Tesla, Inc.

Service Bulletin

SB-21-39-001
January 19, 2024

Replace Front Drive Unit Halfshafts

R3

Classification

Section/Group

Mobile Service

Model Year

Country/Region

Version

Repair Bulletin

2014 - 2020

39 - Front Drive Unit

Model

Model S, Model X

Cannot Perform

All

All

The model(s) and model year(s) listed are a general approximation 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.

Repair Bulletin: This repair bulletin provides instructions on addressing a noted condition or possible customer concern regarding
the operation of Tesla vehicles. These instructions should only be performed by trained professionals.

This Service Document supersedes SB-21-39-001 R2, dated December 10, 2021. This new revision, R3, adds
conspicuity for Customer Pay billing. Each content change is marked by a vertical line in the left margin. Discard the
previous version and replace it with this one.

Condition
Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration
at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH issue and does not otherwise affect steering functionality,
braking, or acceleration.

Correction
Upon customer complaint, inspect the vehicle for excessive vibrations from the front drive unit during hard
acceleration. If the condition is present, replace both front drive unit halfshafts with updated components, and if
necessary, replace the front drive unit clevis and axle seal.
TIP: Customer Pay billing instructions are available in Toolbox article 6013200.

Correction Description

Correction

Time

SB-21-39-001 Not Applicable

S012139001

0.00

Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts (Raven Front Drive Unit)

S022139001

1.80

Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Reposition Clevis (Raven Front Drive Unit)

S032139001

1.90

Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, and Axle Seal (Small Drive Unit)

S042139001

2.35

Inspect Vehicle, Replace Front Halfshafts, Clevis, and Axle Seal (Small Drive Unit)

S052139001

3.75

Part Number

Description

Quantity

BLT,HEX,FLG,M6-1.00x25[8.8]-09
WASHER SAFETY M24x39
NUT HF M10x1.25 PC10 PTP COLORED
NUT HF M10x1.50 [10] ZnAl-W

4
2
2
2

1626637-00-A
1108557-00-A
1030616-00-D

Also for Model S Built April 24, 2019 or Earlier
(Small Drive Unit)
HALFSHAFT ASSY, FR, MS SDU-F, LH
OUTPUT AXLE SEAL, 3DU, 40X67
HALFSHAFT, FR, RH, MODEL S HPDM

1
1
1

1553109-00-B
1108557-00-A
1027115-00-D

Also for Model X Built April 24, 2019 or Earlier
(Small Drive Unit)
HALFSHAFT ASSY, MX, FR, LH, SDU-F
OUTPUT AXLE SEAL, 3DU, 40X67
HALFSHAFT, FR RH, MODEL X

1
1
1

Parts Required 2007206
1020296-00-B
2007090-00-C
1004351-00-A

Page 1 of 8

SB-21-39-001
_

1626636-00-A
1626638-00-A
1004356-00-B

1420113-00-B
1420119-00-B
1004356-00-B

1055366-00-H
1137112-00-A
1004350-00-A
1055663-00-A
1138547-00-A
1037743-00-A

Also for Model S Built April 25, 2019 or Later
(Raven Front Drive Unit)
HALFSHAFT ASSY, FR, MS PM LH
HALFSHAFT ASSY, FR, MS PM RH
NUT HFPT M14-2.00 [10] ZnNi-W
Also for Model X Built April 25, 2019 or Later
(Raven Front Drive Unit)
HALFSHAFT ASSY, FR, MSX, LH
HALFSHAFT ASSY, FR, MSX, RH
NUT HFPT M14-2.00 [10] ZnNi-W

If Replacing the Clevis
CLVS ASSY,DBL ISO,LHS MTR MNT,SDU-F
BOLT,TE,M10X1.5x48[10.9] U-ZNNI-MP CW
BLT BTNHD M10x1.50x57 [10.9] ZnAl-W
NUT PLATE ASSY,LHS MTR MNT,SDU-F
BATTERY BOLTS, SERVICE REPAIR KIT, SX
BOLT PF M6x40 PC109 ECOFIX

1
1
2

1
1
2

1
2
2
1
1
2

These part numbers were current at the time of publication. Use the revisions listed or later, unless
otherwise specified in the Parts Catalog.

