Replacement of a rear lower control arm on a 2024 Model 3 Performance AWD. This is the long lateral link that locates the rear wheel; final torque must be set with the suspension loaded at ride height to avoid premature bushing failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm (manufacturer-specified for Model 3 Performance) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model 3 rear lower control arm assembly
• Control arm mounting bolts (replace if Tesla specifies single-use) × 2 — OEM-specification fasteners — verify with service manual

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried well 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 low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically a lithium unit; access location varies — refer to architecture notes and the in-car service procedure. Disable the vehicle per Tesla's 'Service Mode' shutdown if available.
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 the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
7. Raise the rear of the vehicle using ONLY the factory-designated lift points (use rubber pucks to protect the rocker pinch welds and to avoid contacting the HV battery case). Support securely on jack stands.
8. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
9. Note the orientation, length, and routing of the existing control arm before removal — take reference photos.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect surrounding area
   Visually inspect the rear suspension area for any orange HV cabling, coolant lines from the battery pack, or wiring harnesses routed near the control arm. Confirm none are in the path of removal. The HV pack is immediately inboard — work carefully.
   ⚠️If orange cabling is visible or routed near the work area, stop and verify the procedure with Tesla service documentation before proceeding.
2. 2

   Support the rear knuckle/hub
   Place a floor jack with a wood block under the rear knuckle/hub assembly and apply just enough pressure to support it. This prevents the knuckle from dropping when the control arm is released and avoids stressing the half-shaft and other links.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sway bar end link (if it interferes)
   If the sway bar link blocks access to the control arm fasteners, remove the sway bar end link nut. Hold the link's internal hex with an Allen key while loosening the nut. Set hardware aside for reuse if undamaged.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the outboard control arm fastener (knuckle side)
   Loosen and remove the outboard bolt/nut securing the lower control arm to the rear knuckle. Penetrating oil may help if corroded. Support the arm as the fastener is withdrawn.
   ⚠Do not let the knuckle swing freely — it will pull on the half-shaft inner CV joint and ABS/wiring harness.
5. 5

   Remove the inboard control arm fastener (subframe side)
   Loosen and remove the inboard pivot bolt securing the control arm to the rear subframe. If the bolt is a through-bolt with a cam adjuster (alignment eccentric), mark the cam position with a paint pen before removal so the alignment is in the ballpark for drive-off.
   ℹ️Even with cam marks, a professional alignment is mandatory after reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove the old control arm
   Withdraw the lower control arm from the vehicle. Inspect the bushings, ball joint (if integrated), and pivot points. Compare the new arm to the old arm to confirm correct length, geometry, and bushing orientation.
7. 7

   Install the new control arm — finger-tight only
   Position the new control arm in place. Install the inboard subframe bolt and the outboard knuckle fastener with the cam(s) aligned to the previously marked positions. Snug them only — do NOT final-torque yet. The bushings must be set at ride height.
   ⚠Final torque on rubber-bushed pivot bolts must occur at ride height. Torquing now will ruin the bushing.
8. 8

   Reconnect sway bar end link (if removed)
   Reinstall the sway bar end link nut, holding the internal hex with an Allen key. Torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall the wheel
   Mount the rear wheel and install lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded, then snug the lug nuts. Lower fully and torque the lugs in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Load suspension to ride height and final-torque pivot bolts
    Either lower the vehicle fully onto the ground, or set it on drive-on ramps / a mid-rise lift so the rear suspension is at normal loaded ride height. Final-torque the inboard and outboard control arm fasteners to specification.
    ⚠Skipping the ride-height torque step is the #1 cause of premature bushing failure on Tesla rear suspension components.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools are left in the wheel well.
2. Reinstall any underbody panels or splash shields that were displaced for access; use Tesla-spec plastic rivets if originals were damaged.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
4. Power the vehicle on and check for chassis/suspension fault messages on the center display.
5. Drive a short, low-speed loop on a smooth surface to confirm no clunks, binding, or pulling before going to alignment.

Verification

• Perform a 4-wheel alignment — required after any rear control arm replacement on Model 3. Verify rear toe and camber fall within Tesla's published specs.
• Check tire pressures and reset TPMS if needed.
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect the control arm fasteners visually for any signs of movement or witness marks.
• While the vehicle is on the lift for alignment, take the opportunity to check Tesla's other interval-based items: brake fluid (every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 2 years), and rear drive unit gear oil (Tesla now recommends initial service ~12,500 mi, then every 25,000-50,000 mi — not 'lifetime').

More procedures for this vehicle