Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD. The front hub is a sealed, bolt-on unit secured to the steering knuckle with hub bolts and retains the front halfshaft via the axle nut.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — OEM Tesla Model 3 front hub assembly — refer to Tesla parts catalog
• Axle nut (single-use, with cotter pin or stake) × 1 — OEM-spec single-use axle nut
• Hub mounting bolts (if specified single-use) × 4 — OEM-spec hub bolts

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key 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 the 2024 Model 3, the 12V (lithium) battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the rear floor area — refer to Tesla service documentation for the exact location on this build, and disconnect the negative terminal first.
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. Loosen (but do not remove) the front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
7. Loosen (do not remove) the axle nut while the wheel is on the ground and the brake is applied — it is torqued to 250 Nm and will be very tight.
8. Raise the front of the vehicle using Tesla-specified jack points and rubber pucks. Support securely on jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS/wheel speed sensor on the steering knuckle or hub assembly. Remove the retaining bolt and carefully withdraw the sensor. Set it aside where it will not be damaged. Disconnect or unclip the sensor harness from any brackets on the strut/knuckle as needed.
   ⚠ABS sensors are fragile — do not pry on the sensor body. If seized, work it loose gently with penetrating fluid.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the front caliper assembly to the steering knuckle. Lift the caliper and bracket off the rotor as a unit and suspend it from the upper control arm or strut spring with wire — do not let it hang by the brake hose.
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the rotor retaining clip or screw if present, then slide the rotor off the hub. If the rotor is rust-bonded to the hub, apply penetrating fluid and tap with a dead-blow hammer around the hub face. Do not strike the rotor with a steel hammer near aluminum components.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut and free halfshaft from hub
   Remove the cotter pin or stake from the axle nut (if present), then remove the loosened axle nut. Push the halfshaft splined stub inward through the hub. If the splines are seized, use a hub puller or tap gently with a brass punch through the center. Support the halfshaft with wire — do not let it hang from the inner CV joint.
   ⚠Allowing the halfshaft to hang unsupported can damage the inner CV joint.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the wheel bearing hub assembly
   From the rear of the steering knuckle, remove the four bolts retaining the wheel bearing hub assembly to the knuckle. Note bolt positions and orientation. Pull the hub assembly off the front of the knuckle. If corroded in place, use a slide hammer with hub puller, or tap behind the hub flange evenly with a brass punch and dead-blow hammer.
   ⚠Do not strike the aluminum knuckle directly with a steel hammer — use a brass drift or dead-blow.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting face on the steering knuckle with a wire brush. Remove all rust, debris, and old threadlocker from the bolt holes. Inspect the knuckle for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or distortion. A clean, flat mating surface is critical to prevent runout.
7. 7

   Install new wheel bearing hub assembly
   Position the new hub assembly onto the steering knuckle, ensuring the ABS sensor or tone ring (if integrated) is oriented correctly. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the hub bolt threads if specified by the manufacturer. Install the hub bolts and tighten in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall halfshaft and axle nut
   Apply a light film of anti-seize to the halfshaft splines if recommended. Slide the halfshaft splined stub through the new hub. Install a NEW axle nut and snug it down. Final torque will be applied with the wheel on the ground. Install a new cotter pin or stake the nut as required.
   ⚠Always use a new axle nut. Final torque of 250 Nm is critical for proper bearing preload — under- or over-torquing can destroy the new bearing.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
   Slide the new or reused rotor onto the hub. Reinstall the caliper bracket assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification.
10. 10

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore. Install the sensor and retaining bolt, and torque to specification. Reconnect any harness clips that were removed.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground (enough to prevent rotation).
3. Final-torque the axle nut to 250 Nm and install a new cotter pin or stake the nut into the halfshaft groove as designed.
4. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft).
5. Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
6. Reconnect the 12V battery (negative terminal last). Close the access panel.
7. Allow the vehicle to wake up. Some Tesla driver-assist features (ABS/traction/steering angle) may need to relearn — drive at low speed in a safe area to allow recalibration.

Verification

• With the vehicle still on stands, spin the hub by hand and confirm smooth rotation with no grinding, roughness, or excessive play.
• Check for any ABS or traction control alerts on the touchscreen after the vehicle wakes. A persistent ABS fault may indicate the wheel speed sensor is not seated correctly or the tone ring is damaged.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for any humming or rumbling from the front wheel that changes with speed or cornering load — symptoms of a defective or improperly preloaded bearing.
• After 50–100 miles, re-check axle nut staking/cotter pin and lug nut torque.
• Note: while performing front suspension work, this is a good opportunity to inspect brake pad thickness and confirm brake fluid service interval — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.

More procedures for this vehicle