Replacement of a rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. The rear hub is integral to the rear suspension knuckle assembly and requires removal of the half-shaft from the hub to service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Model X (2022+ refresh) rear hub assembly — manufacturer-specified
• Axle/spindle nut (single-use, if specified) × 1 — OEM single-use rear axle nut
• Hub mounting bolts (if specified single-use) × 4 — OEM rear hub bolts

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 located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Refer to architecture notes for exact access.
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. Before disconnecting 12V: enter the touchscreen Service menu and activate 'Jack Mode' to disable the air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen (but do not remove) the rear axle nut and wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle using only the manufacturer-designated lift points (reinforced jack pads on the rocker pinch welds), avoiding the HV battery enclosure. Support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear brake caliper
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the rear brake caliper assembly to the knuckle. Lift the caliper and bracket off the rotor as a unit and suspend with wire from the suspension — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose. Inspect bolts for corrosion.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the small rotor retaining screw (if present) and slide the rear rotor off the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil to the hub center and tap the rotor face evenly with a dead-blow — do not strike the hub flange.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS / wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the knuckle. Remove the retaining bolt and carefully extract the sensor from its bore. Unclip the harness from any retainers along the trailing arm. Set the sensor aside protected — do not let it dangle.
   ⚠ABS sensors on Tesla vehicles are integrated with traction control and stability — damage will trigger persistent dashboard alerts requiring service tool clearing.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut
   With the wheel removed but rotor area accessible, fully remove the previously-loosened rear axle (spindle) nut. Discard if it is a single-use deformed-thread design; check the manufacturer-specified replacement requirement.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate half-shaft from hub
   Push the outer CV stub axle inward through the hub splines. If the splines are seized, apply penetrating oil and tap gently with a brass drift on the axle end (protect threads with the old nut backed off flush). Support the half-shaft so it does not hang from the inner CV joint.
   ⚠Do not let the half-shaft drop or hang freely — this can damage the inner tripod joint and the differential output seal.
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly mounting bolts
   From the rear (inboard) side of the knuckle, locate the bolts retaining the wheel bearing hub assembly to the knuckle. Remove all hub mounting bolts. Note bolt orientation and any shims or alignment features for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old hub assembly
   Withdraw the hub assembly from the knuckle bore. If corroded in place, work the hub free using a bearing puller or by applying even pressure — do not pry against the aluminum knuckle face. Clean the knuckle bore and mating face thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
   ⚠Aluminum knuckle — gouges or score marks on the mating face will prevent the new hub from seating squarely and cause premature bearing failure.
8. 8

   Install new hub assembly
   Compare new hub to old (bolt pattern, ABS tone ring orientation, ABS sensor port location). Apply a light film of anti-seize to the hub mating spigot only — keep clean of bolt threads. Seat the new hub squarely into the knuckle.
9. 9

   Torque hub mounting bolts
   Install the hub mounting bolts (new if specified). Apply medium-strength threadlocker if the manufacturer specification calls for it. Tighten in a star/cross pattern in two stages to the verified torque.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall half-shaft and axle nut
    Slide the CV stub axle through the new hub splines. Install a new axle nut (if single-use) and snug it. Final torque must be applied with the wheel on the ground or with brakes firmly applied to prevent rotation.
    ⚠Under-torquing the axle nut allows the bearing inner race to walk and destroys the new hub within hundreds of miles.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Clean the sensor and bore. Reinstall the ABS wheel speed sensor with its retaining bolt. Verify the harness is routed clear of the brake rotor, suspension travel, and any heat sources.
12. 12

    Reinstall rotor and caliper
    Install the rear rotor and small retaining screw (if equipped). Reinstall the caliper assembly over the rotor and torque the caliper bracket bolts with threadlocker as recommended.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle so the tire just contacts the ground (loaded but not full weight) and final-torque the axle nut to specification.
3. Lower the vehicle fully and torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk.
5. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen — the air suspension will re-pressurize and self-level. Allow the vehicle to settle before driving.
6. Press the brake pedal several times to seat the caliper pistons before moving the vehicle.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, check the touchscreen for any ABS, traction control, stability, or vehicle hold warnings — Tesla's integrated systems will throw a fault if the wheel speed sensor signal is intermittent.
• Test drive at low speed first: confirm no grinding, humming, or growling from the rear that changes with cornering load (classic bearing signature).
• Accelerate gently and confirm regenerative braking engages normally — a misaligned ABS tone ring will disable regen and trigger 'Traction Control Disabled' messaging.
• After 50 miles, re-check the axle nut torque and inspect for any oil weep from the differential output seal that could indicate the half-shaft was over-stressed during R&R.
• While the vehicle is up, take this opportunity to inspect the rear brake fluid condition — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.
• Confirm tire rotation interval — Tesla recommends every 6,250 miles on heavy AWD vehicles like the Model X Plaid; document current mileage.

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