my Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020) has excessive tire wear on the inside

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

537 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix excessive tire wear on the inside of Tesla Model S (2012-2020). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported before working underneath.
•Wear safety glasses when working with suspension components to protect against debris.

Symptoms

•Uneven tire tread wear, particularly on the inner edges
•Vehicle pulling to one side during driving
•Steering wheel misalignment
•Increased road noise from tires
•Vibration or instability at higher speeds

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tire pressure to ensure it is within manufacturer specifications.
2
Check the alignment settings using a professional alignment machine.
3
Visually inspect suspension components for wear or damage, including bushings and ball joints.
4
Measure camber and toe angles to determine if they are within acceptable limits.
5
Test drive the vehicle to assess handling characteristics and confirm symptoms.

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

•Torque wrench
•Alignment machine
•Jack and jack stands
•Socket set
•Tire pressure gauge

Parts Required

•Suspension bushings (if worn)
•Control arms (if worn)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tire pressure to ensure it is within manufacturer specifications.
2
Check the alignment settings using a professional alignment machine.
3
Visually inspect suspension components for wear or damage, including bushings and ball joints.
4
Measure camber and toe angles to determine if they are within acceptable limits.
5
Test drive the vehicle to assess handling characteristics and confirm symptoms.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather the necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
Use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.

Tools Required:

Torque wrench
Alignment machine
Jack and jack stands
Socket set
Tire pressure gauge

2. Adjust Wheel Alignment

Raise the Vehicle:
- Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
Remove Front Wheels:
- Use a socket set to remove the lug nuts and take off the front wheels for better access to the alignment components.
Adjust the Camber and Toe:
- Using the alignment machine, adjust the camber angles to the manufacturer specifications (typically, the front camber should be around -0.5 to -1.0 degrees).
- Adjust the toe settings to be parallel (usually 0.05 degrees outwards for the front).
Reinstall the Wheels:
- Put the front wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle back to the ground.
Torque the Lug Nuts:
- Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (typically around 129 ft-lbs for Tesla Model S).

3. Inspect and Replace Worn Suspension Components (if necessary)

Check Suspension Components:
- Inspect control arms, strut mounts, and bushings for signs of wear or damage.
Replace Worn Parts:
- If any components are found to be worn, remove them using a socket set and replace with OEM or quality aftermarket parts.
- Ensure to torque any new parts to the manufacturer's specifications.