How to Install N2itive Camber and Toe Arms on 2012–2020 Tesla Model S/X
The N2itive Alignment Kit 2 gives first-generation Tesla Model S and Model X owners separate rear camber and toe adjustment so an alignment shop can correct excessive negative camber, set rear toe accurately and address accelerated inner-edge tire wear.
This installation guide applies only to 2012–2020 Tesla Model S and Model X. It does not apply to the redesigned 2021-and-newer vehicles.
Important safety note: Suspension work must be performed by a qualified technician or an experienced installer using approved lifting points, correctly rated stands and a calibrated torque wrench.
If the vehicle has air suspension, select Jack Mode before lifting it. Otherwise, the suspension may attempt to self-level while the vehicle is raised.
What this kit includes
The N2itive Alignment Kit 2 for 2012–2020 Model S/X includes one pair of SX-2 adjustable rear camber arms, one pair of TSX-2 adjustable rear toe arms, square toe-arm inserts and the required installation hardware. The arms arrive preset close to the original Tesla arm length.
Lowering links are not included in Alignment Kit 2. The installation video mentions them because they are related to air-suspension ride height, but this procedure covers only the camber and toe arms.
N2itive estimates 1–2 labor hours for the SX-2 camber arms and 1–2 hours for the TSX-2 toe arms. Allow additional time if the factory toe eccentric bolt must be cut, and plan for a four-wheel alignment afterward.
Tools referenced by N2itive
- 15 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm and 21 mm sockets and wrenches
- T30 Torx bit and 8 mm Allen key
- 30 mm N2itive adjustment wrench or suitable wrench for the toe adjuster
- Flat screwdriver or small pry tool
- Torque wrench
- Cutting tool, vise grips and appropriate protection if the factory toe eccentric bolt cannot clear the subframe
- Tesla-recommended replacement nylon lock nuts: part 2007076 for the camber-arm location and 2007063-00-B for the toe-arm location
Watch the complete installation
The ZEVcentric video shows the removal and installation sequence on a first-generation Model S/X, including the factory toe bolt that may need to be cut for clearance.
Video chapters: camber-arm installation begins at 1:30, toe-arm removal begins at 4:10, suspension preload begins at 8:44 and final torquing begins at 10:09.
SX-2 rear camber-arm installation
- Prepare the vehicle. Photograph the ride-height sensor link orientation before touching it. Raise the vehicle from the approved lift points, support it securely and remove the rear wheel using a 21 mm socket.
- Disconnect the sensor link. Carefully pry the short link from the ball stud on the original camber arm. The plastic sensor components can be brittle, so do not twist or lever directly against the sensor.
- Remove the factory arm. Remove the 15 mm fastener at the knuckle, followed by the 18 mm nut and bolt at the subframe. Rocking the knuckle slightly can help release the arm.
- Confirm the replacement arm. The SX-2 arms are mirrored left to right. Compare the replacement arm with the original and verify the initial length by aligning the bushing centers. The rod-end bushing installs at the subframe, and the ride-height sensor ball stud faces forward.
- Install without final torque. Aligning the knuckle side first generally makes installation easier. Reinstall the fasteners in their original locations and hand-tighten them only. Do not apply final torque while the suspension is hanging.
- Reconnect the sensor link. If reusing the original link, N2itive recommends a small amount of white lithium grease or another suitable automotive grease in the socket. Reinstall the link in the same orientation recorded before removal.
TSX-2 rear toe-arm installation
- Release the parking-brake harness. Unclip the electronic parking-brake harness from the original toe arm before removing any arm fasteners.
- Remove the factory fasteners. Remove the 18 mm bolt at the knuckle. At the subframe, remove the eccentric hardware using an 18 mm wrench on the nut and a 19 mm wrench on the bolt.
- Check subframe clearance. On some vehicles, the eccentric bolt cannot be withdrawn because it contacts the subframe. N2itive recommends cutting the factory bolt rather than lowering the subframe. Secure the bolt so it cannot rotate and protect the adjacent brake line and surrounding components throughout the cut.
- Orient the TSX-2 correctly. The arms are mirrored left to right. The rod-end bushing installs at the subframe, and the adjustment Allen bolt faces toward the rear of the vehicle.
- Install the supplied hardware. Place the rod-end bushing in the subframe clevis first. The supplied square washers, bolt and nut replace the factory eccentric arrangement. Insert the new bolt from the front of the vehicle, opposite the original bolt direction.
- Connect the knuckle side. Refit the arm to the knuckle using the original hardware and hand-tighten all fasteners. Do not apply final torque until the suspension is preloaded.
- Secure the harness. Attach the electronic parking-brake harness to the side of the TSX-2 with the supplied zip tie. Do not place it on top of the arm, where the air spring could damage it at full compression.
Preload and torque specifications
Support the rear knuckle with a jack and raise it until the suspension is at normal loaded ride height. N2itive describes this as the point where the vehicle is nearly ready to lift from the stand and the hub sits as it would on the ground. This step positions the bushings correctly before final torque.
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| SX-2 camber arm — subframe side | 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) |
| SX-2 camber arm — knuckle side | 103 lb-ft (140 Nm) |
| TSX-2 toe arm — subframe side | 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) |
| TSX-2 toe arm — knuckle side | 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) |
| 8 mm arm-adjustment Allen bolt | 24 lb-ft (32.5 Nm) |
| T30 collar bolt | 8 lb-ft (11 Nm) |
| Wheel lug nuts | 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) |
Torque specifications can change. Before installation or final tightening, always confirm the latest torque specifications with N2itive and the current Tesla service information for the exact vehicle.
For camber adjustment, loosen both the T30 collar bolt and the 8 mm Allen bolt. Using the supplied 30 mm wrench, rotate the SX-2 adjuster clockwise to increase negative camber or counter-clockwise to reduce negative camber. Perform toe adjustment on an alignment rack using the TSX-2 adjuster below the clamp. After adjustment, align the T30 collar with the rod end and torque both clamp fasteners to the values above.
N2itive alignment specifications
The vehicle must receive a four-wheel alignment immediately after installation. For air-suspension cars, N2itive specifies performing the alignment in the Medium ride-height setting shown on the center display. The following are N2itive’s recommended alignment targets, not Tesla factory specifications.
| Measurement | Model S | Model X |
|---|---|---|
| Front camber | -0.3° to -1.2° | -0.4° to -1.3° |
| Front caster | 3.5° to 4.5° | 3.8° to 4.8° |
| Front toe | 0.00° to 0.10° | 0.00° to 0.15° |
| Total front toe | 0.00° to 0.20° | 0.00° to 0.30° |
| Steer ahead | -0.05° to 0.05° | -0.05° to 0.05° |
| Rear camber | -0.75° to -0.85° | -0.50° to -0.65° |
| Rear toe | 0.10° to 0.20° | 0.15° to 0.20° |
| Total rear toe | 0.20° to 0.40° | 0.30° to 0.40° |
| Thrust angle | -0.20° to 0.20° | -0.10° to 0.10° |
Final checks
- Confirm the ride-height sensor link matches its original orientation and moves freely.
- Confirm the parking-brake harness is secured to the side of the toe arm and cannot contact the air spring.
- Verify both arm-adjustment clamps are torqued and the T30 collars align with the rod ends.
- Check brake-line and harness clearance through the available suspension travel.
- Complete the four-wheel alignment before returning the vehicle to normal use.
Ready to correct rear camber and toe?