2021 Tesla Model 3 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2021 Tesla Model 3, front toe is adjustable from the factory. Front camber and caster are not directly adjustable without aftermarket components. Rear total toe is adjustable from the factory. Rear camber is not adjustable from the factory. SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) and Thrust Angle are not adjustable angles; they are diagnostic measurements.

To adjust front camber on a Model 3, aftermarket eccentric bushings or adjustable control arms are typically required. These components allow a technician to alter the mounting points of the suspension, thereby changing the camber angle. For caster, shims or adjustable control arms may be used if adjustment is desired beyond factory specifications or to compensate for modified suspension.

Rear toe is adjusted via an eccentric bolt on the lower control arm, allowing for precise changes to the rear wheel alignment. Since rear camber is not adjustable from the factory, aftermarket control arms are the usual solution if camber correction is needed due to vehicle damage, wear, or for performance tuning.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For the 2021 Tesla Model 3, if front camber or caster adjustment is necessary beyond factory parameters or due to abnormal wear, SPC Performance (Specialty Products Company) offers various aftermarket solutions, including adjustable upper control arms or eccentric bolt kits. These can provide the necessary range of adjustment for both camber and caster. For rear camber, similar aftermarket adjustable control arms are available from brands like SPC or Unplugged Performance, which replace the fixed factory arms to allow for camber alteration.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misaligned wheels on your Model 3 can lead to several noticeable issues. One of the most common signs is abnormal tire wear. For example:

• Feathering: This occurs when one side of the tire tread block is worn smooth, and the other side remains sharp, feeling like feathers when you run your hand across the tread. This often indicates excessive toe-in or toe-out.
• Camber wear: If only the inside or outside edge of the tire is significantly worn, this points to an issue with camber. Negative camber wear shows on the inside edge, while positive camber wear shows on the outside edge.
• Uneven overall wear: If one tire wears significantly faster than the others, or if both front or both rear tires show accelerated wear, this could be due to a combination of alignment issues or a bent component.

Beyond tire wear, other symptoms include:

• Steering wheel off-center: Even when driving straight, the steering wheel may not be level.
• Vehicle pulling or drifting: The car may consistently pull to one side, requiring constant steering correction to stay in a straight line.
• Vibration: While often associated with tire balance, severe alignment issues can also contribute to vibrations felt through the steering wheel or the vehicle itself.
• Poor handling: The car may feel less responsive, unstable at highway speeds, or exhibit imprecise steering.

When to align

It's recommended to get a wheel alignment for your 2021 Tesla Model 3 in several situations:

• After suspension or steering component replacement: Any time parts like control arms, tie rods, ball joints, struts, or steering racks are replaced, an alignment is crucial.
• After installing new tires: To ensure maximum tire life and optimal handling, always get an alignment after purchasing new tires.
• After hitting a significant pothole or curb: A hard impact can easily knock your alignment out of specification.
• If you notice any of the "Symptoms of bad alignment" listed above.
• Every 15,000-20,000 miles or at least once a year: Even without symptoms, alignment angles can gradually shift over time due to normal driving and wear.

Typical alignment cost

The typical cost for a wheel alignment on a 2021 Tesla Model 3 can range from $120 to $250. This price can vary depending on your geographic location, the specific shop, and whether any specialized adjustments or aftermarket parts are required. If aftermarket adjustable components are installed to correct non-adjustable factory angles, the cost may be higher due to the increased labor time and complexity.

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