Front Suspension Knuckle - Left for Tesla Model S (2016-2021) | 1030605-00-D

Why This Left Front Knuckle Defines Your Model S’s Ride

• Left-Specific Engineering: Designed exclusively for the Model S’s left front suspension, with mirrored geometry to accommodate the vehicle’s steering linkage and brake caliper positioning. Its offset and bolt patterns are calibrated to the front’s 65.3-inch track width, ensuring no interference with wheel wells or suspension components.
• Performance Under Pressure: Handles up to 2,200 lbs of dynamic load (more than rear knuckles) during hard braking and 1.0g cornering forces—vital for a vehicle that accelerates from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds (Model S Performance).

Core Functions: More Than Just a Connection Point

• Steering Precision: Houses the steering tie rod end, translating driver input into smooth wheel movement with zero play. A worn knuckle can introduce “slop” in the steering wheel, reducing control at high speeds.
• Suspension Harmony: Connects to the front upper and lower control arms, distributing vertical forces (from bumps) and lateral forces (from turns) to the chassis. This prevents premature wear on $400+ control arm bushings.
• Brake & Hub Integration: Provides a rigid mounting surface for the front brake caliper and wheel hub, ensuring consistent brake pad contact and hub bearing alignment—critical for stopping distances and vibration-free driving.

Signs Your Left Front Knuckle Needs Replacement

• Pulling to the Right: The vehicle drifts right even on straight roads, indicating left knuckle deformation that throws off camber/toe.
• Steering Wheel Vibration: Shaking at 50+ mph, often worsened during braking, caused by a warped knuckle disrupting wheel balance.
• Uneven Front Tire Wear: Excessive left tire shoulder wear (inner or outer) vs. the right side—signals misalignment from a bent or cracked knuckle.
• Clunking During Turns: Metallic “clunks” when steering left/right, indicating loose mounting points or internal damage to the knuckle’s ball joint interface.

Built to Tesla’s Rigorous Standards

• Material: Forged from SAE 4140 chromoly steel (tensile strength 1,100 MPa)—stronger than standard carbon steel—with heat treatment to resist fatigue under repeated stress.
• Precision Machining: CNC-machined steering axis and hub bore (tolerance ±0.01mm) ensure the wheel rotates perfectly parallel to the road, eliminating “camber thrust” that causes pulling.
• Corrosion Protection: Multi-layer coating (zinc plating + epoxy primer + topcoat) withstands 1,500 hours of salt spray testing—ideal for owners in regions with heavy road salt or coastal humidity.
• Integrated Features: Includes pre-drilled holes for ABS sensor mounting and brake line brackets, ensuring compatibility with the Model S’s advanced safety systems.

Professional Installation: Critical for Safety

1. Pre-Installation Prep: Disconnect the 12V battery, remove the left front wheel, brake caliper, and rotor. Secure the front end with jack stands.
2. Removal Steps:
   • Detach the steering tie rod end, upper control arm, lower control arm, and sway bar link from the knuckle.
   • Press out the old wheel hub bearing (recommend replacing with 1043285-00-A for optimal performance).
3. Installation:
   • Press the new hub bearing into the knuckle, torqueing the retaining nut to 220 Nm.
   • Reattach suspension components with precise torque: control arms (130 Nm), tie rod end (85 Nm), sway bar link (50 Nm).
4. Non-Negotiable Final Step: Perform a 4-wheel alignment to reset left front camber (-1.0° ±0.3°), caster (6.5° ±0.5°), and toe (0° ±0.1°)—critical for safe handling.

What’s Included & Warranty

• 1x Left Front Suspension Knuckle (1030605-00-D)
• 3-Year Limited Warranty (covers structural defects; excludes damage from improper installation or accidents)
• Digital Installation Guide (includes torque specs, tool lists, and Model S-specific diagrams)

• Weak Materials: Prone to bending during hard cornering, leading to sudden loss of control.
• Poor Machining: Misaligned steering axis causes “memory steer” (vehicle pulls after turns) and uneven tire wear.
• Incompatible Fit: Ill-fitting holes require drilling/grinding, damaging brake lines or ABS sensors.

• Front Hub Bearing (1043285-00-A)
• Control Arm Bushing Kit (1030610-00-C)
• Torque Wrench (for precise bolt tightening)