Tesla Model S: Gearbox Fluid - Small Rear Drive Unit (Remove and Replace)
Warning: If the vehicle has air suspension, activate "Jack"
mode on the touchscreen before raising and supporting the vehicle.
Drain & Refill
- Position the vehicle in preparation for raising it, but do not
raise it at this time.
- Air suspension vehicles only: Depressurize the
rear LH air spring (refer to procedure).
- Engage "Tow" mode.
- Remove the LH rear wheel (refer to procedure).
- Remove the mid aero shield (refer to procedure).
- Prepare a drain pan to catch the gearbox fluid.
- On the LH side of the gearbox, release the drain plug. Allow the
fluid to completely drain, then reinstall the drain plug (torque 28
Nm).
Caution: Do not attempt to fill the drive unit through the
upper plug.
- Remove the LH parking brake caliper (refer to procedure).
- Release the bolts that secure the following 3 fasteners to the
knuckle:
- Upper link
- Toe link
- Shock absorber
- Use a driveshaft extractor to release the axle from the drive
unit.
- Release the axle seal from the drive unit.
- Slowly fill the gearbox through the axle opening.
Caution: If the gearbox is filled too quickly, fluid
will spill out onto the drive unit casing.
Note: Use the fluid specified in General
Information > Fluids and Capacities > Fluids .
Note: Use the amount specified in General
Information > Fluids and Capacities > Fluid
Capacities .
Caution: Use exactly the specified amount of
transmission fluid. Do not fill to the top of the axle
opening.
- Inspect the axle seal for damage and replace if necessary.
- When installing the driveshaft into the drive unit:
- Ensure that the opening of the snap ring is facing towards
the bottom of the drive unit.
- Do not damage or displace the drive unit seal.
- Verify that the driveshaft is fully seated by carefully
pushing it into the drive unit until there is an audible "click"
from the snap ring.
- Reinstall the 3 fasteners to the knuckle.
Caution: Do not fully torque the fasteners at this
time; they must be torqued when the vehicle is at ride
height.
- Reinstall the parking brake caliper.
- Reinstall the rear LH wheel.
- Disengage "Tow" mode.
- Air suspension vehicles only: Repressurize the
rear LH air spring (refer to procedure).
- With the vehicle at ride height, fully torque the 3 fasteners to
the knuckle:
- Upper link (140 Nm)
- Toe link (130 Nm)
- Shock absorber (torque 140 Nm)
- Reinstall the mid aero shield.
READ NEXT:
Special tools required for this procedure:
Supplier
Part Number
Description
Tesla
1051509-
Warning: If the vehicle has air suspension, activate "Jack"
mode on the touchscreen before raising and supporting the vehicle.
Special tool(s) required for this procedure:
Suppl
SEE MORE:
Warning: If the 12V power supply is disconnected, do
not attempt to open any doors with door glass in closed position.
Failure to follow this instruction could result in door glass
shatter.
Note: Before disconnecting the 12V power supply,
ensure that the driver's door window
Removal
Remove the screws (x5) that secure the rear applique bracket to
the tailgate.
Remove the rear applique bracket.
Release the license plate light from the liftgate opening.