Tesla Model S: Subframe Assembly - Rear (Remove and Install) - Removal
Note: Loosen suspension
fasteners by hand, then use a cordless electric drill with a 3/8
in drive adapter and a 3/8 in drive air ratchet wrench.
Warning: Only technicians
who have been trained in High Voltage Awareness are permitted to
perform this procedure. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
and insulating HV gloves with a minimum rating of class 00 (500V)
must be worn any time a high voltage cable is handled. Refer to Tech
Note TN-15-92-003, "High Voltage Awareness Care Points" for
additional safety information.
Warning: If the vehicle
has air suspension, activate "Jack" mode on the touchscreen before
raising and supporting the vehicle.
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 is fully open. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in vehicle lockout.
Removal
-
Prepare the vehicle for lifting:
-
Air suspension
vehicles only: Put the vehicle into Jack mode.
-
Put the vehicle into Tow mode.
-
Support the vehicle, but do not
lift it at this time.
-
Perform the vehicle electrical
isolation procedure
(refer to procedure).
-
Remove the rear wheels
(refer to procedure).
-
On both sides of the vehicle, remove the nut
that secures the shock absorber to the knuckle (torque 140 Nm), but
do not remove the bolt yet.
-
On both sides of the vehicle, loosen the bolts
(x2) that secure the brake caliper to the knuckle
(torque 120 Nm). Remove and support the calipers.
Caution: To avoid
damage to the brake line, the brake caliper must be
supported at all times.
-
Remove the park brake calipers
(refer to procedure).
-
Remove the mid aero shield
(refer to procedure).
-
Remove the subframe shear plates by removing
the nut (torque 35 Nm), clips (x2), and screws (x3) (torque 6 Nm)
that secure each shear plate to the subframe.
-
If equipped, remove the screws (x2) that secure
the rear skid plate to the subframe (torque 10 Nm).
-
Large drive unit only:
Remove the bolt that secures the coolant nipple to the
coolant manifold (torque 6 Nm).
Note: If the drive
unit is being replaced, apply lubricant to the O-ring and
transfer the nipple to the new drive unit.
-
Release the clips that secure the HV cables:
-
Large drive unit: 2 clips to the
subframe
-
Small drive unit: 2 clips to the
body
-
Disconnect the subframe harnesses from the body
harness.
-
Vehicles built through September 2014:
4 connectors at the back of the rear subframe
-
Vehicles built after September 2014:
3 connectors above the RH side of the rear undershield
-
On the RH side of the drive unit, disconnect
the logic connector.
-
Large drive unit:
-
Small drive unit:
Release the HV inverter cables (x2).
-
Large drive unit:
-
Release the bolt that secures the drive inverter cover
(torque 3 Nm).
-
Remove both O-rings from the drive inverter cover and
discard.
-
Release the 2 fasteners that secure the HV cables (torque 9
Nm). Do not remove the cables at this time.
-
Small drive unit: Remove and
discard the 4 screws that retain the HV cables (torque 7 Nm).
Move the cables away from the drive unit.
-
Small drive unit only:
On the top RH side of the drive unit, release the ground
strap from the drive unit (torque 6.5 Nm).
-
If the drive unit is being removed, drain the
gearbox fluid
(refer to procedure).
-
Drain the coolant from the drive unit.
-
Large drive unit: Clamp and
release the hoses from the transmission and drive inverter.
-
Small drive unit: Clamp and
release the hoses from the T-junctions on each side of the drive
unit.
Note: During removal of the
subframe, 2 coolant hoses remain attached to the drive unit.
LH side
RH side
-
Position the subframe fixture beneath the
subframe.
-
Carefully lower the vehicle so that the
subframe table supports the subframe.
-
Remove the bolts (x4) that secure the rear
subframe to the body (torque 140 Nm).
-
Carefully raise the vehicle approximately 3 in
(75 mm) to gain access to the remaining attachments.
-
On both sides of the vehicle, remove the bolt
that secures the shock absorber to the knuckle.
-
Large drive unit only:
Release the remaining attachments to the drive unit:
-
Pull the HV cables out of the drive unit.
-
On the top RH side of the drive unit,
disconnect the ground strap from the drive unit (torque 6.5 Nm).
-
Fully raise the vehicle.
Caution: While
raising the vehicle, have an assistant monitor the underside
of the vehicle. Ensure that no components are still
connected and that there is sufficient clearance so that no
components are damaged.
READ NEXT:
Installation
Installation procedure is the reverse of removal,
except for the following:
Warning: Only use
cleaning agents and solvents in a well-ventilated area.
Removal
Remove the rear drive unit:
Small drive unit:
Refer to procedure.
Large drive unit:
Refer to procedure.
Remove the rear
Special tools required for this procedure:
Supplier
Part Number
Description
SEE MORE:
Removal
Remove regulator assembly (refer to procedure)
Make sure exterior release handle is fully retracted.
Disconnect handle harness connector.
Remove nuts (x4) securing door release assembly to reinforcement
(torque 9 Nm).
Carefully release door handle assembly from d
PULL OVER SAFELY - Check for flat tire
This alert indicates that one or more of the tires on your vehicle is
extremely low or flat.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has detected that the air pressure in
one or more of your tires is
significantly lower than the recommended cold tire pre