Replacement of the air suspension compressor on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. The compressor is mounted in the rear of the vehicle and supplies pressurized air to all four corner air struts via the manifold/valve block.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension compressor assembly (OEM Tesla Model S 2024) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified compressor for 2024 Model S — verify by VIN
• Compressor mounting isolators / grommets (if not included with compressor) × 1 — OEM-specified vibration isolators
• Air line fittings / O-rings (as required) × 1 — OEM-specified

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the 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. On the touchscreen, enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable auto-leveling and depressurize the air suspension.
4. Disconnect the 12V (or 16V on applicable Plaid configurations) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model S the 12V is located in the front trunk under the nose cowl panel; on Plaid trims with 16V Li-ion, it is under the rear seat.
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. Verify the compressor location on the 2024 Model S — typically rear underbody or rear quarter area near the wheel well. Confirm exact location by visual inspection before proceeding.
8. Have replacement compressor and any included hardware on hand before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support the vehicle
   Using Tesla-approved lift pucks at the factory lift points only, raise the rear (or both axles, depending on compressor access) and support on rated jack stands. Never lift on the HV battery enclosure or pinch welds.
   ⚠Curb weight of a 2024 Model S exceeds 4,500 lb — use equipment rated accordingly.
2. 2

   Remove rear wheel(s) as needed for access
   If access to the compressor requires wheel removal, remove the rear wheel on the affected side. Mark wheel position for reinstallation. Lug nuts will be torqued to spec on reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove underbody/aero panels and wheel liner as required
   Using trim tools, remove the rear underbody aero shield fasteners and any rear wheel-well liner panels needed to expose the compressor housing. Bag and label fasteners — Tesla uses several different lengths in close proximity.
4. 4

   Locate the compressor and verify system depressurization
   Identify the compressor assembly, its mounting bracket, electrical connector, and the air supply line(s) running to the valve manifold. Confirm Jack Mode is active and that the system is depressurized. Listen for any audible pressure release before disconnecting lines.
   ⚠Residual pressure can eject debris and cause hearing damage. Wear eye and ear protection when releasing pneumatic fittings.
5. 5

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the compressor's low-voltage harness connector and disconnect. Inspect for corrosion or pin damage. Do not pull on wires.
6. 6

   Disconnect the air supply line(s)
   Following the manufacturer-specified procedure for the quick-connect fitting (typically a collar-push release), disconnect the air line(s) from the compressor outlet. Cap or cover open ports immediately to prevent debris ingress, which will destroy a new compressor.
   ⚠Even a small amount of dirt in the air system can damage the manifold valves and new compressor. Keep all openings clean and capped.
7. 7

   Remove compressor mounting fasteners
   Remove the compressor mounting bolts/nuts securing the assembly to its bracket and/or chassis. Support the compressor as the last fastener is removed. Inspect rubber isolators/grommets — replace if cracked or compressed.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove the compressor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the compressor out of its mounting location. Note the orientation of any heat shielding, drier/dehumidifier line, and exhaust/vent port for correct reinstallation.
9. 9

   Transfer brackets/fittings if required
   If the new compressor does not come with a bracket or fittings pre-installed, transfer them from the old unit per the manufacturer-specified procedure. Use new O-rings on any fitting that uses them.
10. 10

    Install the new compressor
    Position the new compressor into the mounting location with isolators correctly seated. Hand-start all mounting fasteners before final tightening to avoid cross-threading into aluminum structure.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect air line(s) and electrical connector
    Reconnect the air supply line(s), ensuring the quick-connect fully seats and locks. Reconnect the electrical harness until the locking tab clicks. Verify routing matches OEM — no contact with hot components or sharp edges.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel-well liner and underbody aero panels with original fasteners in original locations. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
2. Reinstall the rear wheel(s). Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Reconnect the 12V (or 16V) low-voltage battery. Confirm terminal is clean and tight.
5. Close the frunk (or rear seat access on Plaid) and verify no warning chimes/alerts before proceeding.

Verification

• Power the vehicle on. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Controls > Service).
• Allow the air suspension to self-level. Listen for normal compressor operation — it should run, build pressure, and shut off cleanly without long extended cycles or rapid short-cycling.
• Check for any suspension or air system alerts on the instrument display. Clear any transient codes with a Tesla-capable scan tool if needed.
• Set ride height to each setting (Low / Medium / High / Very High where available) on the touchscreen and confirm all four corners respond and equalize.
• Inspect all pneumatic connections at the compressor for leaks — apply soapy water and watch for bubbles with the system pressurized.
• Road test at low speed first, confirming the vehicle holds ride height over 10–15 minutes parked and after a short drive.
• While the vehicle is on the lift, this is a good opportunity to inspect air strut boots, leveling links, and the air drier — air struts and leveling sensors are known wear items past ~80K miles on Model S.

More procedures for this vehicle