diff --git a/src/sage/tensor/modules/tensor_free_module.py b/src/sage/tensor/modules/tensor_free_module.py
index b04e8581148..823a9482383 100644
--- a/src/sage/tensor/modules/tensor_free_module.py
+++ b/src/sage/tensor/modules/tensor_free_module.py
@@ -382,12 +382,14 @@ def tensor_factors(self):
              Dual of the Rank-3 free module M over the Integer Ring,
              Dual of the Rank-3 free module M over the Integer Ring]
         """
-        if self._tensor_type == (0,1):  # case of the dual
+        tensor_type = self.tensor_type()
+        if tensor_type == (0,1):  # case of the dual
             raise NotImplementedError
-        factors = [self._fmodule] * self._tensor_type[0]
-        dmodule = self._fmodule.dual()
-        if self._tensor_type[1]:
-            factors += [dmodule] * self._tensor_type[1]
+        bmodule = self.base_module()
+        factors = [bmodule] * tensor_type[0]
+        dmodule = bmodule.dual()
+        if tensor_type[1]:
+            factors += [dmodule] * tensor_type[1]
         return factors
 
     #### Parent Methods