Replace the front lower control arm bushing on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast. Due to the integrated nature of the Cybertruck's forged aluminum front lower control arm, bushing replacement typically requires removing the control arm and pressing the bushing in/out, or replacing the arm assembly if bushings are not serviced separately.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing (manufacturer-specified) × 1 — Refer to Tesla EPC for Cybertruck Tri Motor front LCA bushing — verify if serviced separately or arm-only
• Ball joint cotter pin (single-use) × 1 — OEM-spec cotter pin
• Control arm pivot bolts (inspect; replace if TTY — verify with service manual) × 2 — OEM-spec, verify reuse policy

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Cybertruck service procedure (location and connector style differ from 12V Teslas — refer to service manual).
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage (800V) and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Before lifting: enable Jack Mode / Service Mode on the touchscreen to lock out air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift vehicle at OEM-specified front lift points and support on rated jack stands. Confirm stable before going underneath.
9. Remove front wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and photograph
   Photograph the front suspension assembly from multiple angles before disassembly. Note bushing orientation, alignment marks, and any shims. Inspect for corrosion or damage that may complicate removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   At the lower control arm, remove the sway bar end link nut. Hold the end link shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Swing the link out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint stud, then loosen (but do not fully remove) the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator to break the taper. Once free, fully remove the nut and separate the knuckle from the lower control arm. Support the knuckle with a strap or stand — do NOT let it hang on the half-shaft or brake hose.
   ⚠Discard the cotter pin — single-use only. A new one is required on reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support and mark control arm
   Place a jack under the lower control arm to support its weight. Mark the position of any cam/eccentric bolts at the inboard pivots so original alignment can be approximated on reinstall.
   ℹ️A four-wheel alignment will still be required after this job — Cybertruck alignment is sensitive due to steer-by-wire calibration.
5. 5

   Remove inboard control arm pivot bolts
   Remove the inboard control arm pivot bolt(s) at the subframe. Lower the jack slowly to let the arm drop free. Remove the control arm from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Press out old bushing
   Mount the control arm in a press or use a bushing service kit. Press the worn bushing out using the manufacturer-specified adapter. Verify the bushing housing/eye is clean and undamaged. If the bushing is not serviced separately by Tesla for the Cybertruck, the entire control arm must be replaced as an assembly — verify before pressing.
   ⚠Do NOT heat aluminum control arm components with a torch to free a stuck bushing — this anneals the aluminum and compromises structural integrity.
7. 7

   Press in new bushing
   Lubricate the bushing housing per the bushing manufacturer's instructions (typically only the outer steel sleeve, not the rubber). Press the new bushing in squarely to the OEM-specified depth and clocking orientation. Verify final position matches the removed bushing.
8. 8

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm at the subframe and install the inboard pivot bolt(s) hand-tight. Do NOT final-torque yet — the bushing must be torqued at ride height to avoid pre-loading.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint
   Reconnect the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Install a NEW castle nut (or reuse per service manual guidance) and torque to specification. Continue tightening (do not loosen) to align the next slot with the cotter pin hole. Install a NEW cotter pin and bend per OEM pattern.
   ⚠️If torque spec is reached and slot does not align, tighten further to next slot — NEVER back off the nut. Backing off can cause ball joint separation and loss of steering control.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall sway bar end link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the control arm. Hold the link's shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel; snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle until the suspension is loaded at normal ride height (tires fully on the ground or on alignment-rated drive-on supports).
3. With suspension loaded, final-torque the inboard control arm pivot bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft).
4. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft).
5. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla procedure.
6. Exit Jack/Service Mode on the touchscreen and allow air suspension to self-level.
7. Cycle the vehicle through Drive/Reverse at low speed in a safe area to verify steer-by-wire calibration is normal — if any steering fault appears on the touchscreen, stop and have the system serviced.

Verification

• Confirm no suspension or steering fault messages on the Cybertruck touchscreen after reconnecting LV power.
• Inspect cotter pin installation on the ball joint — must be fully seated and bent per OEM pattern.
• Verify air suspension self-levels to normal ride height with no leak-down over 30 minutes.
• Road test at low speed first, listening for clunks over bumps; bushing pre-load issues will manifest as a binding or 'memory steer' feel.
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment immediately — front camber/caster on Cybertruck is highly sensitive, and steer-by-wire requires correct geometry for proper feedback calibration.
• Note: while in this area, this is a good time to inspect the cabin air filter (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years) and verify brake fluid age (Tesla recommends 2-year service interval regardless of mileage).

More procedures for this vehicle