Is your Tesla tire wearing uneven, difficult to steer, and there’s a squealing sound when turning due to a faulty tie rod? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing the Tie Rod of your Tesla. Follow the procedures below.
You will need
Bestseller No. 1
- Metric Socket Set
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Impact gun
- Socket set
- Replacement tie rod end
- Torque wrench
- Wheel wrench (optional)
- 10mm wrench
- 19mm wrench
Procedure
- Park in a safe work area, put the transmission in the park position, set parking brakes, and lock the rear wheels using the wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Loosen the lug nuts before raising the vehicle (if you don’t have an impact gun), raise the car using the floor jack, then lower it onto the jack stand.
- Remove the wheel on the side you need to replace the rod end on.
- Remove the wheel using the impact gun (or wheel wrench). With an impact, you don’t need to loosen the nuts on the floor first.
- Make a mark on the tie rod to pinpoint where it is adjusted to. You will need that as a point of reference when installing the new one.
- After making a reference mark, using a 19mm wrench, remove the nut holding the ball joint of the tie rod. You may use a 10 mm wrench to prevent the tierod end from spinning in the same direction as your torque. Then, remove the joint from the hub, and use two wrenches to remove the tie rod by turning the nuts on the rod.
- Install the new tie rod. Please pay attention to the reference mark you made and ensure it lines up exactly.
- Torque both the jam nut and tie rod nut to spec.
- Install the cotter pin and bend ends so that the cotter pin does not slide out.
- Put the tire back on. Use the impact to tighten the lug nuts (or wheel wrenches) in a criss-cross pattern. Be careful not to strip the lugs.
- Remove the jack stand and lower the car so there is some weight on the wheel. Torque the wheel nuts to the recommended specs.
- We strongly recommend having the front wheel aligned at an alignment shop.
You’re done!
Torque Specs
- Tighten jam nut against outer tie rod to 41 ft.-lbs. (56 N-M).
- Tie rod nut, tighten to 35 ft. Lbs then align the hole for the cotter pin but do not exceed 52 ft. Lbs.
- Inner Tie Rod: 74 ft. Lb
Frequently Asked Questions.
What are the common symptoms of a faulty tie rod?
The most common symptoms are loose steering and vibration at all speeds.
Is it advisable to drive a Tesla with a faulty tie rod?
It is not advisable to drive any car with a faulty tierod because it will be an accident waiting to happen.
What happens when the tie rod fails?
The wheel will break free from the steering assembly and will cause the inability to steer the vehicle.
Applications
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
We hope you find the Tesla Model 3 Tie Rod Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Tesla.