SB-19-32-001

Tesla, Inc.

June 15, 2019

Service Bulletin

Modify Steering Shaft Sleeve
Classification

Repair Bulletin

Section/Group

32 - Steering

Country/Region

United States,
Canada

Year

2017

Model

Model 3

Version

All

Bulletin Classification: This repair bulletin provides instructions and guidelines for a noted condition or a customer
concern. The information provided can address a broad range of known or perceived issues with the operation of Tesla
vehicles. This bulletin might not be VIN-specific. These instructions assume knowledge of motor vehicle and high voltage
electrical component repairs, and should only be executed by trained professionals. Tesla assumes no liability for injury or
property damage due to a failure to properly follow these instructions or repairs attempted by unqualified individuals.

Condition
On a certain few Model 3 vehicles, the steering shaft sleeve diameter is too large, and might preload the steering shaft
boot bearing so as to cause a squeaking noise to come from the steering shaft boot when the steering wheel is turned.
The squeaking noise is most prevalent at lower ambient temperatures, and might diminish as the temperature rises. This
is exclusively an NVH issue and does not affect steering functionality.

Correction
Upon customer complaint that a squeaking noise is coming from behind the brake pedal only when turning the steering
wheel, modify the steering shaft sleeve to have a smaller diameter.

Correction Description

Correction

Time

SB-19-32-001 Not Applicable

S011932001

0.00

Modify Steering Shaft Sleeve

S021932001

0.35

Required Part(s): Part Number

Description
N/A

Quantity

Shop supplies:
Masking tape
150 grit sandpaper
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) wipes

Procedure
1. Remove the LH footwell cover (refer to Service Manual procedure 14055302).

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2. Release the steering shaft boot from the bulkhead, and then slide it up the steering shaft (Figure 1).
NOTE: Make sure that the white bearing remains in the boot.

Release boot
from bulkhead.

Figure 1
3. Apply masking tape around the opening in the bulkhead to prevent debris from entering the vehicle (Figure 2).
NOTE: Do not apply tape to the steering shaft or steering shaft sleeve. The shaft and sleeve must turn without tearing
the tape.

Figure 2

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4. Apply masking tape to the end of the steering shaft boot to protect the white bearing (Figure 3).
NOTE: The boot can turn with the steering shaft.

Figure 3
5. Cut a piece of 150 grit sandpaper to approximate width of 1.75 inches for a length of 8 inches or more.
6. Raise the vehicle on the lift, and then remove the front aero shield panel (refer to Service Manual procedure
12030102).
7. Wrap the sandpaper around the lower end of the steering shaft sleeve, against the lip of the sleeve (Figure 4).

Figure 4
8. Have an assistant turn a front road wheel from full left to full right 40 times, while the sandpaper is held against the
steering shaft sleeve.
CAUTION: Do not allow the sandpaper to touch the metal of the steering shaft, as it will damage the shaft. The
sandpaper must only sand the steering shaft sleeve.
9. Use IPA wipes to clean the shavings from the steering shaft sleeve.
NOTE: The sleeve is properly cleaned when there are no shavings left on a clean IPA wipe.
10. Install the front aero shield panel and lower the vehicle (refer to Service Manual procedure 12030102).
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11. Remove the masking tape from the steering shaft boot and the opening in the bulkhead (Figures 2 and 3).
12. Install the steering shaft boot into the bulkhead, and press around its circumference to secure it in place (Figure 1).
13. Install the LH footwell cover (refer to Service Manual procedure 14055302).

Affected VIN(s)

Affected Model 3 vehicles built between approximately July 2, 2017 and October 9, 2017.
NOTE: This is a simplified summary of the affected VIN list. Refer to the VIN/Bulletin Tracker or
Customer/Vehicle profile to determine applicability of this bulletin for a particular vehicle.

For feedback on the accuracy of this document, email ServiceBulletinFeedback@tesla.com.

SB-19-32-001

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