Special Tools

1096075-00-A
1498673-00-A
1053589-00-A
1454928-00-A
1131206-00-A
1076973-00-A

For Halfshaft Service
Tool, Hub Puller, Hydraulic
Kit, Cable Axle Remover
Slide Hammer
Adjustable Seal Puller
Install Tool, Output Seal, Model 3
Dead Blow Hammer

1100076-00-A
1081765-00-A
1056566-00-A
1020566-00-F
1038478-00-A
1028325-00-A
1083188-00-B
1032900-01-A
1032900-00-A

For Clevis Service
Kit, Video Diagnostics
3/4 Ton Underhoist Stand
5MM Locating Shim Set For Front DU Replacement
HV Battery Table
HV Rapid Mate Cover
LV Rapid Mate Cover
Multimeter
Heat Inductor Tool (EMEA)
Tool, Inductive Heating (NA, APAC)

Shop Supplies Brake cleaner
Paint pen
Foldable funnel
Oil drain container
Wheel chocks
Molykote M-77 paste

Page 2 of 8

SB-21-39-001
_

Test Drive and Determine Vehicle Type
1. Perform a test drive where safe; set the vehicle ride height to VERY HIGH and quickly accelerate to highway
speeds.
•

If vibration under hard acceleration is not detected, cancel this bulletin activity so that it remains available
for a possible future application, and discontinue this procedure.

•

If vibration under hard acceleration is detected, continue to the next step.

2. Check the vehicle build date:
•

If the vehicle build date is April 24, 2019 or earlier (Small Drive Unit), skip to section “Vehicles Built April
24, 2019 or Earlier (Small Drive Unit)” in this document.

•

If the vehicle build date is April 25, 2019 or later (Raven Front Drive Unit), skip to section “Vehicles Built
April 25, 2019 or Later (Raven Front Drive Unit)” in this document.
NOTE: If the vehicle build date is April 25 or April 26, 2019, take note, as this will affect the repair
procedure.

Page 3 of 8

SB-21-39-001
_

Vehicles Built April 24, 2019 or Earlier (Small Drive Unit)
1. Raise and support the vehicle (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000205; Model S, Model X).
2. Shine a light into the front aero shield LH front caster adjustment opening (Figure 1) and inspect the flanges of the
front drive unit clevis that attach to the side rail.
•

If the clevis flanges are squared and fastened with hex bolts (Figure 2), clevis and halfshaft replacement
are necessary; skip to step 3.

•

If the clevis flanges are rounded and fastened with External Torx bolts with large washers that obscure the
flange (Figure 3), clevis replacement is not necessary; however, the halfshafts must be replaced. Skip to
step 4.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

3. Replace the front drive unit clevis (refer to Service Manual procedure 39014302; Model S, Model X).
4. Remove the RH front drive unit halfshaft (refer to Service Manual procedure 39302102; Model S, Model X).
5. Remove the LH front drive unit halfshaft (refer to Service Manual procedure 39302002; Model S, Model X).
6. Replace the LH front drive unit axle seal (refer to Service Manual procedure 39301002; Model S, Model X).
CAUTION: Do not reuse the old axle seal.
NOTE: Use “INSTALL TOOL, OUTPUT SEAL, MODEL 3, PN 1131206-00-A” to install the new oil seal.
Page 4 of 8

SB-21-39-001
_

7. Install the new LH front drive unit halfshaft, all LH suspension components, all LH brake components, and then
return to this procedure (refer to Service Manual procedure 39302002; Model S, Model X).
8. Install the new RH front drive unit halfshaft, all RH suspension components, all RH brake components, and then
return to this procedure (refer to Service Manual procedure 39302102; Model S, Model X).
9. If removed, install the HV battery (refer to Service Manual procedure 16010101; Model S, Model X).
10. Refill the front drive unit (refer to Service manual procedure 39300102; Model S, Model X).
11. If removed, install the 12V battery or battery cage (refer to Service Manual procedure 17014012 (Model S),
17011402 (Model X)).
12. Install all other components that were removed for access.
13. Place the vehicle on a 4-post lift (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000405; Model S, Model X).
14. Torque the nuts and bolts that attach the LH and RH front air spring modules to the front lower control arms
(torque 140 Nm) (Figure 4).

Figure 4 – LH shown; RH similar
15. Clean and mark the nuts with a paint pen.
16. Perform a ride height adjustment (refer to Service Manual procedure 31001100 (Model S), 31001000) (Model X)).
17. Remove the vehicle from the 4-post lift (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000405; Model S, Model X).
18. Skip to section “Halfshaft Break-in and Test Drive” in this document.

