04/09/2024 15:27:36

Steering Rack (Dual Motor) (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 32012202 0.90 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.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Both GEN3 and GEN4 steering racks use the same GEN3 vehicle gateway configuration. This information is not changed when a GEN3 steering rack is replaced by a GEN4 steering rack.
  • 2023-10-04: Add video to final remove and initial install steps.
  • 2023-06-08: Added information about gateway configuration.
  • 2023-08-29: Re-wrote the topic according to the latest procedure input.
Table 1. Torque Specifications: Steering Rack (Dual Motor) (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the intermediate shaft assembly
18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • 13 mm socket
  • 6 in extension
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse
Bolts (x2) that attach the front support beam to the vehicle
48 Nm (35.4 lbs-ft)
  • External Torx E14
  • 3 in extension
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse
LH and RH bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front support beam
10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
  • 8 mm socket
  • 6 in extension
  • Universal Joint 1/4in
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
Reuse
Inner bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
75 Nm (55.3 lbs-ft)
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • 18 mm socket
  • 6 in extension
  • Universal Joint 3/8in
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse
Outer bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe
47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
  • 15 mm socket
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • 6 in extension
  • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
Reuse

Remove

  1. Position the vehicle on a 2 post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  2. Remove the LH and RH front wheel caps.
  3. Loosen the nuts (x10, 21mm) on the LH and RH front wheels.
  4. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  5. Set steering wheel straight ahead, and then lock it into position.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.
  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 Replace).
  8. Disconnect 12V/LV power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  9. Remove the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the intermediate shaft assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 13 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  10. Slide the electric steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    May need to wiggle or use dead blow to help separate.
  11. Remove the LH and RH front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  12. Remove the LH and RH tie rod ends. See Tie Rod End - LH (Remove and Replace).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not remove the jamb nut on the RH outer tie rod end. It is not needed for removing the steering rack assembly.
  13. Lower the vehicle until tires are just above the ground.
  14. Fully compress the LH tie rod end link into the steering gear.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use an open-ended wrench to rotate the shaft clockwise to the cut-off position.
  15. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the front end carrier to the vehicle, and then slide the front end carrier towards the rear of the vehicle to remove it from the cooling fan module assembly.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    • 3 in extension
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  16. With an assistance, remove the LH and RH bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier, and then position the fan assembly away from the steering rack.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use bungee cord to lift the radiator away from the steering gear to gain clearance for removal and installation.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    • Universal Joint 1/4in
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  17. Release the connector locks, disconnect the steering gear assembly connectors (x2), and then move the 12V steering gear harness aside for clearance.
  18. Release the connector locks, and then disconnect the logic connectors (x2) below the steering gear.
  19. Release the front harness clip on the LH side of the front subframe.
  20. Disconnect the main front harness connector from the LH front rail bracket.
  21. Remove the inner bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    • Universal Joint 3/8in
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  22. Remove the outer bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 6 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  23. Slide the steering gear assembly to the RH side of the vehicle, and then remove the steering gear assembly upward 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. With an assistance, remove the LH outer tie rod end from the new steering gear assembly, and fully disperse pressure of steering rack to the RH side.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Turn tie rod counter clockwise. Use a wrench on shaft to assist with dispersing pressure.
  3. Install the new steering gear assembly into the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Install the steering gear assembly through the underhood storage unit opening. Install the RH side of the steering gear assembly into frunk area first, and then slide the LH side of the steering gear assembly into the vehicle.
  4. Loosely install the outer bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Torque at a later step.
  5. Install the inner bolts (x2) 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:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    • Universal Joint 3/8in
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  6. Torque the outer bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 6 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  7. Decompress the LH tie rod end from the steering gear, and verify both the LH and RH tie rod ends are evenly distributed as possible.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Turn the shaft counter-clockwise with an open-ended wrench, and check the boots are roughly same distance out from the rack.
  8. Slide the intermediate shaft assembly downward to install it to the steering gear assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ensure the intermediate shaft is aligned and fully seated. If necessary, align the shaft to the steering gear.
  9. 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:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 13 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  10. Connect the main front harness connector to the LH front rail bracket, and then engage the locking tab.
  11. Install the front harness clip on the LH side of the front subframe.
  12. Connect the logic connectors below the steering gear.
  13. Connect the steering gear assembly connectors.
  14. Release the bungee card to place the radiator assembly back to the normal position.
  15. With an assistance, install the LH bolt, intall and torque the RH bolts, and then torque the LH bolt 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
    Use bungee cord to lift the radiator away from the steering gear to gain clearance for removal and installation.
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    • Universal Joint 1/4in
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  16. Install the front end carrier into the cooling fan module assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Position cooling fan module mounts onto the tabs on the cooling fan module.
  17. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the front end carrier to the vehicle.
    48 Nm (35.4 lbs-ft)
    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    • 3 in extension
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  18. Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height, and lower the lift onto locks.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION

    Make sure there is an audible click of the locks on both sides before lowering, otherwise the vehicle may tilt to one side.

    Make sure that the doors are clear of surrounding objects.

  19. Install the LH and RH tie rod ends. See Tie Rod End - LH (Remove and Replace).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not remove the jamb nut on the RH outer tie rod end. It is not needed for removing the steering rack assembly.
  20. Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height and set the lift onto locks.
  21. Install the LH and RH front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  22. Connect the LV power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Do not install the rear underhood apron at this step.
  23. Install the HEPA filter assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Replace).
  24. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  25. Remove the steering wheel holder and the steering wheel level from the vehicle.
  26. Reinstall the vehicle firmware. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen.
  27. Raise the LH front window and close the LH front door.
  28. Remove the vehicle from the lift.
  29. 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.