Product Details
The 1097478-00-A Front Bumper Parking Sensor Bracket S1 is a critical structural component designed to secure the
front-left parking sensor on Tesla Model S vehicles produced
between 2015 and 2021. As the foundational anchor for one of the
most frequently stressed sensors in the front bumper, this bracket
integrates precision engineering with durability to ensure
consistent parking assist performance. Below is a detailed
breakdown of its design, functionality, and maintenance
requirements.
The S1 bracket is uniquely positioned at the front-left corner of
the bumper, where it faces high exposure to curbs, parking
barriers, and road debris. Its design addresses three core
challenges:
Sensor Angle Calibration
The bracket angles the sensor 2.5 degrees downward and 1.8 degrees inward, optimizing detection of low-profile obstacles (e.g., concrete
curbs) and reducing blind spots caused by the Model S’s long front
overhang. This geometry aligns with Tesla’s factory calibration
parameters, ensuring distance readings within ±5cm accuracy .
Impact Resistance
Constructed from glass-reinforced polypropylene (25% glass content), the S1 bracket withstands repeated impacts up to 2.5 kN without
cracking—a critical feature for vehicles navigating urban
environments. Its ribbed underside distributes collision forces
away from the sensor housing, protecting against circuit board
damage service.tesla.com.
Weatherproofing
A dual-layer silicone gasket along the bracket’s perimeter creates a watertight seal with the
bumper fascia, preventing saltwater intrusion and corrosion. This
is particularly vital for 2015–2018 Model S vehicles, where sensor
failures due to moisture ingress were a common issue .
The S1 bracket spans multiple Model S generations but requires
careful consideration of bumper variations:
- Pre-Facelift (2015–2016): Directly compatible with the original flat-front bumper design.
- Post-Facelift (2017–2021): Requires a 1638000-00-A adapter plate to bridge the bracket’s mounting points with the revised
aerodynamic bumper structure. This adapter ensures the sensor
remains 42mm from the bumper surface, as mandated by Tesla’s
software .
- Tooling: A T20 Torx driver (for 2017+ models) or Phillips #2 screwdriver (pre-2017) is
required. Use Tesla’s 1638000-00-A alignment jig to verify sensor positioning during installation .
Sensor Misalignment
If the front-left sensor consistently underreports distances by
>10cm, the bracket’s mounting tabs may have warped. This is
often visible as a visible gap between the sensor lens and bumper
fascia.
Cracked Structural Ribs
High-impact zones (e.g., near the sensor housing) are prone to
hairline cracks after 6–8 years of service. These fractures
compromise the bracket’s rigidity, leading to erratic sensor
readings.
Moisture Intrusion
Condensation inside the sensor housing or corrosion on the wiring
harness connector indicates failure of the bracket’s weather seal.
Ignoring this issue can lead to costly sensor replacement .
Vibration-Induced Faults
Loose brackets cause intermittent “Sensor Fault” warnings,
especially over rough terrain. Torque the mounting screws to 3.5 Nm to resolve this (use a torque wrench for accuracy) .
Preparation
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and disconnect the 12V battery
(for 2015–2018 models) to avoid airbag deployment risks.
- Gather tools: T20 Torx/Phillips screwdriver, 3M 8115 double-sided
tape (for adapter plate), and isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Removal
- Open the frunk and remove the front bumper fascia (refer to Tesla’s
service manual for trim removal).
- Disconnect the sensor’s wiring harness and remove the old bracket
using two mounting screws (pre-2017: Phillips; 2017+: T20).
- Clean the mounting surface with alcohol to remove debris and
residual adhesive.
Installation
- Align the new S1 bracket with the mounting holes, ensuring the
weather seal faces outward.
- For post-2016 models, secure the adapter plate with 3M tape before
attaching the bracket.
- Reconnect the sensor and torque the screws to 3.5 Nm.
- Test the sensor by slowly approaching a stationary object (e.g., a
trash can) to verify consistent distance alerts.
- OEM Material Standards: Aftermarket brackets often use cheaper ABS plastic, which warps
at temperatures >80°C, causing sensor misalignment. The S1’s
glass-reinforced polypropylene maintains stability up to 120°C .
- Warranty Compliance: Only Tesla-approved brackets (like the S1) ensure compatibility
with the vehicle’s 8-year/160,000 km sensor warranty. Non-OEM parts
void this coverage.
- Longevity: Independent testing shows the S1 bracket retains 95% of its
original structural integrity after 10 years of UV exposure—a key
advantage in sun-intensive regions
The 1097478-00-A S1 bracket is more than a mechanical holder; it’s a critical safety component
that ensures your Model S’s parking sensors operate within factory
specifications. By addressing common failure points (e.g., weather
seal degradation, impact damage), this bracket safeguards against
costly repairs while maintaining the vehicle’s resale value. For
2015–2021 Model S owners, proactive replacement of worn brackets is
a prudent investment in both safety and vehicle longevity.
Recommendation: Always cross-verify part compatibility using your VIN via Tesla’s
official parts catalog or a certified supplier like
TeslaCarParts.eu. For installations involving bumper repairs,
consult a Tesla-authorized body shop to ensure compliance with
structural integrity standards .
Company Profile
Company Profile
Guangzhou Fuheng Auto Parts Supply Chain Co., Ltd., located in the
Guangzhou auto parts business district, adheres to the business
philosophy of "quality first, pragmatic innovation,
service-oriented, and co creation and win-win", and has established
the independent brand "CheFuning". The Che Funing brand regards
human resources as the foundation of the enterprise and attaches
great importance to the construction of the talent team; The Che
Funing brand regards product quality as the life of the enterprise,
and every single product from screws to accident parts is carefully
selected.
The CheFuning brand helps partners transform from traditional fuel
vehicles to new energy vehicle models, expands from a single
horizontal vulnerable parts operation to a new energy full vehicle
parts channel enterprise, upgrades from regional chain stores to
independent brands of new energy full vehicle series, standardizes
the operation of independent brands in the new energy industry, and
integrates resources to reduce costs and increase efficiency,
occupying the commanding heights of enterprise management.









