Tesla Model S: Rapid rear tyre inner-edge wear from excessive rear camber (Plaid and 21-inch wheel cars)
Rapid rear tyre inner-edge wear from excessive rear camber (Plaid and 21-inch wheel cars) is a common tyres fault on the Tesla Model S on the 2021 onward cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $900 to $3,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 11 documented faults on the Tesla Model S.
- Vehicle
- Tesla Model S
- Years
- 2021 onward
- Fuel
- ev
- System
- Tyres
What you are looking at
No photograph available
What goes wrong
Refreshed Model S cars, especially the Plaid on 21-inch wheels, leave the factory with a lot of negative rear camber (owners measure around -2 degrees or more), and there is no factory adjustment. Combined with the car's weight and power, the inside shoulder of the rear tyres wears out long before the centre, and owners report replacing rear tyres every 15,000 to 20,000 km. Because the wear is on the hidden inner edge, a tyre can look fine from the outside while the inner shoulder is down to the cords, which is a blowout and WoF risk. Owners fix it with aftermarket camber correction shims or adjustable arms plus an alignment.
What you would notice
- Inside edge of the rear tyres bald while the outer tread still looks good
- Rear tyres replaced much more often than fronts
- Road roar or vibration from the rear at motorway speed
How to check it
Where to look. Rear tyres (inner shoulder) and rear suspension upper links
Turn the front wheels fully and look at the fronts, then crouch at each rear wheel with a phone torch and look at the inner shoulder of the tyre, running your hand along it.
Look for a smooth, bald or corded inner band compared with the outer tread.
Ask how many sets of rear tyres the car has had and at what kilometres, and whether camber shims or adjustable rear arms have been fitted.
Budget for a pair of rear tyres if the inner edge is near the wear bars.
If a workshop inspection is possible: have a four-wheel alignment check done and ask for the printed rear camber readings.
What it costs to put right
$900 to $3,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.
Ask the seller
- “How many kilometres do the rear tyres last?”
- “Have camber correction parts been fitted?”
- “When was the last wheel alignment, and do you have the printout?”
Now check the Tesla Model S you are actually looking at
Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.
Where this comes from
- Tesla Motors Club 'Best alignment numbers for the Plaid' and 'Wheel alignment / tire wear' threads
- EVANNEX camber correction shims for Tesla Model S and X 2021+ Plaid (premature rear tyre wear from factory negative camber)
- Tesla Motors Club 'Show me your inner tire wear photos' thread
Tesla Model S buyer questions
Is rapid rear tyre inner-edge wear from excessive rear camber (plaid and 21-inch wheel cars) serious on a Tesla Model S?
We rate it major and common on the Tesla Model S. Refreshed Model S cars, especially the Plaid on 21-inch wheels, leave the factory with a lot of negative rear camber (owners measure around -2 degrees or more), and there is no factory adjustment. Combined with the car's weight and power, the inside shoulder of the rear tyres wears out long before the centre, and owners report replacing rear tyres every 15,000 to 20,000 km. Because the wear is on the hidden inner edge, a tyre can look fine from the outside while the inner shoulder is down to the cords, which is a blowout and WoF risk. Owners fix it with aftermarket camber correction shims or adjustable arms plus an alignment.
How much does it cost to fix on a Tesla Model S?
$900 to $3,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.
Which Tesla Model S years are affected?
Our research records this fault on the 2021 onward Tesla Model S. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.
How do I check for it before I buy?
Turn the front wheels fully and look at the fronts, then crouch at each rear wheel with a phone torch and look at the inner shoulder of the tyre, running your hand along it. Look for a smooth, bald or corded inner band compared with the outer tread. Ask how many sets of rear tyres the car has had and at what kilometres, and whether camber shims or adjustable rear arms have been fitted. Budget for a pair of rear tyres if the inner edge is near the wear bars. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a four-wheel alignment check done and ask for the printed rear camber readings. Look here: Rear tyres (inner shoulder) and rear suspension upper links