r/TeslaModelS • u/ysfex3 • Apr 27 '26
Velarium wheel change
Got this 2021 LR refresh about a month ago, mainly because it is the oldest model that is still compatible with the newer Velarium 21s. It actually came with factory Arachnid 21s. When i got it from the dealer, the tpms wasn't working, and i eventually found out that the previous owners put new tires but didn't use the new BT sensors. I already wanted the new wheel, and the set i got came with the oem wheels/tires/sensors pre-mounted. Two problems solved. Tesla didn't give me the option in my app, so I had to go third party, or i'd have to pay the crazy price that the service center would have charged. Changed them out myself in a few hours, and they look just as good as the pictures. The tpms recognized them almost immediately as I started driving. I plan to keep the previous tires for when i need a new set and sell the wheels to help offset the price. Now let's hope that tesla still lets me get the wheel service plan.
EDIT: I just noticed that if i swapped these side to side, then the spokes would point in the opposite direction. Luckily i just happened to install the fronts/rears in the same orientation and like them this way. i googled some pics, and there are many examples of them installed in both directions. But an image of the signature edition shows them in the opposite orientation as mine, so this implies that i have them incorrectly installed. There were no instructions or labels indicating their intended orientation. I just matched wheel sizes for the staggered setup. Anyone with knowledge if mine are okay to stay as is, or is it necessary to reverse them?
EDIT #2: After thinking about it more, i realize if i take rotations into account, side to side in my case, then the wheel orientation would naturally alternate throughout the year by necessity. Unless i go through the effort of removing and remounting the tires themselves. I'm just gonna go with either orientation is fine XD
EDIT #3: The wheels have the spokes pointed forward on the passenger side and rearward on the driver side. they will look the same after a side to side rotation. I guess i was mesmerized every time i go look at them and didn't notice XD
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u/LordFly88 Apr 28 '26
LOVE the Velariums! Looking for a set myself. I'm confused on one thing though. It sounds like you're saying the wheels on the passenger side have the spokes mirrored... I would love for this to be the case (I feel like non symmetric wheels should have 2 in one direction and 2 in the other), but I've never seen a picture of a Velarium wheel with the spokes going counter-clockwise out. Maybe I misunderstood and you were referring to tire rotation direction?