2015 TESLA MODEL S Suspension

Brakes
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)with Electronic Brake Force Distribution,
Integrated Advanced Stability Control
and Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated
regenerative braking systemCalipersFour piston fixedRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 13.98”/355 mm
Rear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mm
Service limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mm
Service limit: 1.02”/26 mmFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.354”/9.0 mm
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.315”/8.0 mm
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mmElectronic Parking Brake (EPB) Pad Thickness
(excluding back plate). Electronic calipers self-
adjust for pad wear.New: 0.216”/5.5 mm
Service limit: 0.039”/1 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake
calipers
Suspension
FrontIndependent, double wishbone, air spring
or coil spring/telescopic damper, sway barRearIndependent, multi-link, air spring or coil
spring/telescopic damper, sway bar (air suspension vehicles only)For alignment values, see Wheel Alignment Values on page 143.
Battery - 12V
Rating33 amp-hr or higherVoltage and Polarity12V negative (-) ground
Subsystems
Specifications141

Wheel SpecificationsWheel TypeLocationSizeOffset
19"
Front8.0J x 191.575"
40 mmRear8.0J x 191.575"
40 mm21" - Silver (standard)Front8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Grey (standard)Rear8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Silver and Grey (optional) Performance
Plus vehiclesRear9.0J x 211.575"
40 mmRoad Wheel Nut Torque129 lb. ft (175 Nm)Requirements for dynamic wheel balance.49 ounces (14 grams)Note: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model S, see Jacking and Lifting on page 132.
Wheel Alignment Values
LocationAir SuspensionCoil SuspensionFrontRearFrontRearCamber-0.75 +/- 0.35-1.75 +/- 0.35-.53 +/- 0.35-1.55 +/- 0.35Camber Split-0.00 +/- 0.20-0.00 +/-
0.50-0.00 +/- 0.20-0.00 +/-
0.50Caster4.00 +/- 0.50n/a3.70 +/- 0.50n/aCaster Split0.00 +/- 0.20n/a0.00 +/- 0.20n/aSingle Wheel ToeOUT 0.05
OUT 0.15
(limit) IN 0.05
(limit)IN 0.20 +/-
0.05IN 0.02 OUT
0.08 (limit) IN
0.12 (limit)IN 0.19 +/-
0.05Thrust Anglen/a0.00 +/- 0.30n/a0.00 +/- 0.30Suspension Bolt Height (at
design)213.5 +/-
5 mmStandard
models: 144
+/- 5 mm
Performance
Plus: 151 +/-
5 mm230 mm
(nominal)158 mm
(nominal)
Wheels and Tires
Specifications143

Use a Flatbed Only
Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise
specified by Tesla. Do not transport Model S with the tires directly on the ground.Caution: Damage caused by transporting
is not covered by the warranty.Caution: To transport Model S, follow the
instructions exactly as described next.
Disable Self-Leveling (air
suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self- leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very
High to maximize height.
3. Touch Jack.
When Jack mode is active,
Model S displays this indicator
light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you
that active suspension is
disabled.
Note: Jack mode cancels when Model S is
driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can result in the vehicle becoming loose during transport, which
may cause significant damage.Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park
when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle, even if it has previously been shifted into
Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the
touchscreen, touch Controls > Settings >
Service & Reset > Tow Mode .When Tow mode is active, Model S
displays this indicator light on the
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
free-rolling.
Note: Tow mode cancels when Model S is
shifted into Park.
Caution: If the electrical system is not
working, and you therefore cannot
release the electric parking brake,
attempt to quick start the 12V battery.
For instructions, call Tesla. If a situation
occurs where you cannot disengage the
parking brake, use tire skids or transport
Model S for the shortest possible distance
using wheeled dollies. Before doing so,
always check the dolly manufacturer’s specifications and recommended load
capacity.
Instructions for Transporters
150Model S Owner's Manual

Connect the Tow Chain
The method used to connect the tow chain depends on whether Model S is equipped with
a towing eye (located in the front trunk).
If not equipped with a towing eye:
1. Attach the tow chains to the large hole on
each of the rearmost lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any
damage that could be caused by the tow
chains, place a 2" x 4" piece of wood
between the tow chains and the
underbody.
Caution: Before pulling, position the
wood between the tow chain and the
underbody to ensure the underbody is protected from any damage that couldbe caused by the tow chain.If equipped with a towing eye:
1. Remove the nose cone.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
corner, and gently pry the nose cone
toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three
remaining clips.
2. Insert the towing eye.
Fully insert the towing eye (found in the
front trunk) into the opening on the right
side, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
3. Attach the tow chain to the towing eye.
Caution:
Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.
Instructions for Transporters
Roadside Assistance151

Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure theWheels
Secure wheels using chocks and tie-down
straps:
• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or
the face of the wheels.
• Do not place straps over body panels or through the wheels.Caution: Attaching straps to the chassis,
suspension or other parts of the vehicle's
body may cause damage.Caution: To prevent damage, do not
transport Model S with the tires directly
on the ground.
Instructions for Transporters
152Model S Owner's Manual

AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 52
Acceleration (dual motor) 74
access panel, removing 123accessoriesinstalling 133
plugging into power socket 87
air circulation 81
air conditioning 80
air distribution 81
air filter 82
air suspension 84
air vents 82
airbags 32
alarm 95
all-season tires 111
always connected, setting 70
anti-lock braking (ABS) 52
audioplaying files 85
steering wheel buttons 37
auto-raising suspension 83
B
backup camera 71
battery (12V)complete discharge 103
specifications 141Battery (high voltage)care of 103
coolant 123
specifications 142
temperature limits 103
battery (key), replacing 5
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 86
general information 88
phone, pairing and using 88
body repairs 133
body touch up 120
brake fluid replacement 108
brakesfluid level 124
overview of 52
specifications 141
brightness of displays 77
C
cabin temperature control 80
calendar 93
California Proposition 65 155
camera (rear view) 71
car cover 120
car washes 118
carpets, cleaning 119
CE certifications 157
CHAdeMO 102
chains 112
change of ownership 79
charge port 104
charge port light 105chargingcharge settings 106
components and equipment 101
instructions 104
public charging stations 102
scheduling 106
status of 107child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 119
installing and using 23
Tesla built-in rear facing 28
cleaning 118
climate controls 80
climate ionizer 77
Cold Weather controls 74
collision avoidance 58
console12V power socket 87
cup holders 16
USB ports 87contact informationroadside assistance 149
Tesla 156coolantBattery, checking level of 123
Battery, replacement interval 108
copyrights 153, 154
cornering lights 50
Creep 74
cruise control 60
cup holders 16
customizing Model S 77
D dashboard overview 2
data recording 155
day mode 77
delivery mileage 155
devices
Index
160Model S Owner's Manual

Bluetooth, playing audio files 86
connecting 87
playing audio files from 86
dimensions 138
display brightness 77
dome (map) lights 47
door handles 6
door labels 135
doors 4
Drive gear 42
drive-away locking 7driverprofiles 36
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceforward collision warning 58
overtake acceleration 60
staying inside lane markings 57drivingseating position 17
starting Model S 41
tips to maximize range 70
E
electric parking brake 53
emergency flashers 50
emergency rear door opening 8
emission label 134
energygained from regenerative braking 53
range information 43
tips to minimize usage of 70
energy & charging setting 77
energy app 70
energy saving mode 70
Erase & Reset 79
event data recording 155
exteriorcar cover 120
cleaning 118
dimensions 138
lights 47
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 120F
factory defaults, restoring 79
factory reset 79
fan speed, interior 81
favorites, adding and removing 86
FCC certifications 157
features, downloading new 99
firmware (software) updates 99
flash drives, playing audio files from 86
flashers, warning 50
flat tire repair 114
floor mats 120fluidsreplacement intervals 108
reservoirs, checking 123
fog lights 47
forward collision warning 58
front passenger detection 34
front trunk 12
fuseslocation of 126
removing access panel 123
G
garage doors, opening 96
gates, opening 96
GAWR 136
gears 42
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 136
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 136
ground clearance 138
GVWR 136
H
hazard warning flashers 50
head supports 19
headlightsafter exit 50
cornering lights 50
heated wipers 51
heating 80
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 83
automatic and manual settings 84
disabling (Jack mode) 84high voltageBattery specifications 142
components 101
safety 108
Hill Start Assist 68
hitches 137
HomeLink
Index
Index161

FCC certification 159
programming and using 96
hood 12
horn 39
I IC certifications 157
Ideal range 77
identification labels 134
indicator lights, summary of 44
Insane setting (dual motor) 74instrument panelcharging status 107
cleaning 119
overview of 43interiorcleaning 119
lights 47
overview 2
temperature control 80
Internet radio 85
intrusion detection 95
ionizer 77
J
J1772 102
Jack mode 84
jacking Model S 132
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 157
how to use 4
key not inside 41
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelTire and Loading Information 135
vehicle certification 136
lane assist 57
lane change flash 50
lane departure warning 57
language setting 77
LATCH child seats, installing 26
liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting Model S 132
lightscornering lights 50
hazard warning 50
headlights after exit 50
turn signals 50
load limits 135
location-based suspension 83
lock/unlock status 43
locking and unlocking doors 4
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 124
cleaning 118
daily and monthly checks 108
fluid replacement intervals 108
panel, removing 123
replacing fuses 126
replacing wiper blades 121
service intervals 108
tires 109
washer fluid, topping up 125
washer jets, cleaning 121
maps 90
mats 120
media 85
mileage upon delivery 155
mirrors 40
mobile app 100
Mobile Connectordescription 102
using 104
modifications 133
motor specifications 140
N
naming Model S 79
navigation 90
NCC certifications 157
Neutral gear 42
NHTSA, contacting 156
night mode 77
O occupancy sensor 34
odometeron instrument panel 43
resetting trip odometer 69
overhang dimensions 138
overtake acceleration 60
Owner Information, about 153, 154
Index
162Model S Owner's Manual