Strut Mount - Front

Replace the front strut mount (upper bearing assembly) on a 2024 Model S Long Range AWD. This procedure assumes coil-spring suspension; if the vehicle is equipped with the optional adaptive air suspension, the air strut assembly differs and the air line must be released before removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (upper bearing/mount) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model S front strut mount
• Strut mount nuts (replace if single-use) × 3 — OEM-specified upper strut tower nuts
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts (replace if single-use) × 2 — OEM-specified strut-to-knuckle hardware
• Strut bumper / dust boot (inspect, replace if damaged) × 1 — OEM-specified strut bumper kit

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, 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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V (or 16V Li-ion if so equipped) low-voltage battery — located under the front nose cowl panel in the frunk. Insulate the negative terminal.
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. Confirm trim/suspension type via VIN — coil spring vs. adaptive air suspension. This procedure covers coil spring; air suspension requires depressurization first.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Raise the front of the vehicle using Tesla-approved lift pad adapters at the designated factory lift points only. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
9. Remove the front wheel and set aside.
10. Mark the strut-to-knuckle bolt orientation with a paint marker for camber reference before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower
   Open the frunk. Remove the cowl/wiper trim panel and any sound-deadening covers necessary to expose the upper strut mount nuts at the top of the strut tower. Use plastic trim tools to release clips without damaging the aluminum cowl structure.
   ⚠Cowl and wiper trim use fragile plastic clips — do not pry against painted aluminum body panels.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   At the lower end of the strut, locate the sway bar end link attachment. Hold the end link's internal hex with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent the shaft from spinning. Separate the end link from the strut bracket.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support knuckle and disconnect brake/ABS components
   Support the steering knuckle/hub assembly with a jack or strap. Unclip the wheel speed sensor harness and the flexible brake hose bracket from the strut body so they will not be stressed when the strut is moved. Do not disconnect the brake hose itself.
   ⚠Do not stretch the wheel speed sensor cable — it routes through brackets on the strut and knuckle.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Confirm your alignment reference marks are clear. Loosen and remove the two strut-to-knuckle through-bolts. The knuckle will pivot down on the lower control arm — keep it supported. Do not allow the CV axle to over-extend.
   ⚠Over-extending the front CV axle can dislodge the inner tripod joint. Support the knuckle to limit travel.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the frunk strut tower opening, support the strut assembly from below with one hand, then remove the upper strut mount nuts. Do NOT remove the center shaft nut at this stage — that is the spring-loaded fastener and must only be removed after the spring is compressed on the bench.
   ⚠️Removing the center strut shaft nut while the coil spring is uncompressed will cause the spring to release with lethal force.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Lower the strut assembly out from the wheel well, angling past the brake rotor and CV axle. Move to a clean bench.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Install a rated MacPherson spring compressor evenly on opposing sides of the coil. Compress the spring until all preload is removed from the upper mount — verify by being able to rotate the upper mount/spring seat freely by hand.
   ⚠️Use a properly rated, fully captured spring compressor. Inspect compressor hooks for damage. Stand clear of the spring's axis during compression.
8. 8

   Remove old strut mount
   Hold the strut shaft with the manufacturer-specified tool or hex flat (do not damage the shaft). Remove the center strut shaft nut. Lift off the upper strut mount, upper spring seat, bumper, and dust boot. Note orientation and stack order — photograph before disassembly.
9. 9

   Inspect components
   Inspect the strut bumper and dust boot for cracks or wear; replace if damaged. Inspect the strut shaft for pitting and verify damper is not blown (no oil weep, smooth resistance both directions). If the damper is compromised, replace the strut as a unit before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount
    Reinstall the dust boot, bumper, upper spring seat, and the new strut mount in the original orientation. Index any alignment marks on the spring seat to the lower spring isolator per OEM orientation. Install and torque the center strut shaft nut to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
    ⚠Incorrect spring seat clocking will cause the strut to bind and produce uneven ride height/camber.
11. 11

    Decompress spring
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, verifying the spring seats fully into both upper and lower isolators as tension returns. Remove the compressor.
    ⚠️Release compression evenly side-to-side. Uneven release can cock the spring and eject the compressor.
12. 12

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Lift the strut into the tower from below, aligning the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Hand-start the upper mount nuts. Pivot the knuckle up and align with the strut clevis using your previous alignment marks; install the strut-to-knuckle bolts hand-tight.
13. 13

    Torque upper strut mount nuts
    From inside the frunk, torque the upper strut tower nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Verify camber alignment marks are aligned, then torque the strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect sway bar end link and harnesses
    Reattach the sway bar end link, holding the shaft with an Allen key, and torque to specification. Reseat the wheel speed sensor harness and brake hose bracket into their factory clips on the strut.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the cowl/wiper trim panel in the frunk, ensuring all clips are seated.
2. Reinstall the front wheel; snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Lower the vehicle so full weight is on the wheels before final-torquing any control arm fasteners that were disturbed.
4. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
5. If any lower control arm bolts were loosened during the procedure, torque them with the vehicle's weight on the wheels (suspension at ride height).
6. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery in the frunk. Close the frunk.
7. Power on the vehicle and allow the suspension/ABS modules to initialize.

Verification

• Verify no warning indicators (ABS, traction control, suspension fault) on the instrument cluster after power-up.
• With the vehicle on level ground, measure ride height left vs. right at the front fender — should be within Tesla's published tolerance.
• Bounce-test the front corner — strut should return to rest in 1-2 cycles with no knocking from the upper mount.
• Test drive at low speed listening for clunks over bumps or while turning lock-to-lock — a noisy upper mount indicates incorrect stack-up or unseated bearing.
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment immediately — required after any front strut service on Model S.
• If the vehicle uses Autopilot, monitor for camera/radar calibration prompts after the alignment; allow the system to recalibrate during normal driving.
• Reminder: while in for service, check Tesla's other interval items — brake fluid every 2 years, cabin air filter every 2 years (3 years on HEPA-equipped Model S), tire rotation every 6,250 mi.

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