Suspension Arms and Subframelink
Last updated: September 18, 2024
Suspension Armslink
Overviewslink
The suspension arms are the direct mechanical linkage that connects the road wheels with the subframes (front and rear). These subframes are bolted directly to the vehicle body.
2021+ Model S uses a variation of a double wishbone design on the front and a multilink suspension on the rear. This suspension geometry allows tuning of the suspension to optimally split the difference between immediate response, ultimate cornering grip, and comfort.
Front Suspension Armslink
The front suspension is a variation of the double wishbone design. A normal double wishbone usually consists of a short upper control arm and a longer lower control arm. However, in the case of 2021+ Model S, the lower control arm is actually composed of 2 separate links called a fore link and an aft link. These 2 lower control arms are aluminum forgings that connect to an aluminum knuckle that houses the wheel hub. The knuckle is tall in order to transfer most of the lateral loads from the tire through the lower links, while the upper control arm experiences less load. The air spring module and the upper control arm are also bolted directly onto the body.
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| 1. Knuckle 2. Air spring module 3. Upper control arm 4. Fore link 5. Aft link 6. Stabilzer bar 7. Subframe 8. Power steering |
Rear Suspension Armslink
The rear suspension is a multilink design comprising of 5 separate links.
There are 2 lower links (fore and aft), an adjustable toe link, and 2 upper links (fore and aft). The fore links provide longitudinal stability. The rear aft links control lateral movement and camber.
The only adjustable component on the rear suspension is the toe link since this has a threaded component with lock nuts. Part of the design of the multilink is that the inner bushing mounting points do not require the fixings to be torqued to the rear subframe while at vehicle ride height. The outer bushings of the 5 links connect to the aluminum knuckle that houses the wheel hub.
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| 1. Knuckle 2. Air spring module 3. Upper aft link 4. Upper fore link 5. Toe link 6. Lower fore link 7. Lower aft link 8. Stabilizer bar 9. Subframe |
Serviceabilitylink
All components on the front and rear suspension arms are not individually serviceable. Any damage or wear needs that individual component replaced and the surrounding connected components inspected.
The adjustments available on the front suspension arms are camber and caster via the bolt cam lobes on the inner joints of both lower links
The only adjustments available on the rear suspension arms are rear toe adjustment on the toe link.
Additional adjustments outside of this requires inspection for worn or damage parts.
Note
Replacements of any components of the suspension arms requires a full wheel alignment.
Subframelink
Overviewlink
The front and rear subframes on 2021+ Model S form part of the structure of the vehicle and provides added rigidity. These subframes contain subcomponents of the vehicle drivetrain system. The subframes also have integrated rubber bushings at the body mounting points to assist Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).
Front Subframelink
The front subframe contains the fixtures for both lower control arms, stabilizer bar, and power steering rack. This complete unit bolts directly to the vehicle body. Part of the design allows for the front subframe rear brace to be removed separately. This allows the HV battery pack to be removed without completely removing the front subframe and its associated components.
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| Front subframe |
Rear Subframelink
The rear subframe is a multiple piece, diecast component that contains fixtures for the multilink suspension, stabilizer bar, and rear drive unit.
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| Rear subframe |
Serviceabilitylink
The front and rear subframes are not serviceable. Any damage or wear requires the replacement of that component and a full inspection of the surrounding components / attachments.
Note
Any replacement requires a full wheel alignment.