Tesla Model S: Four Wheel Alignment - Check and Adjust

Note: This procedure is not specific to a particular alignment machine. Follow the alignment equipment manufacturer's instructions for additional information and safety instructions.

Special tool(s) required for this procedure:

1. Perform a four wheel alignment check (refer to procedure).

Note: Follow the alignment equipment manufacturer's instructions when performing the following 4 steps.

 Caution: Only fully tighten suspension nuts and bolts when the vehicle is on a 4-post lift and the suspension is in the ride height position.

Note: If available, use the Alignment Torque Tools Kit when performing the following 4 steps.

Note: Refer to the Wheel Alignment section of this manual for the latest alignment specifications.

Caution: The following 4 steps must be completed in the order shown.

2. Adjust the rear toe as required:
   1. Remove the mid aero shield (refer to procedure).
   2. Attach a 19 mm, 1/2 in. drive socket and Tohnichi ratchet head to the Tohnichi torque wrench handle.

      

      Caution: If a socket wrench with an extension is used to adjust rear toe, the extension might contact the suspension height sensor bracket, causing the bracket to bend. A bent bracket causes incorrect vehicle ride height at the affected corner.
   3. Set the torque wrench to 80 Nm.
   4. Adjust the rear toe as necessary.

      

   5. Air suspension only: In Toolbox, select Cycle Heights High --> Normal. Ensure that the toe is still within specification.
   6. Air suspension only: In Toolbox, refer to the Ride Height panel. If any value is more than +4 or less than -4, select Cycle Heights High --> Normal again.
   7. Reinstall the mid aero shield.
3. Adjust the front camber as required:
   1. Attach the 22 mm custom ratcheting wrench to the Tohnichi torque wrench handle.

      

   2. Set the Tohnichi torque wrench to 140 Nm. Caution: If the alignment torque tools are not available, set a standard torque wrench to 130 Nm.
   3. Adjust the front camber as necessary. Note: It is not necessary to remove the front aeroshield if the alignment torque tools are used to perform this step.

      

4. Adjust the front caster as required:
   1. Attach the 22 mm custom ratcheting wrench to the Tohnichi torque wrench handle.

      

   2. Set the Tohnichi torque wrench to 101 Nm. Caution: If the alignment torque tools are not available, set a standard torque wrench to 130 Nm.
   3. Perform a caster sweep.
   4. Adjust the front caster as necessary.

      Note: It is not necessary to remove the front aeroshield if the alignment torque tools are used to perform this step.

      

5. Adjust the front toe as required:
   1. Attach the 27 mm custom wrench to the Tohnichi torque wrench handle.

      

   2. Set the Tohnichi torque wrench to 80 Nm. Caution: If the alignment torque tools are not available, set a standard torque wrench to 70 Nm.
   3. Adjust the front toe as necessary.

      Note: It is not necessary to remove the front aeroshield if the alignment torque tools are used to perform this step.

      

Coil suspension only: If the vehicle cannot be aligned to specification, check the ride height and compare to the specifications at: General Information > Technical Data > Wheel Alignment . If the ride height is out of specification, inspect the suspension for damaged components.

6. Check the steering wheel angle displayed on the touchscreen. If it is not 0.0 degrees, turn the steering wheel so that the steering wheel angle is 0.0 degrees.
7. Readjust front toe if turning the steering wheel caused it to be out of specification.
8. Air suspension only: In Toolbox, select Cycle Heights High --> Normal. Ensure that the toe is still within specification.
9. Air suspension only: In Toolbox, refer to the Ride Height panel. If any value is more than +4 or less than -4, select Cycle Heights High --> Normal again.
10. Check the alignment machine to ensure that all alignment parameters are still within specification.
11. Transfer the PDF of the alignment results from the alignment machine and attach it to the repair order.
12. Remove the brake pedal depressor.
13. Reinstall all slip plate pins and turn plate pins. Tip: Install the forward slip plate pins before installing the rearward slip plate pins.
14. Remove all 4 alignment optical targets.
15. In Toolbox, run the ESP Steering Angle Sensor Calibration.
16. Disconnect the laptop from the vehicle.
17. Enter the vehicle.
18. Press the brake pedal and shift into Park.
19. Remove the wheel chocks.
20. Remove the vehicle from the alignment rack.
21. Test drive the vehicle.

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