Tesla Model 3 Owners & Service Manuals

Tesla Model 3: Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

Tesla Model 3 2017-2025 Service Manual / Steering / Steering Rack and Lower Column / Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

 Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

 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 to install 2nd generation (currently available) 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 (currently available) steering rack must be installed.

Remove

  1. Remove the front subframe assembly. See Subframe Assembly - Front (RWD) (Remove and Install).

  Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

  1. Remove the outer bolts that attach the steering rack to the front subframe.
  2. Inspect the outer bolts and determine their type.
  • If the bolts have M8 threads and minimal underhead fillet, the subframe is 1st generation and the steering rack is 1st generation.
  • If the bolts have M8 threads and an underhead bevel, the subframe is 1st generation and the steering rack is 2nd generation.
  • If the bolts have M10 threads, the subframe is 2nd generation and the steering rack is 2nd generation.

  Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

  1. Remove the inner bolts that attach the steering rack to the front subframe.
  2. Remove the steering rack from the front subframe.

Install

Caution: 2nd generation front subframes cannot accommodate 1st generation (discontinued) steering racks. A 2nd generation (currently available) steering rack must be installed.
  1. Install the steering rack onto the front subframe.

  Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

  1. Hand-tighten the inner bolts that attach the steering rack to the front subframe.

  Steering Rack (RWD) (Remove and Replace)

  1. Install the outer bolts that attach the steering rack to the front subframe. Torque M8 Bolts for 1st Generation Steering Racks 27 Nm  Torque M8 Bolts for 2nd Generation Steering Racks 65 Nm  Torque M10 Bolts 47 Nm
  2. Tighten the inner bolts that attach the steering rack to the front subframe. Torque 75 Nm
  3. Install the front subframe assembly. See Subframe Assembly - Front (RWD) (Remove and Install).
  4. Update the vehicle firmware.
  5. Perform a 4 wheel alignment. See Four Wheel Alignment (Check and Adjust)

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