Four-wheel alignment on a 2024 Model 3 Performance AWD. Performance trim uses unique adaptive damper geometry and has tighter alignment tolerances than standard Model 3 — small adjustments significantly affect tire wear and steering feel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cam bolt kit (rear, if seized or corroded) × 1 — manufacturer-specified rear lower control arm cam bolt set
• Tie rod jam nuts (replace if deformed) × 2 — OEM tie rod jam nut

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 low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the 12V (lithium) is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the rear floor — 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. Verify tire pressures are at the door-jamb placard cold spec (Performance typically 42 psi front and rear — confirm on this vehicle's placard).
7. Inspect tire tread depth across all four tires; mismatched wear or differing diameters will skew alignment readings.
8. Inspect all suspension components: ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends, sway bar end links, and wheel bearings. Do not align a vehicle with worn components.
9. Verify ride height is within Tesla spec at all four corners before alignment — Performance has a slightly lower ride height than standard Model 3.
10. Reconnect the 12V battery before driving onto the alignment rack so the vehicle can be placed in transport/jack mode and the steering angle sensor is active.
11. Place vehicle in Jack Mode via touchscreen (Service menu) before lifting if rack requires lifting; this disables auto-leveling and prevents alarm faults.

Procedure

1. 1

   Position vehicle on alignment rack
   Drive the Model 3 onto the alignment rack with front wheels centered on turn plates and rear wheels on slip plates. Pull pins on turn/slip plates. Compensate for any rake by ensuring rack is level.
2. 2

   Mount targets and perform rolling compensation
   Mount alignment targets/heads on each wheel per the alignment system manufacturer's instructions. Perform rolling compensation (push the vehicle back and forward as prompted by the aligner) to zero out wheel/target runout.
3. 3

   Install steering wheel holder and brake depressor
   Center the steering wheel using the aligner's steering wheel level indicator, then lock in place with the steering wheel holder. Apply the brake pedal depressor to lock the brakes during measurement.
4. 4

   Take initial measurements
   Load 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance specifications into the alignment system. Record initial readings for caster, camber, toe (front and rear), thrust angle, and SAI/included angle. Compare to OEM spec — note any out-of-spec values.
5. 5

   Adjust rear camber (cam bolts)
   Rear camber on Model 3 is adjusted via the cam bolt at the inner pivot of the rear lower control arm (camber link). Loosen the cam bolt nut, rotate the cam to bring camber within spec (typically slightly negative — confirm to current Tesla spec). Hold the cam position while preparing to torque.
   ⚠Cam bolt is a CRITICAL torque. After final adjustment, torque to specification with cam held in position to prevent slippage.
   Torque spec

   Cam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Adjust rear toe
   Rear toe on Model 3 is adjusted via the toe link cam bolt or eccentric at the inboard end of the rear toe link. Loosen, adjust to bring rear toe within spec on each side, and verify thrust angle is near zero.
   ⚠Adjust each side independently and re-check; rear toe directly affects thrust angle and straight-line tracking.
   Torque spec

   Cam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Check front camber and caster
   Front camber and caster on Model 3 are NOT factory-adjustable on standard hardware. If out of spec, inspect for bent or damaged components (strut, lower control arm, subframe). If aftermarket camber bolts are installed, adjust per their instructions and torque to the manufacturer-specified value.
   ℹ️If front camber/caster is significantly out of spec on an undamaged vehicle, the front subframe may have shifted. See next step.
   Torque spec

   Camber Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Subframe shift correction (if required)
   If front geometry is out of spec and components are undamaged, the front subframe may need to be loosened, repositioned within its mounting slots, and re-torqued. This is a precision operation — refer to Tesla Service Manual for the proper procedure and alignment of subframe locating features.
   ⚠️Subframe bolts are CRITICAL. Improper torque or alignment can cause loss of vehicle control. Only perform this if you have the service manual procedure.
   Torque spec

   Subframe Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Adjust front toe (tie rods)
   Loosen the tie rod jam nut on each side. Rotate the inner tie rod (at the rack) to adjust toe, equalizing adjustments left and right to keep the steering wheel centered. Confirm steering wheel remains centered with the holder. Bring front total toe within OEM spec.
   ⚠Do not rotate the outer tie rod end or the steering rack boot — only rotate the threaded tie rod shaft. Damaged boots allow contamination into the rack.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque of all adjustment fasteners
    With all adjustments complete and verified within spec, torque each adjustment fastener to its specified value while holding the adjustment cam/position. Re-check alignment readings AFTER torquing to confirm nothing shifted.
    ⚠Always re-measure after final torque — cam bolts in particular can rotate during tightening and pull alignment out of spec.
    Torque spec

    Cam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

    Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Print and review final alignment report
    Print the before/after alignment report. Confirm all values are within Tesla 2024 Model 3 Performance spec. Save report for the customer record.

Reassembly

1. Remove brake pedal depressor and steering wheel holder.
2. Re-install pins in turn plates and slip plates.
3. Lower vehicle off rack (or drive off if drive-on rack).
4. Exit Jack Mode if it was enabled.
5. Verify no tools, targets, or hardware were left on or under the vehicle.
6. Apply anti-seize lightly to tie rod threads ONLY if Tesla service manual permits — many OEMs prohibit this on alignment fasteners as it changes torque-to-clamp-load relationship.

Verification

• Test drive on a flat, straight road. Steering wheel should be centered (±2°) with no pull.
• Verify no steering wheel oscillation or vibration at highway speed (60-75 mph).
• On Tesla touchscreen, perform a Steering Angle Sensor calibration if available in the service menu, OR drive the vehicle through several turns and a brief straight stretch — the EPS will re-learn center position.
• Verify Autopilot/Lane Keep functions track centered in lane on a known straight, well-marked road. A miscalibrated steering angle after alignment will manifest as Autopilot drifting to one side.
• Re-check torque on all adjustment fasteners after a 100-mile settling period, particularly the cam bolts and tie rod jam nuts.
• Schedule tire rotation every 6,250 miles per Tesla's recommendation — Performance Model 3 wears tires aggressively due to instant torque and curb weight.
• Note the alignment date and mileage in service records. Re-align after any curb strike, pothole impact, or suspension component replacement.

More procedures for this vehicle