2018 Tesla Model S Wheel Alignment Specifications

As an ASE-certified alignment technician, I’ve put countless vehicles on the alignment rack, and the 2018 Tesla Model S is a frequent visitor. Thanks to its heavy battery pack and instant torque, the Model S goes through tires faster than your average sedan. Keeping the alignment dialed in is critical to maximizing the life of those expensive EV-rated tires and ensuring the vehicle's Autopilot and advanced driver-assistance systems function correctly.

Below, you’ll find the factory wheel alignment specifications for the 2018 Tesla Model S. Keep in mind that specs can vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with Smart Air Suspension and what ride height it is set to during the alignment process (normally set to "Standard" height).

Quick reference

Here is the quick reference chart for the 2018 Tesla Model S wheel alignment specifications. These values are based on standard ride height settings.

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability, the 2018 Tesla Model S is relatively limited straight from the factory, which is typical for many modern luxury sedans.

Front Axle: On the front end, only toe is factory-adjustable. This is done via the inner and outer tie rods. Front camber and caster are non-adjustable with the OEM suspension components. If front camber or caster is out of specification, it usually indicates a bent component (like a control arm or steering knuckle), worn bushings, or a shifted subframe.

Rear Axle: In the rear, toe is adjustable via factory eccentric cam bolts on the rear toe links. Rear camber, however, is fixed and non-adjustable from the factory. Due to the heavy weight and aggressive factory negative camber setting in the rear (-1.5° preferred), inner tire wear is a very common issue on the Model S, especially as the suspension bushings age and settle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

Because camber and caster are non-adjustable from the factory, correcting these angles often requires aftermarket solutions if no parts are physically bent.

• Front Adjustable Upper Control Arms: If your front camber or caster is out of spec and you want to correct it without replacing the entire subframe or hoping a new factory arm fixes the tolerance, aftermarket adjustable upper control arms (from brands like Unplugged Performance, SPC, or Hardrace) are the best solution. They allow precise tuning of both camber and caster.
• Rear Adjustable Camber Arms: To combat the notorious inner rear tire wear on the Model S, many owners and technicians recommend installing aftermarket adjustable rear camber links. These replace the fixed factory upper links and allow you to dial back the negative camber closer to -1.0° or -0.5°, significantly improving tire longevity without drastically affecting daily handling.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Because the 2018 Tesla Model S is heavy and generates immense torque, alignment issues will destroy tires rapidly. Watch out for these symptoms:

• Inner Edge Tire Wear: This is the most common issue on the Model S. Excessive negative camber (especially in the rear) combined with toe-out will chew through the inside edge of the tires down to the cords, often while the outside tread looks perfectly fine.
• Feathering or Cupping: If the toe is out of spec, the tires will scrub as they roll. This results in a feathered wear pattern across the tread blocks and a noisy, rumbling ride.
• Vehicle Pulling: If the front caster or camber is significantly uneven from left to right, the vehicle will pull toward the side with the most positive camber or least positive caster.
• Off-Center Steering Wheel: If the total toe is correct but individual toe is skewed, the car will track straight, but the steering wheel will be crooked. This can also cause issues with Autopilot calibration.

When to align

You should put your 2018 Tesla Model S on the alignment rack under the following conditions:

• After new tires: Always get an alignment when installing a new set of tires to protect your investment. EV tires are expensive; don't ruin them with bad geometry.
• Suspension or steering repairs: Any time you replace control arms, tie rods, air struts, or bushings, the alignment angles will change and must be reset.
• Hitting a curb or deep pothole: The Model S suspension is robust, but the vehicle's sheer weight means impacts transfer a lot of force to the control arms, easily bending them or knocking the toe out of adjustment.
• Once a year: Due to bushing settlement and the high wear rate of EV tires, an annual alignment check is highly recommended as preventative maintenance.

Typical alignment cost

A standard four-wheel alignment for a 2018 Tesla Model S typically ranges from $120 to $200. Because the vehicle requires specific lift pads and the technician must navigate the center screen to put the air suspension into "Jack Mode" and ensure standard ride height, it is best to take it to a shop familiar with Teslas. If you have aftermarket adjustable control arms installed, expect to pay a premium (often $200 to $300), as adjusting these custom components takes significantly more time and expertise than simply turning factory tie rods.

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