Replace a ride height sensor on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. Note: the Model 3 Performance uses adaptive damper coil-spring suspension (no air springs); this procedure covers the ride height/position sensor that feeds the adaptive damping system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ride height / position sensor (manufacturer-specified for Model 3 Performance adaptive suspension) × 1 — OEM Tesla replacement — verify by VIN
• Sensor link / actuating arm hardware (if supplied with sensor) × 1 — As supplied with sensor kit

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 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery — on 2024 Model 3 the LV battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or, on some 2024 builds, under the rear floor. Verify location for your VIN before starting.
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. Identify which corner's height sensor is being replaced (front-left, front-right, rear-left, or rear-right) per diagnostic data.
7. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the affected corner while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack point using a Tesla-compatible jack puck. Support with jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Remove the wheel and set aside.
10. Inspect the suspension corner for any signs of HV cabling routing nearby — there should be none at the corner suspension, but verify before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the ride height sensor
   With the wheel removed, locate the ride height sensor at the affected corner. The sensor body mounts to the subframe or chassis bracket, with a short link arm connecting it to the lower control arm. Photograph the orientation of the sensor body and link arm before disturbing anything — orientation directly affects calibration zero-point.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sensor electrical connector
   Trace the sensor harness up to its connector. Release the connector lock tab and disconnect. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or water intrusion. Tuck the harness aside so it is not stressed during the rest of the procedure.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wires — release the lock tab and pull on the connector body only.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sensor link arm from the control arm
   Remove the small fastener (typically a clip or bolt) securing the sensor link's ball stud or eyelet to the lower control arm bracket. Note exactly how it was oriented. Set hardware aside in order.
4. 4

   Unbolt the sensor body from its mounting bracket
   Remove the two (typically) mounting bolts that secure the sensor body to the chassis/subframe bracket. Support the sensor as the last bolt comes out. Withdraw the sensor and link assembly.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Compare old and new sensors
   Place the old and new sensors side by side. Verify identical body shape, link length, connector keying, and mounting hole pattern. If the new sensor's link arm is adjustable, set it to match the old sensor's length exactly before installation.
   ⚠Installing a sensor with a mismatched link length will cause the adaptive damping system to read incorrect ride height even after calibration.
6. 6

   Install the new sensor body
   Position the new sensor against its bracket in the same orientation as the original. Hand-thread both mounting bolts, then torque to the manufacturer-specified value for the sensor mounting hardware.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reattach the sensor link to the control arm
   Reconnect the sensor link arm to the lower control arm in the original orientation. Install and tighten the link fastener. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual for this small fastener; do not overtighten as the link is typically plastic.
8. 8

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Mate the connector until the lock tab clicks. Verify the harness is routed exactly as before, clipped into any harness retainers, and not contacting the brake rotor, CV joint, or any moving suspension component throughout its travel.
   ⚠A harness contacting the rotor or CV boot will fail quickly and can cause loss of adaptive damping or set a chassis fault.
9. 9

   Cycle the suspension manually
   With the corner still off the ground, gently move the lower control arm through its range of motion by hand and watch the sensor link to confirm it tracks freely with no binding or interference.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
2. Lower the vehicle so the wheels carry full vehicle weight.
3. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to spec.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to fully wake and complete its self-checks (1-2 minutes).

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and check the touchscreen for any chassis, suspension, or 'Vehicle needs service' alerts.
• Note: the adaptive damping system will require a ride height calibration/relearn after sensor replacement. This procedure typically requires Tesla service software (Toolbox) and is dealer/Tesla-Service-only. Without this calibration, the new sensor's zero-reference will not match the system's expectation and a fault may persist.
• Test drive at low speed initially and listen for any clunks or rubbing from the affected corner.
• Verify the vehicle sits at consistent ride height across both sides of the same axle (measure hub-to-fender at each corner).
• Re-torque the wheel lug nuts after approximately 50-100 miles, as recommended by Tesla.
• While the vehicle is up, this is a good opportunity to check that you are within the Tesla recommended tire rotation interval (every ~6,250 mi) and to inspect brake fluid age (Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years).

More procedures for this vehicle