Replace the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) end link on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses a stiffer sway bar than other Model 3 variants, but the link replacement procedure is the same — straightforward bolt-on job once the front wheel is removed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar end link (manufacturer-specified for Model 3 Performance) × 1 — OEM Tesla front sway bar link, Model 3 Performance-specific

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key 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 LV battery is typically located under the rear seat or under the front trunk floor depending on build — consult the in-vehicle owner's manual location diagram before disconnecting.
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 front wheel lug nuts (do not remove yet) while the vehicle is on the ground.
7. Lift the vehicle using ONLY the designated factory lift points (pinch welds with rubber pucks). Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
8. Confirm the new sway bar link, including its hardware, matches the OEM part. Performance-trim links may differ from Long Range/RWD.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheel
   Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the front wheel off the affected side. Set the wheel face-down to protect the finish.
2. 2

   Locate and inspect the sway bar link
   The front sway bar end link connects the sway bar (anti-roll bar) to the strut bracket. Inspect both the upper (strut-side) and lower (sway-bar-side) ball studs and boots. Note the orientation of any spacers, washers, or boot flanges before disassembly.
   ⚠If a ball stud boot is torn but the link is otherwise tight, replacement is still required — moisture intrusion will fail the joint quickly.
3. 3

   Apply penetrating oil if needed
   If the vehicle has been driven in salt/road brine, apply penetrating oil to both link nuts and let it soak for several minutes before attempting removal.
4. 4

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert an Allen/hex key into the center of the upper ball stud to hold it stationary. Use a wrench on the nut to break it loose and remove. Do not use an impact gun without holding the stud — the stud will spin freely and the boot will be ruined.
   ⚠Hold shaft with Allen key — failing to do so will spin the joint and damage the boot or seize the stud.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Repeat the same procedure on the lower ball stud where the link attaches to the sway bar. Hold the stud with a hex key, remove the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate link from vehicle
   Pull the link free from the strut bracket and sway bar. If the studs are stuck in their tapered seats, tap gently with a soft-faced mallet on the bracket (NOT on the body or strut). Do not pry against any aluminum component.
   ⚠Do not lever against the strut tube — gouging the strut body can cause seal damage.
7. 7

   Compare old and new link
   Lay the new link next to the old one. Confirm length, stud size, thread pitch, and orientation match. Performance trim links may have different stiffness ratings or geometry than other Model 3 variants — do not install a non-Performance link.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new link with the same orientation as the original (note any offset/angle in the link body). Insert the lower stud into the sway bar eye and the upper stud into the strut bracket. Hand-thread both nuts to ensure no cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold each ball stud with the hex key and torque the nuts to specification. Torque both upper and lower nuts.
   ⚠Do not exceed torque spec — the link studs are not large and over-torquing strips threads or pre-loads the joint.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel and hand-tighten lugs in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but is not yet fully loaded, then snug the lugs. Lower fully to the ground before final torque.
11. 11

    Final wheel torque
    With full vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts in a star (cross) pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
2. Close hood/frunk and any panels disturbed.
3. Allow the vehicle to power up fully (touchscreen boot complete) before driving — Tesla systems perform self-checks at startup.
4. Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen, particularly relating to stability control or vehicle dynamics.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, push down on the front fender on the repaired side and listen — there should be no clunking or knocking from the sway bar link area.
• Test drive at low speed over a speed bump or rough surface — listen for clunks. A properly installed link is silent.
• At 25–40 mph, perform a gentle slalom (in a safe empty area). Body roll should feel symmetrical side-to-side.
• Re-check sway bar link nut torque after the first 100 miles — ball joint seats can settle.
• Tesla recommends a four-wheel alignment check after any front suspension work. While replacing only the sway bar link does not directly alter alignment, verify no other components were disturbed.
• Note: while the vehicle is lifted, this is also a good opportunity to check the brake fluid age (Tesla recommends DOT 4 brake fluid replacement every 2 years) and inspect tires for rotation (every ~6,250 mi).

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