Tesla Model 3: Subframe Assembly - Rear - Install

Install

1. Position the subframe lifting tool and subframe underneath the vehicle.
2. Connect the air line to the subframe lifting tool.
3. With an assistant, slowly raise the rear drive unit and subframe into position.

Caution:

Assist with the routing of HV harnesses and coolant hoses through components so that they are not pinched or broken.

4. Install and hand-tighten the new bolts that attach the shear plates and rear subframe to the body.

Note: Pass the front bolts through the shear plates first, then into the rear subframe, and hand-tighten to the body.

5. Install and hand-tighten the smaller bolts that attach the LH shear plate to the HV battery.

6. Fasten the fir tree clips that attach the coolant hoses to the LH shear plate.
7. Repeat step 5 and step 6 for the RH shear plate.
8. Tighten the bolts that attach the rear subframe to the body. Torque Rear bolts: 165 Nm Torque Front bolts: 128 Nm
9. Tighten the bolts for the shear plates. Torque 30 Nm
10. Release the straps and lower the subframe lifting tool from the vehicle.
11. Disconnect the air line from the subframe lifting tool, and then remove the tool from underneath the vehicle.
12. Install the rear stabilizer bar. See Stabilizer Bar - Rear (Remove and Replace).

13. Install the ground strap for the rear drive unit. Torque 10 Nm

Note: Reinstall the washer if the vehicle had this washer during removal

Note: Make sure that the angle of the ground strap provides enough clearance between the ground strap wire and the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring harness.

14. Position the coolant drain beneath the RH rear of the HV battery.

15. Remove the hose plugs, connect the rear drive unit outlet hose to the powertrain return hose, and then fasten the clip.

Caution:

Perform a push-pull test to verify that the hose is fully seated.

16. Fully raise the handle on the rear drive unit HV electrical harness.

17. Attach the HV connector lever lock onto the back of the HV electrical harness.
18. Firmly connect the HV electrical harness to the HV battery connector.

Caution: Make sure that the harness fits the connector squarely and tightly.

19. While pressing the harness to the connector, remove the HV connector lever lock.

20. While pressing the harness to the connector, fully lower the handle.

21. Slide the release to lock the HV electrical harness.

22. Install the nuts (x2) that attach the rear drive unit HV electrical harness bracket to the HV battery. Torque 10 Nm
23. Position the coolant drain beneath the LH rear of the HV battery.

24. Remove the plugs from the male and female fittings, connect the rear drive unit inverter inlet hose to the LH side of the HV battery, and then fasten the clip.

Caution: Perform a push-pull test to verify that the hose is fully seated.

25. Fasten the barrel clip that attaches the rear drive unit inverter inlet hose to the HV battery.

26. Fasten the clips that attach the RH inner HV battery return hose to the HV battery.
27. Remove the coolant drain container from underneath the vehicle.
28. Install the rear HV battery skid plate. See Skid Plate - HV Battery - Rear (Remove and Replace).

29. Fasten the LH subframe electrical harness clip to the body.

LH side shown, RH similar

30. Connect the electrical connector for the LH of the 12V subframe harness.

31. Install the bolts that attach the LH rear damper at the top mount. Torque 41 Nm
32. Check the torque for any LH suspension bolts that were loosened while the rear subframe assembly was removed from the vehicle. See Suspension - Rear (Check Torque).

33. Remove the spring compressor from the LH rear coil spring.

34. Install the LH rear suspension cover onto the LH lower aft link, and then install the bolt that attaches the cover to the LH lower aft link.  Torque 6 Nm

35. Install the LH rear brake caliper bracket onto the knuckle, and then install the bolts that attach the caliper bracket to the knuckle. Torque 83 Nm

LH shown, RH similar

36. If previously removed, install the clip that attaches the sensor connector harness to the underside of the rear subframe.

LH shown, RH similar

37. If previously removed, connect the electrical connector to the sensor near the LH rear upper aft link.

38. Connect the electrical harness to the LH rear brake caliper connector.
39. Repeat step 29 through step 38 for the RH side of the vehicle.
40. Install the rear fascia diffuser. See Diffuser - Rear Fascia (Remove and Replace).
41. Install the LH and RH wheel arch liners. See Wheel Arch Liner - Rear - LH (Remove and Replace).
42. Install the LH and RH rear wheels. See Wheel (Remove and Install).
43. Perform the penthouse air leak test. See Penthouse Air Leak Test.
44. Connect 12V power. See 12V Power (Disconnect and Connect).
45. Perform a vacuum refill of the cooling system. See Cooling System (Vacuum Refill).
46. Perform a four wheel alignment check and adjustment. See Four Wheel Alignment (Check and Adjust).

1. Install the mid aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Mid (Remove and Replace).
2. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).

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