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Home >> Tesla >> 2017 >> Model 3 Base >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Steering >> Steering Control Systems >> Steering -- Model 3 >> Steering Rack and Lower Column >> Steering Rack (RWD) - Remove and Replace >> Install

Steering Rack (RWD) - Remove and Replace: Install

  1. Loosen the jamb nut to the LH tie rod end on the new steering gear assembly.

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 21 mm combination wrench
    • 14 mm combination wrench
    G00649270Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  2. Remove the LH outer tie rod end from the new steering gear assembly.
  3. With assistance, fully disperse the pressure of the steering rack to the RH side

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • Combination 12pt 15 mm wrench
  4. Position the steering gear assembly into the vehicle
    NOTE: Position the RH side of the steering gear assembly into the underhood storage area first, and then slide the LH side into the vehicle.
    G14749419Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  5. Loosely install the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
    G14749420Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  6. Install the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe. For older M3 vehicles with 13 mm bolts:

    27 N.m (19.9 ft-lbs) 

    For newer M3 vehicles with 15 mm bolts:

    47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension

    or

    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
    G14749421Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  7. Tighten the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.

    75 N.m (55.3 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 18 mm socket
    • 6 in extension
    G00649271Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  8. Position the fan assembly back into its original position.
  9. Use an open-ended wrench counterclockwise to decompress the LH side of the steering gear assembly and verify both LH and RH tie rod ends are evenly distributed as possible.
  10. Slide the electric steering column downward to install it onto the steering gear assembly.

    Tip: Make sure the intermediate shaft is aligned and fully seated.

    G00623578Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  11. Install the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.

    18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 13 mm socket
    G00623579Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  12. Connect the logic connectors below the steering gear, and then engage the connector locks.
    G14749422Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  13. Connect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then engage the connector locks.
    G14749423Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  14. Install the radiator inlet hose onto the superbottle, and then fasten the clip that attaches the hose to the superbottle.
    NOTE: Place absorbent material below the hose to avoid coolant on the steering gear connections.
    G14749424Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  15. Install the radiator outlet hose onto the superbottle, and then fasten the clip that attaches hose to the superbottle.
    NOTE: Place absorbent material below the hose to avoid coolant on the steering gear connections.
    G14749425Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  16. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.

    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft) 

    NOTE: Recommend an assistant to support the cooling fan module assembly.

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 8 mm socket
    G00649272Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G00649273Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  17. Position the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket onto the cooling fan, and then install the fasteners that attach the bracket to the assembly.

    16 N.m (11.8 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 10 mm socket
    • 2 in extension
    G14749426Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  18. Connect 12V power. See 12V/LV POWER (DISCONNECT AND CONNECT) .
  19. Install the front underhood storage. See UNDERHOOD STORAGE UNIT (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
  20. Install the cabin intake duct. See DUCT - CABIN INTAKE (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
  21. Install the rear underhood apron. See UNDERHOOD APRON - REAR (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
  22. Partially raise the vehicle.
  23. Position the RH tie rod end onto the RH front knuckle, and then install a new nut that attaches the tie rod and to the knuckle.

    180 N.m (132.7 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 3 in extension
    G00649274Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  24. Install the LH tie rod end to the steering gear assembly.
    NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
    G00649275Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  25. Install a new nut that attaches the LH tie rod end to the LH front suspension knuckle.

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • 3 in extension
    G00649276Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  26. Tighten the jamb nut onto the LH outer tie rod end.

    80 N.m (59.0 ft-lbs) 

    Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:

    • Combination 12pt 21 mm wrench
    • Wheel alignment torque wrench kit
    G14749430Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  27. Install the wheel cap, if equipped. See CAP - WHEEL (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
  28. Install the front wheels. See WHEEL (REMOVE AND INSTALL) .
  29. Remove the steering wheel holder and steering wheel level from the vehicle.
  30. Install the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See SEAT CUSHION - LOWER - 2ND ROW (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
  31. Move the front seats to the original positions.
  32. Reinstall firmware via touchscreen. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen .
  33. Raise all windows and close all doors.
  34. Remove the vehicle from the lift. See RAISE VEHICLE - 2 POST LIFT .
  35. Refer to the Alignment Requirement tables to determine whether an EPAS alignment check (EC) or four wheel alignment check (AC) is necessary. If performed, add the alignment check/adjust as a separate activity. See Alignment Requirement - Suspension .