2018 Tesla Model 3 BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Four Wheel Alignment Check: Procedure

  1. Make sure the tire pressures are to specification.
    NOTE: Use the tire sticker values displayed on the door jamb. If unavailable, use these values:
    • 18 inch wheels - 42 psi
    • 19 inch wheels - 42 psi
    • 20 inch wheels - 42 psi
  2. Make sure that the alignment rack slip/turn plates are locked.
  3. Disconnect the charging cable from the vehicle.
    WARNING: Do not attach the charging cable to the charge port while the vehicle is on the rack.
  4. Drive the vehicle onto the alignment rack, and stop the vehicle approximately 6 inches before the turn plates to allow for rolling compensation.
  5. Shift into Park.
  6. Install wheel chocks.
  7. From outside of the vehicle, fasten the driver and front passenger seat belts, and shift into Neutral.
  8. Pass a shop towel halfway through the both door strikers, and use a pen to latch the doors.
  9. Raise the alignment rack to a working height and slightly lower to lock.
  10. Check the torque on the bolt and nut that attach LH and RH front lower lateral links to the LH and RH front spring and damper assembly.

    106 N.m (78.2 ft-lbs) 

    106 N.m (78.2 ft-lbs) 

    G00650701Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  11. Install the alignment heads onto the wheels.
  12. Remove the wheel chocks.
  13. Type the vehicle information into the alignment machine.
  14. Perform a rolling compensation and manually position the vehicle onto the slip/turn plates.
  15. Reinstall the wheel chocks.
  16. Remove the alignment slip/turn plate pins.
  17. If necessary, calibrate the ride height measurement tool.
    1. Use a tape measure to measure the height of the tool.
    2. If necessary, adjust the metal knob to compensate for the height of the tool (i.e., the tool should read "0 mm" after adding the height of the tool).
  18. Measure the ride height at 4 locations which are an additional 75 mm towards the centerline from the vehicle lifting points.
    G00650702Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  19. Check that the vehicle's ride height is within specifications. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT .
  20. Install the brake pedal depressor and steering wheel bubble leveler.
  21. Perform a caster sweep, center and set the steering wheel using the bubble leveler and steering wheel holder.
  22. Print the vehicle alignment summary and verify that the alignment parameters are within specifications.
  23. If the parameters are not within specifications, discontinue this procedure and perform a four wheel alignment adjustment. See FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK AND ADJUST .
    NOTE: Add the adjustment to the Repair Order/Service Visit as an additional line item/activity.
  24. Remove the alignment heads from the wheels.
  25. Remove the brake pedal depressor.
  26. Install the alignment slip/turn plate pins.
  27. Lower the alignment rack to the ground.
  28. Unlatch the driver's door, shift into Park, and remove the steering wheel bubble leveler.
  29. Unbuckle the seat belts.
  30. Remove the wheel chocks.
  31. Remove the vehicle from the alignment rack.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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