2019 Tesla Model X Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2019 Tesla Model X offers a good degree of factory adjustability for key alignment angles.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Adjustable. Achieved via eccentric bolts on the lower control arm, allowing for changes to the tilt of the wheels.
• Caster: Adjustable. This is also set using eccentric bolts on the lower control arm, which moves the wheel forward or backward in the wheel well, affecting steering stability and effort.
• Toe: Adjustable. Front toe is adjusted by turning the tie rod ends, effectively lengthening or shortening the tie rods to change the angle of the wheels relative to each other.
• SAI (Steering Axis Inclination): Not directly adjustable. SAI is a non-adjustable "derived angle" (meaning it is a result of the design of the suspension components). If SAI is out of specification, it typically indicates bent or worn suspension components.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Adjustable. Rear camber on the Model X is adjusted using eccentric bolts on the lower control arm, similar to the front.
• Toe: Adjustable. Rear toe is also adjusted via eccentric bolts on the control arms.
• Thrust Angle: Not directly adjustable, but influenced by individual rear toe settings. A proper thrust angle is achieved when the rear wheels are tracking straight and parallel to the vehicle's centerline. Excessive thrust angle usually points to uneven rear toe settings or a bent rear axle/subframe.

Recommended adjustment hardware

The 2019 Tesla Model X generally uses eccentric bolts integrated into the suspension for camber and toe adjustments. For vehicles that have seen significant wear or damage, or for those seeking more aggressive alignment settings (e.g., for track use), aftermarket solutions might be considered. However, for most street applications and maintaining factory specifications, the existing hardware is sufficient. If factory eccentric bolts are seized or damaged, OEM replacement eccentric bolt kits are the recommended repair.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Recognizing the signs of a misaligned vehicle can save you from premature tire wear and improve driving safety. Here are common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common indicator.
  • Feathering: Caused by excessive toe, where one side of the tire tread is smooth and the other is sharp. You can often feel this by running your hand across the tread.
  • Inner or Outer Shoulder Wear: Excessive negative or positive camber will cause one edge of the tire to wear down more quickly than the other.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Appears as dips or scoops around the tire's circumference. While often linked to worn shocks or unbalanced tires, severe toe or camber issues can also contribute.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when you're driving in a straight line on a flat road, your alignment is likely off.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: The car drifts to the left or right without continuous steering input. This can be caused by uneven camber or caster settings.
• Loose or Sloppy Steering: A feeling of excessive play in the steering wheel, making it difficult to maintain a straight path.
• Vibrations: While often associated with unbalanced tires, alignment issues can sometimes contribute to vibrations, especially at higher speeds.

When to align

It's crucial to get a wheel alignment in the following situations to ensure optimal handling, tire life, and safety:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time components like tie rods, control arms, ball joints, or struts are replaced, an alignment is mandatory.
• After Installing New Tires: To maximize the life of your new tires and ensure they wear evenly.
• After an Accident or Hitting a Large Pothole/Curb: Even a seemingly minor impact can knock your alignment out of specification.
• If You Notice Alignment Symptoms: As described above (uneven tire wear, vehicle pull, off-center steering wheel).
• Every 12 Months or 10,000-15,000 Miles: As a general preventative maintenance measure, even if you don't notice any immediate issues. This helps catch minor deviations before they become major problems.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2019 Tesla Model X can vary based on your location, the specific shop, and whether any seized components need extra labor for adjustment. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 for a standard four-wheel alignment. Some specialty shops or dealerships might charge more, especially if additional adjustments or repairs are needed (e.g., freeing up seized bolts). Always inquire about a "four-wheel alignment" to ensure all adjustable angles on both axles are checked and corrected.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.