03/10/2024 13:10:59

Steering Column (RHD) (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 32051212 0.78 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: Steering Column (LHD) (Remove and Replace)Steering Column (RHD) (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Bolt that attaches the steering column intermediate shaft to the steering gear input shaft
18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
Reuse
Nut that attaches the steering column to the cross car beam
15 Nm (11.1 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
  • 3 in extension
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse

Remove

  1. Open both front doors and lower the windows.
  2. From the touchscreen, move the steering column to the lowest and most outward position.
  3. Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
  4. Move the RH front seat backward and recline the seatback.
  5. Disconnect 12V power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  6. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  7. Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Install).
  8. Remove the fresh intake duct. See Duct - Fresh Intake (Remove and Replace).
  9. Remove the bolt that attaches the intermediate shaft to the steering rack assembly, and then slide the intermediate shaft upwards to remove it from the steering rack.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    Figure 1. LHD shown, RHD similar
  10. Release the steering column boot from the LH side of the bulkhead. If necessary, partially push the steering column boot into the cabin of vehicle.
  11. Remove the RH footwell cover. See Cover - Footwell - Driver (Remove and Replace).
  12. Remove the RH footwell vent duct. See GUID-2CC6F61A-94A4-4324-8EDC-C8241947657D.html.
  13. Remove the main instrument panel decor trim. See Decor Trim - Instrument Panel - Main (Remove and Replace).
  14. Remove the steering wheel. See Steering Wheel (Remove and Install).
  15. Remove the steering column control module. See Module - Steering Column Control (Remove and Replace).
  16. Remove the lower gap hider. See Gap Hider - Steering Column - Lower (Remove and Replace).
  17. Apply tape to the instrument panel area around the steering column to protect it from damaging.
  18. Release the instrument panel harness clip from the instrument panel bracket, and then pull the harness to the left side of vehicle.
  19. Disconnect the connector from the steering column.
  20. Remove the nuts (x4) that attach the steering column to the cross car beam.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • 3 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    Figure 2. LHD shown, RHD similar
  21. Remove the steering column assembly from the vehicle:
    1. Slowly pull the assembly inwards,tilting the upper portion of the steering column towards the roof of the vehicle to clear it from the instrument panel.
    2. Once the motor contacts the cross beam, slightly pull on the lower IP area below the assembly to allow the motor to clear the cross beam. Rotate the assembly to the right to clear the bottom left portion of the motor, and then remove the assembly from the vehicle.

Install

  1. With the help of an assistant, carefully move the intermediate shaft of the steering column through the opening in the instrument panel carrier, rotate the steering column to the right so that the rear motor lower portion clears the instrument panel carrier opening, and then rotate left.
  2. Install the steering column to the cross car beam, and then install the nuts (x4) that attach the steering column to the cross car beam.
    15 Nm (11.1 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • 3 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    Figure 3. LHD shown, RHD similar
  3. Connect the steering column harness connector.
  4. Install the instrument panel harness clip to the IP bracket, and then pull the harness to the right side of vehicle.
  5. Remove the tape from the instrument panel.
  6. Install the lower gap hider. See Gap Hider - Steering Column - Lower (Remove and Replace).
  7. Install the steering column control module. See Module - Steering Column Control (Remove and Replace).
  8. Install the steering wheel. See Steering Wheel (Remove and Install).
  9. Install the main instrument panel decor trim. See Decor Trim - Instrument Panel - Main (Remove and Replace).
  10. Install the RH footwell vent duct. See GUID-2CC6F61A-94A4-4324-8EDC-C8241947657D.html.
  11. Install the RH footwell cover. See Cover - Footwell - Driver (Remove and Replace).
  12. Slide the intermediate shaft downward to install it onto the steering rack shaft, and then install the bolt that attaches the shaft to the rack.
    18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    Figure 4. LHD shown, RHD similar
  13. Install the fresh intake duct. See Duct - Fresh Intake (Remove and Replace).
  14. Install the HEPA filter assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Install).
  15. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  16. Connect 12V power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  17. Place the vehicle in Service Mode by using the touchscreen. See Service Mode.
  18. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
  19. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Chassis > Steering > Calibrate Steering Column, select Run, and allow the routine to complete.
  20. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  21. Restore the driver and front passenger seats back to their original position.
  22. Restore the steering column back to its original position.
  23. Raise both front windows and close both front doors.