Perform a four-wheel alignment on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance Dual Motor. The Performance variant uses adaptive suspension and has unique alignment specifications versus the standard Long Range — confirm the correct spec sheet before adjusting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm cam bolts (replace if seized/damaged during adjustment) × 1 — manufacturer-specified front camber/caster cam bolt set
• Rear toe link adjuster (inspect; replace if seized) × 1 — manufacturer-specified rear toe link

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V (or 16V on 2024+ if so equipped) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3 Performance the LV battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the rear floor depending on build — refer to architecture notes.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Note: Disconnecting 12V is recommended before any work that could trigger ADAS/airbag faults; for alignment-only work where no suspension components are removed, the 12V may be left connected per shop policy — but reconnect/reboot procedure must be followed if disconnected.
7. Inspect tires for even wear, correct size (Performance OEM 235/35R20 front, 235/35R20 rear), and matching tread depth. Mismatched tires will skew alignment results.
8. Set tire pressures to door-jamb placard spec (cold).
9. Inspect all suspension components: control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and wheel bearings. Do not align a vehicle with worn components.
10. Confirm vehicle ride height is within Tesla spec for the Performance trim before measuring. Performance sits lower than Long Range — verify with the correct spec.
11. Place the vehicle in 'Transport Mode' or 'Jack Mode' as required to disable adaptive suspension self-leveling during the alignment (2024 Performance has adaptive damping).

Procedure

1. 1

   Mount vehicle on alignment rack
   Drive the Model 3 onto the alignment rack with wheels centered on turn plates (front) and slip plates (rear). Lock the turn plates and slip plates. Confirm the vehicle is level side-to-side and front-to-rear.
2. 2

   Install measurement targets
   Mount the alignment system's wheel clamps/targets to all four wheels per the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Compensate/runout-correct each wheel as required by the alignment system.
   ⚠Do not over-tighten clamps on the forged wheel rim lip — use the rim contact pads provided.
3. 3

   Install steering wheel holder and brake depressor
   Center the steering wheel and lock it with the steering wheel holder. Apply the brake pedal depressor to lock the brakes during caster sweep and toe adjustment.
4. 4

   Select correct vehicle profile
   In the alignment software, select '2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance' (or the equivalent Performance/AWD profile). Verify the displayed specs match the latest Tesla service bulletin specs — the Performance trim has different camber and toe targets than RWD/Long Range.
   ⚠Do not use generic 'Model 3' specs. The Performance has unique values.
5. 5

   Perform initial measurement (as-found readings)
   Run the rack's measurement routine including caster sweep. Print or save the as-found readings for camber, caster, toe (each wheel), thrust angle, and SAI/included angle. Compare against Tesla Performance specs.
6. 6

   Adjust rear camber
   Adjust rear camber using the rear lower control arm cam bolt at the inboard subframe mount. Loosen the cam nut, rotate the cam to bring camber into spec, then re-tighten. Repeat on opposite side. Mark original position with a paint marker before adjusting.
   ℹ️Torque rear suspension cam bolts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Final torque must be applied with suspension at ride height (loaded) to avoid bushing pre-load.
7. 7

   Adjust rear toe
   Loosen the rear toe link jam nut and rotate the toe link to bring rear toe into spec on each side. Verify thrust angle remains within tolerance. Re-tighten jam nuts.
   ⚠If the toe link adjuster is seized, do not force — apply penetrating oil and use proper wrenches. Damaged toe links must be replaced.
   ℹ️Torque toe link jam nut to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
8. 8

   Adjust front camber/caster
   Adjust front camber (and caster, if separately adjustable on this trim) using the front lower control arm cam bolts at the subframe. Mark original position, loosen, rotate cam to spec, and re-tighten. Note: front caster on Model 3 is largely fixed — confirm the value is within tolerance and cross-check side-to-side.
   ℹ️Torque front control arm cam bolts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Final torque applied at ride height.
9. 9

   Adjust front toe
   With the steering wheel locked and centered, loosen the tie rod jam nut on each side and rotate the inner tie rod to bring front toe into spec. Equalize left/right toe to keep the steering wheel straight. Re-tighten jam nuts.
   ℹ️Torque tie rod jam nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
10. 10

    Settle suspension and re-measure
    Remove brake depressor, roll the vehicle forward and back (or jounce the suspension) to settle bushings. Re-lock turn plates, reinstall brake depressor, and re-measure all angles. Confirm all values are within Tesla Performance spec and the steering wheel is centered.
11. 11

    Final torque verification
    With the suspension at ride height, verify all loosened fasteners are torqued to OEM specification. Remove targets, brake depressor, and steering wheel holder.
    ⚠Bushing-loaded fasteners (cam bolts, control arm pivots) MUST be final-torqued at ride height, not on a lift with wheels hanging, or bushing life will be drastically reduced.

Reassembly

1. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued in a star pattern to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) if any wheel was removed during inspection.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery if it was disconnected. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to fully wake.
3. Drive the vehicle off the rack onto level ground.
4. Perform a steering angle sensor zero/relearn: with engine on (Ready), drive a short distance straight, or follow Tesla's documented relearn procedure. Some 2024 Model 3 Performance vehicles auto-calibrate the steering angle after a few minutes of driving above ~25 mph in a straight line.
5. Print the final alignment report (before and after) and provide it to the customer.

Verification

• Test drive on a level, straight road. The Model 3 should track straight with no pull and a centered steering wheel (squared spokes).
• Check the touchscreen for any new fault codes — particularly EPAS, ABS/ESC, or Autopilot camera calibration warnings. If a 'Cruise control unavailable — camera calibration required' or similar message appears, the Autopilot cameras may need to recalibrate over driving (typically clears within 20–100 miles). If it does not clear, refer to Tesla service (Toolbox required).
• Verify no clunks, creaks, or steering vibration at highway speed.
• Inspect tires for even wear at the next 6,250 mi tire rotation interval — Tesla's recommended rotation interval. Uneven wear after alignment indicates a remaining issue (worn component, bent wheel, or incorrect spec).
• Document the alignment date and mileage. Re-check alignment any time the vehicle hits a significant pothole or curb, or when new tires are installed.

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