what should I do if my Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present) has a worn out strut?

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

616 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace worn struts on Tesla Model S Plaid (2021-present). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, tools, and safety tips.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands; do not rely solely on the jack.
•Allow the vehicle to cool down before working on the suspension components.

Symptoms

•Poor handling or excessive body roll during turns
•Uneven tire wear
•Increased road noise or vibration
•A noticeable drop in ride height on one side of the vehicle
•Clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the struts visually for any signs of oil leakage or physical damage.
2
Check the vehicle's alignment and tire condition to confirm uneven wear patterns.
3
Test the suspension by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing the rebound.
4
Use a jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle and perform a hands-on inspection of the strut assembly and related components.
5
Scan the vehicle for any suspension-related error codes using an OBD-II scanner.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack and jack stands
•Socket and ratchet set
•Torque wrench
•Strut spring compressor
•OBD-II scanner

Parts Required

•Replacement strut assembly (front or rear as needed)
•New strut mount (optional but recommended)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the struts visually for any signs of oil leakage or physical damage.
2
Check the vehicle's alignment and tire condition to confirm uneven wear patterns.
3
Test the suspension by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle and observing the rebound.
4
Use a jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle and perform a hands-on inspection of the strut assembly and related components.
5
Scan the vehicle for any suspension-related error codes using an OBD-II scanner.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues.

Tools Required:

Jack and jack stands
Socket and ratchet set
Torque wrench
Strut spring compressor
OBD-II scanner (if needed)

2. Remove Strut Assembly

Using the jack, lift the front or rear of the vehicle (depending on which strut is worn).
Secure the vehicle on jack stands.
Remove the wheel to access the strut assembly.
Disconnect any brake lines or ABS sensors attached to the strut.
Remove the bolts securing the strut to the lower control arm.
Remove the top strut mounting bolts from the strut tower.
Carefully remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

3. Replace Strut

Use a strut spring compressor to safely compress the coil spring on the strut assembly.
Remove the top nut from the strut mount, and take off the old strut.
Install the new strut in the same orientation as the old one.
Reassemble the coil spring onto the new strut and ensure it is properly seated.
Reinstall the top nut and torque it to the manufacturer's specifications.

4. Reinstall Strut Assembly

Position the new strut assembly back into the vehicle.
Attach the top strut mounting bolts to the strut tower and torque them to specifications.
Connect the strut to the lower control arm and secure it with the appropriate bolts.
Reconnect any brake lines or ABS sensors that were removed.
Reattach the wheel and lower the vehicle back to the ground.

5. Final Checks

Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Ensure the strut mount bolts and assemblies are torqued to the specified values.
Perform a wheel alignment.