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Home >> Tesla >> 2024 >> Model 3 Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Steering Control Systems >> Steering -- Model 3 >> Steering Rack and Lower Column >> RHD Steering - Steering Rack and Lower Column - Steering Gear and Lower Column - Steering Gear Assembly (RR) - Remove And Replace >> Remove

RHD Steering - Steering Rack and Lower Column - Steering Gear and Lower Column - Steering Gear Assembly (RR) - Remove And Replace: Remove

  1. Inspect the tires for abnormal wear.
    NOTE: Note any abnormal tire wear that could indicate the need for an alignment.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. See RAISE VEHICLE - 2 STANDS .
  3. Remove the wheel center caps (x2) of both front wheels.
  4. Loosen the LH and RH front wheel lug nuts.
    CAUTION: Use only hand tools to break the lug nuts loose. Power tools should only be used to remove the lug nuts after they have been loosened.
    CAUTION: Use a 6 point socket. Do not use a 12 point socket or a specialty socket.
  5. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See GATEWAY UNLOCK .
  6. On the touchscreen, touch Thermal > Coolant System > Coolant Fill/Drain  and select Run  to start the "Start Thermal Fluid Fill/Drain (Coolant Only)" routine.
    NOTE: If the routine takes more than 5 hours, perform the routine again.
  7. Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
    G16601532Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  8. Using the steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel into position.
    G16601533Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  9. Remove the underhood storage unit. See EXTERIOR FITTINGS - LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRIM - FRONT LUGGAGE STORAGE COMPARTMENT - FRUNK ASSEMBLY - REMOVE AND REPLACE .
  10. Remove the front wheels. See WHEEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVE AND INSTALL .
  11. Remove the front fascia. See FRONT BUMPER FASCIA - FASCIA ASSEMBLY - FRONT - REMOVE AND REPLACE .
  12. Remove the cooling fan module. See FAN AND RADIATOR - COOLING FAN MODULE - REMOVE AND REPLACE .
  13. Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height and set the lift onto locks.
  14. Disconnect the connector and the clip that attach the front drive unit front subframe harness to the vehicle.
    G16601534Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G16601535Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  15. Release the clip that secures the radiator outlet hose to the vehicle.
    G16601536Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  16. Disconnect the steering gear assembly connectors (x4).
    G16601537Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  17. Remove the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.

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

    • 13 mm socket
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    G16601538Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  18. Slide the electric steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
    G16601539Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  19. Loosen the jamb nut to the RH outer tie rod end.

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

    • Combination wrench 12pt 21 mm
    • Combination wrench 12pt 14 mm
    • Wheel Alignment Torque Wrench Kit
    G16601540Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  20. Remove and discard the nut that attaches the RH front tie rod end to the RH front suspension knuckle, and then remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.

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

    • Cordless 1/2 in Dr Impact
    • 22 mm deep socket
    • 1/2 in to 3/4 in adapter - 1717365-00-A
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    G16601541Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  21. Rotate the RH tie rod end counter-clockwise to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
    NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
    G16601542Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  22. Repeat step  19 and step  20 on the RH side of the vehicle.
  23. Hold the LH tie rod end and pull it outward fully.
  24. Rotate the LH tie rod end counter-clockwise to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
    NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
    G16601543Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  25. Remove the outer bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.

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

    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 11 in extension
    • 15 mm socket
    G16601544Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  26. Remove the inner bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.

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

    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 6 in extension
    • 18 mm socket
    • 3 in extension
    G16601545Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  27. With assistance, slide the steering rack assembly fully towards the LH side of the vehicle, and then remove the rack through the underhood storage unit opening.
    CAUTION: Be careful around the AC lines and the superbottle.
    NOTE: Lift the RH inner tie rod up first, and then maneuver the rest of the rack outward, avoiding the AC lines and surrounding components.
    G16601546Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G16601547Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G16601548Courtesy of TESLA, INC.