Sway Bar - Rear

Replacement of the rear sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD. The rear subframe area is tight on this chassis; the bar is removed by detaching both end links and the two bushing brackets, then maneuvering it out past the rear suspension arms.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) × 1 — OEM Model 3 Performance rear sway bar — verify by VIN
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — OEM rear bushing set sized to bar diameter — replace with bar
• Sway bar end link assemblies × 2 — OEM rear end links — recommended replacement if old links show play or torn boots

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P (Park), and engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key 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. Open the frunk and disconnect the low-voltage (12V or 16V Li-ion, depending on build) battery per the manufacturer-specified procedure for this VIN. Refer to architecture notes — 2024 Model 3 may use the under-floor Li-ion 12V/16V system.
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 wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
7. Raise the vehicle on a lift using only the manufacturer-designated lift points with rubber pucks to protect the battery pack rails. Support securely.
8. Remove both rear wheels.
9. Inspect the work area for any orange HV cabling, coolant lines, or wiring harnesses routed near the sway bar before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and photograph
   Photograph the rear sway bar, end link orientation, bushing bracket orientation, and any nearby harness routing for reassembly reference. Note which side of each bushing faces inboard.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Apply penetrating oil to the sway bar end link nuts (top and bottom) and to the bushing bracket bolts. Allow several minutes to soak. End links are common corrosion points.
3. 3

   Disconnect the left end link from the sway bar
   Using a wrench on the nut and a hex key inserted into the end of the link stud to keep it from spinning, remove the nut securing the upper end of the left end link to the sway bar. Swing the link clear. If the link is being replaced, remove the lower nut from the suspension arm in the same manner.
   ⚠If the stud spins and the boot tears, the link must be replaced.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect the right end link from the sway bar
   Repeat the previous step on the right side. Once both ends are free, the sway bar will hang on its bushing brackets only.
   Torque spec

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

   Support the sway bar
   Have an assistant support the bar by hand, or place a transmission jack lightly under it. The bar is not heavy but will drop once the brackets are released.
6. 6

   Remove the sway bar bushing bracket bolts
   Remove the bolts securing each sway bar bushing bracket to the rear subframe. Note bolt length and orientation if they differ. Set hardware aside in order.
   ⚠Do not allow the bar to fall onto the HV battery pack or coolant lines below.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Maneuver the sway bar out
   Carefully work the sway bar down and out past the rear suspension components. On Model 3, the bar typically exits to one side — do not pry against the subframe or pack. If clearance is insufficient, temporarily lower the rear of the subframe or detach an obstructing component per Tesla service procedure rather than forcing the bar.
   ⚠️Never pry or wedge against the HV battery pack housing.
8. 8

   Transfer / install bushings on new bar
   Slide the new bushings onto the new sway bar at the marked positions (some bars have alignment indents — line the bushing up so the bracket sits flat). Lubricate only with the manufacturer-specified bushing grease if supplied; do not use petroleum grease on rubber bushings.
9. 9

   Install the new sway bar
   Maneuver the new bar into position with bushings in place. Start the bushing bracket bolts by hand on both sides to ensure no cross-threading.
10. 10

    Torque sway bar bushing brackets
    Tighten the sway bar bushing bracket bolts to specification. Confirm the brackets are flush against the subframe and the bushings are seated.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reattach end links to sway bar
    Reconnect both end links to the sway bar ends. Hold each stud with a hex key and tighten the nut to specification. If the end link bolts through (not stud-and-nut style at the suspension end), torque that fastener to the sway bar link spec.
    ⚠Failure to hold the stud while torquing will spin and destroy the boot/joint.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the low-voltage battery in the reverse order it was disconnected.
5. Close the frunk and any access panels.
6. Wake the vehicle and verify no chassis or stability-control faults are present on the touchscreen.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, push down firmly on each rear corner — both sides should resist evenly with no clunk from the sway bar area.
• Test drive at low speed over a known bump or speed table — listen for clunks or rattles from the rear that would indicate loose bushing brackets or unseated end links.
• Test drive on a curve (safely) — the rear should feel planted; an absent or unbolted sway bar will produce noticeable rear roll.
• Recheck the sway bar bracket bolt torque and end link nut torque after the first 100 miles, especially after suspension settling.
• Verify no stability control, ABS, or chassis warnings on the Tesla touchscreen.
• Wheel Lug Nuts torque after settling — re-verify after the first drive.

More procedures for this vehicle