Replacement of the rear sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. The bar is accessed from underneath the rear subframe area; no HV components are disturbed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar assembly × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rear sway bar for Model 3 AWD
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — OEM bushings sized for replacement bar
• Sway bar end links (recommended if worn) × 2 — OEM-specification rear end links

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the 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 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery. On 2024 Model 3, access is typically behind the right rear seat back panel; some 2024+ builds use a lithium 12V/16V unit — confirm location before disconnecting and remove the negative terminal first.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage 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. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground.
7. Raise the rear of the vehicle using only the manufacturer-specified lift points (puck adapters at the designated jacking pads). Support securely on jack stands.
8. Remove both rear wheels.
9. Inspect the rear underbody shielding/aero panels and remove any panels that obstruct access to the sway bar and its brackets, noting fastener locations for reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the work area
   Visually confirm no orange HV cabling, coolant lines, or wiring harnesses are routed across the sway bar or its brackets. The HV pack sits directly above — do not pry against the pack case.
   ⚠️If any orange cable is in the work zone, STOP. Do not proceed.
2. 2

   Support the rear suspension
   Place a floor jack lightly under one rear lower control arm to keep the suspension at neutral ride height while disconnecting the end links. This reduces preload on the sway bar.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sway bar end links
   Hold the end-link stud shaft with an Allen key and remove the nut securing the sway bar to each end link. Repeat on both sides. If the end links are being reused, inspect ball joint boots for tearing.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Support the sway bar with one hand. Remove the bolts securing each sway bar bracket to the manufacturer-specified mounting point on the rear subframe/cradle. Note bracket orientation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Maneuver sway bar out
   Carefully rotate and remove the sway bar from the vehicle, working it past the exhaust-free underbody (no exhaust on EV — easier than ICE) and any nearby suspension links. Avoid contacting the HV battery enclosure.
6. 6

   Transfer/replace bushings
   Slide the old bushings off and install new bushings on the new (or cleaned) bar. Orient bushing splits per OEM specification — typically toward the bracket opening. Lubricate only with manufacturer-approved bushing grease; do not use petroleum grease on rubber bushings.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new sway bar in place. Loosely install both bracket bolts to retain the bar, then loosely reattach both end links. Keep all fasteners snug but not torqued until alignment is confirmed.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar brackets
   Torque both sway bar bracket bolts evenly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque sway bar end-link nuts
   Hold the end-link stud with an Allen key and torque the nuts to specification. Confirm boots are seated and not twisted.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any underbody aero/shielding panels removed for access, ensuring all clips and fasteners are accounted for — missing aero panels reduce range on a Model 3.
2. Reinstall both rear wheels. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
5. Reconnect the 12V/Li-ion low-voltage battery (negative terminal last). Close the access panel.
6. Wake the vehicle, allow systems to boot, and verify no chassis or stability control faults appear on the touchscreen.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, push down on each rear corner — the body should rebound evenly without clunking.
• Test drive at low speed through a parking lot with sharp turns and over a speed bump — listen for clunks or rattles from the rear, which usually indicate a loose bracket bolt or end-link nut.
• On a smooth road at 30–50 mph, perform gentle lane-change inputs; body roll should feel consistent side-to-side.
• Confirm no Vehicle Dynamics Control, ABS, or stability-related alerts appear on the center display.
• Recheck both sway bar bracket bolts and end-link nuts after the first 100 miles — suspension fasteners can settle.
• Torque values used: Sway Bar Bracket Bolts 47 Nm (35 lb-ft); Sway Bar Link Nuts 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

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