Air Spring/Air Bag

Replace a front or rear air spring on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. Note: AWD Long Range trims typically ship with coil-over suspension; air suspension is fitted to Plaid and select option packages — verify the vehicle actually has air struts before proceeding, as the procedure differs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front or rear air spring/strut assembly (must match corner, side, and trim configuration) × 1 — Tesla OEM air strut assembly for 2024 Model S — verify by VIN
• Upper strut mount nuts (single-use if specified by manufacturer) × 3 — OEM strut tower nuts — replace if torque-to-yield
• Lower strut through-bolt (inspect; replace if specified) × 1 — OEM strut bolt

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. Before disconnecting 12V power: use the touchscreen to enable Jack Mode / Service Mode and raise (or set) the suspension to the height needed for service. This also disables auto-leveling.
4. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk under the nose cowl panel (or 16V Li unit under the rear seat on applicable Plaid builds — verify by VIN).
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Confirm the vehicle is actually equipped with air suspension at the affected corner before ordering parts — Long Range AWD trims may be coil-sprung.
8. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected corner before lifting.
9. Lift the vehicle only at the manufacturer-specified jack points using approved pucks. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm suspension type and order correct part
   Verify by VIN and visual inspection that the corner being serviced is air-sprung (look for the air line and electrical connector at the top of the strut). Confirm the replacement assembly matches the corner (front vs rear) and side (left vs right). Front and rear assemblies are not interchangeable.
2. 2

   Depressurize the affected corner
   With Jack/Service Mode active, the compressor will not attempt to refill. Confirm the system is depressurized by observing no audible air movement at the strut. The vehicle's 12V should now be disconnected per preparation steps.
   ⚠️If the strut still feels pressurized when the air line is loosened, STOP and re-enter Service Mode with 12V reconnected to bleed pressure properly.
3. 3

   Remove wheel
   With the vehicle safely supported, remove the lug nuts and wheel from the affected corner. Set the wheel aside on its face to avoid scratching.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect ride height sensor and air line
   Locate the ride height sensor link and electrical connector at the affected corner. Unclip carefully — the plastic clips are fragile. Release the pneumatic line from the top of the strut using the proper push-to-connect release tool. Cap the line to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Do not pry the air fitting with screwdrivers — you will damage the collet and cause leaks.
5. 5

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Remove the sway bar end link nut at the strut/lower control arm interface. Hold the inner shaft with an Allen key to prevent it from spinning.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate lower strut mount
   Support the lower control arm with a floor jack. Remove the lower strut through-bolt. Depending on configuration, the lower mount may be a fork bolted to the control arm or a direct pinch into the knuckle — follow the manufacturer-specified procedure for the corner being serviced.
   ⚠Keep the control arm supported — it will drop under its own weight once released, potentially damaging the CV boot or brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   From the strut tower (frunk area for fronts, trunk wheel well trim removed for rears), remove the upper mounting nuts while supporting the strut from below. Lower the assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠The air strut is heavy and contains the air spring assembly — do not let it drop. Damage to the bladder will require replacement.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Compare old and new strut
   Visually verify the new air spring matches the old: bracket orientation, air fitting location, electrical connector type, and overall length. Do not install if there is any mismatch.
9. 9

   Install new air spring assembly
   Position the new strut into the tower, hand-thread the upper nuts, then guide the lower mount into position. Hand-start the lower bolt before tightening anything. Reconnect the pneumatic line (push fully into the collet until it clicks and seats) and the electrical/sensor connectors.
   ⚠A partially seated air fitting will hold initially then leak under load — verify full insertion.
10. 10

    Torque upper strut mount
    Tighten the upper strut tower nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque lower strut bolt
    Tighten the lower strut bolt to specification. Note: final torque on suspension fasteners that load the bushings should be done with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reattach the sway bar end link, holding the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Re-torque after the vehicle is on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then perform final torque on any control arm fasteners that load the bushings.
2. Reconnect the 12V (or 16V) low-voltage battery.
3. Power on the vehicle. The air suspension will attempt to self-level once Service Mode is exited — listen for the compressor running and observe the corner rising.
4. Allow the system to fully pressurize and stabilize before driving.

Verification

• Measure ride height at all four corners and compare side-to-side. Differences greater than the manufacturer-specified tolerance indicate a calibration is needed.
• Spray soapy water on the new air fitting and any disturbed connections — bubbles indicate a leak that must be fixed.
• Check the touchscreen for any suspension-related alerts or DTCs. Ride-height sensor recalibration via Tesla Toolbox (or equivalent dealer-level tool) is typically required after air strut replacement; refer to a Tesla-certified technician if calibration is unavailable.
• Test drive at low speed first, then highway speed, listening for clunks, leaks, or uneven leveling behavior.
• Park the vehicle overnight and re-check ride height the next morning — a slow leak will show as a low corner.
• While the wheel is off, this is also a good time to inspect brake fluid age (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years) and consider a tire rotation if it has been more than ~6,250 mi.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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