Page 5 of 8

SB-21-39-001
_

Vehicles Built April 25, 2019 or Later (Raven Front Drive Unit)
1. Remove the LH front drive unit halfshaft (refer to Service Manual procedure 39303102; Model S, Model X).
2. Vehicles built on April 25 or April 26, 2019:
a. Inspect the foremost mounting bolt on the front drive unit clevis.
•

If the clevis is visible past the front edge of the foremost washer (Figure 5), the clevis does not
require repositioning; skip to step 3.

•

If the clevis is not visible past the front edge of the foremost washer (Figure 6), the clevis requires
repositioning; continue to step 2.b.

Figure 5

Figure 6

b. Loosen, but do not remove, the bolts that attach the front drive unit clevis to the body (Figure 7).

Figure 7
c.

Position a prybar between the clevis and body (Figure 8), and then pry the clevis towards the front of the
vehicle until the clevis is visible past the front edge of the foremost washer (Figure 5).

SB-21-39-001

Figure 8
_

Page 6 of 8

d. Torque the bolts that attach the clevis to the body (torque 65 Nm) (Figure 7).
NOTE: Make sure the clevis remains visible past the front edge of the foremost washer (Figure 5).
e. Continue to step 3.
3. Remove the RH front drive unit halfshaft (refer to Service Manual procedure 39303202; Model S, Model X).
4. Install the LH front drive unit halfshaft, all LH suspension components, all LH brake components, and then return
to this procedure (refer to Service Manual procedure 39303102; Model S, Model X).
5. Install the RH front drive unit halfshaft, all RH suspension components, all RH brake components, and then return
to this procedure (refer to Service Manual procedure 39303202; Model S, Model X).
6. Install all other components that were removed for access.
7. Place the vehicle on a 4-post lift (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000405; Model S, Model X).
8. Torque the nuts and bolts that attach the LH and RH front air spring modules to the front lower control arms
(torque 140 Nm) (Figure 9).

Figure 9 – LH shown; RH similar
9. Clean and mark the nuts with a paint pen.
10. Perform a ride height adjustment (refer to Service Manual procedure 31001100 (Model S), 31001000) (Model X)).
11. Remove the vehicle from the 4-post lift (refer to Service Manual procedure 10000405; Model S, Model X).
12. Skip to section “Halfshaft Break-in and Test Drive” in this document.

Page 7 of 8

SB-21-39-001
_

Halfshaft Break-in and Test Drive
NOTE: Newly installed halfshafts might generate excessive NVH (scraping/rattling noises and excess vibrations)
until properly broken in. Do not return the vehicle to the customer until the halfshafts have been broken in.
1. Perform halfshaft break-in:
a. Charge the vehicle HV Battery to at least 70%.
b. On the vehicle touchscreen, select Driving > Acceleration > Standard or Sport
c.

At 100% throttle, accelerate from 0 mph to 50 mph (80 kph) 2–6 times. When the halfshafts cease to
scrape, rattle, or vibrate excessively, skip to the next step.
WARNING: Comply with all local traffic safety laws. Only perform such maneuvers in a suitable
location such as a large empty, parking lot or nonresidential side street with no traffic.

2. Set the vehicle ride height to STANDARD.
3. Take the vehicle on a test drive, emulating as many of the driving scenarios listed below as possible while
checking for excessive vibrations or shuddering at the front of the vehicle.
•

•

•

•

Highway/motorway:
•

Maintain cruising speed.

•

Perform lane changes to the right and to the left.

•

Accelerate and decelerate to simulate overtaking maneuvers.

Urban areas:
•

Low speed.

•

Many right and left turns.

Normal city roads:
•

Combination of straight and curved roads.

•

Low and moderate speeds.

Large, empty parking lot or nonresidential side street with no traffic:
•

Again, at 100% throttle, accelerate from 0 mph to 50 mph (80 kph).

WARNING: Comply with all local traffic safety laws. Only perform such maneuvers in a suitable location
such as a large empty, parking lot or nonresidential side street with no traffic.
4. After confirming the absence of excessive vibrations or shuddering at the front of the vehicle, the vehicle may be
returned to the customer.

Page 8 of 8

SB-21-39-001
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