to its original position.
  10. RHD Vehicles Only - Install the bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.
    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Recommend an assistant to support the cooling fan module assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 4 in extension
  11. Position the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket onto the cooling fan, and then install the bolts that attach the bracket to the assembly.
    48 Nm (35.4 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx Plus EP14
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 3 in extension
  12. Partially raise the vehicle.
  13. Install the LH and RH tie rod ends. See Tie Rod End - LH (Remove and Replace).
  14. Raise the vehicle fully.
  15. Slide the electric steering column downward to install it into the steering gear assembly.
  16. Install the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the intermediate shaft assembly.
    18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
  17. Connect the logic connectors below the steering gear, and then engage the connector locks.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Push the red locking tab towards the connector to engage the locking mechanism. DO NOT push down or pull up on the red locking tab.
    Figure 2. Logic connector location
  18. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Non-Structural Pack) (Remove and Replace).
  19. Install the front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  20. Connect 12V power. See12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  21. Perform a touchscreen software reinstall. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  22. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  23. Remove the steering wheel holder and set the steering wheel to center.
  24. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  25. Remove the vehicle from the lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  26. 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.