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Home >> Tesla >> 2024 >> Model S Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Hybrid/Electric Powertrain >> Electric Motor Systems >> Front Drive Unit -- Model S >> Front Drive Unit Assembly >> Drive Unit - Front - Remove And Install >> Remove
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Drive Unit - Front - Remove And Install: Remove

  1. Move the vehicle to a 2 post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift .
  2. Perform a cooling system thermal fill drain. See Thermal Fluid - Cooling System (Fill/Drain) .
  3. Remove the LH and RH rocker panel scuff plates. See Scuff Plate - Rocker Panel - LH (Remove and Replace) .
  4. Remove the LH and RH rocker panel moldings. See Molding - Rocker Panel - LH (Remove and Replace) .
  5. Position the 2 post lift pads for HV battery removal.
    G15106318Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15106319Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15106320Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  6. Set the steering wheel straight ahead, place a protector sheet onto the driver seat, and then install the steering wheel lock.
    G15106321Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  7. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace) .
  8. Disconnect LV power. See LV Power (Disconnect and Connect) .
  9. Set the high voltage multimeter to DC voltage, lightly touch the probes to the auxiliary battery connector contacts, and verify that the multimeter displays a voltage.
    NOTE: Battery voltage is typically 14.5 to 15.5 volts.
    G15106322Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
    G15106323Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  10. Remove the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the front drive unit.
    NOTE: The bolt is captive to the ground strap.
    G00657493Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  11. Pull the red tab, and then pull the tab again to disconnect the frunk harness from the front drive unit harness connector.
    G00657494Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  12. Release the clip that attaches the frunk harness to the front drive unit.
    G00657495Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  13. Loosen the LH and RH front axle nuts.
    G15106326Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  14. Remove the LH and RH front wheels. See Wheel (Remove and Install) .
  15. Remove the mid aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Mid (Remove and Replace) .
  16. Perform the vehicle electrical isolation procedure. See Vehicle Electrical Isolation Procedure .
  17. Remove the leather glove protectors and the HV insulating gloves.
    G15106327Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  18. Remove the LH and RH 2nd row seat side bolsters. See Bolster - Outer - Seat - 2nd Row - LH (Remove and Replace) .
  19. Remove the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - Lower - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace) .
  20. Remove the DC input HV header foam block.
    G15106328Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  21. Remove the bolt that secures the charge port busbar connector access door.
    G15106329Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  22. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the charge port busbar connector to the DC input HV header.

    9 N.m (6.6 ft-lbs) 

    G15106330Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  23. Lift the charge port busbar connector to remove the connector from the DC input HV header.
    G15106331Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  24. Remove the LH and RH shear plates. See Shear Plate - Rear Subframe - LH (Remove and Replace) .
  25. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace) .
  26. Remove the front skid plate. See Skidplate - Front (Remove and Replace) .
  27. Remove the HV battery. See HV Battery (AWD) (Remove and Install) .
  28. Remove the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace) .
  29. Remove the front subframe. See Subframe Assembly - Front (Remove and Install) .
  30. Remove the LH and RH front halfshafts. See HALFSHAFT - FRONT DRIVE UNIT - LH (REMOVE AND REPLACE)  and HALFSHAFT - FRONT DRIVE UNIT - RH (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
  31. Move the coolant drain container to under the front drive unit.
    G15106332Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  32. Release the clip, disconnect the powertrain coolant return hose from the front drive unit heat exchanger, and then immediately plug the fittings for the hose and heat exchanger.
    G15106333Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  33. Release the clip, disconnect the powertrain coolant hose from the front drive unit inverter hose, and then immediately plug the fittings.
    G15106334Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  34. Move the coolant drain container out from underneath the vehicle.
    G15106335Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  35. Release the clips (x3) that attach the electrical harness and HVAC drain tube to the RH front frame rail.
    G15106336Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  36. Release the clips (x2) that attach the electrical harness and HVAC drain tube to the RH cross brace, remove the bolts (x3) that attach the cross brace to the RH casting, and then remove the cross brace from the vehicle.
    G15106337Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  37. Remove the bolts (x3) that attach the LH cross brace to the LH casting, and then remove the cross brace from the vehicle.
    G15106338Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  38. Position a transmission jack fixture under the front drive unit.
    G15106339Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  39. Raise the transmission jack fixture up and against the front drive unit, and then use the strap to secure the drive unit to the fixture.
    G15106340Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  40. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the LH front drive unit mount to the LH casting.
    G15106341Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  41. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the RH front drive unit mount to the RH casting.
    G15106342Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  42. With the help of an assistant, lower the transmission jack fixture, and maneuver harnesses and hoses around the front drive unit as it is lowered.
    G15106343Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  43. Move the transmission jack fixture out from under the vehicle.
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