Replace worn subframe mounting bushings on a 2024 Model S Long Range AWD. The subframe carries the front motor, steering rack, and lower control arms, so this is a heavy, support-intensive job requiring a transmission jack or subframe cradle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing set (manufacturer-specified) × 4 — OEM Tesla Model S 2024 front subframe bushing
• Subframe mounting bolts (single-use, if specified by Tesla) × 4 — Verify per Tesla Service Manual — many chassis bolts are torque-to-yield single-use

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. Disconnect the 12V (or 16V on Plaid) low-voltage battery — located in the frunk under the nose cowl panel on Model S. Wait 2 additional minutes after disconnect before working under the vehicle.
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. Place vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE lifting (Service > Jack Mode) — this prevents air suspension self-leveling on Performance/Plaid trims.
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts while tires are on the ground.
8. Raise the vehicle on a lift using only Tesla-approved lift points and jack pucks. Never lift on the battery case.
9. Remove front wheels.
10. Photograph the subframe area and all alignment-critical fasteners before disassembly. Apply paint marker witness marks where bolts pass through slotted holes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front aero underbody panels
   Remove the front fascia underbody shield and any aero diffuser panels covering the subframe. These are typically retained by plastic clips and Torx fasteners. Set aside carefully — Model S aero panels are fragile and tab-locked.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end links
   Remove the sway bar end link nuts at the lower control arms (or struts, depending on configuration). Hold the link's internal shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joints from steering knuckles
   Remove the ball joint nuts at the lower control arms and separate the ball joint tapers from the knuckles using a manufacturer-specified ball joint separator. Do not strike aluminum knuckles with a hammer.
   ⚠Pickle-fork separators can damage ball joint boots — use a press-style separator if the joints are being reused.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect steering rack from subframe (or steering shaft)
   Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft pinch bolt at the rack input, or unbolt the steering rack from the subframe per Tesla Service Manual. Mark the shaft splines with paint before separating to preserve steering wheel clocking. Support the rack with a strap so it does not hang on its electrical harness.
   ⚠Do NOT rotate the steering wheel or steering rack with the shaft disconnected — clock spring damage is possible.
5. 5

   Disconnect lower control arms from subframe (if removing arms with subframe)
   If the subframe will be lowered with the control arms attached, this step may be skipped. Otherwise, mark and remove the inboard control arm bolts. Final torque on these is done at ride height during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Independently support the front drive unit
   On AWD Model S, the front drive unit is mounted to the subframe. Place a transmission jack or padded support stand under the front motor and take up its weight before loosening the subframe. The motor must NOT hang on its HV cabling or coolant lines.
   ⚠️Orange HV cables connect to the front drive unit. Do not place support hardware against these cables. Do not disconnect HV connectors — that is out of scope for this procedure.
7. 7

   Support the subframe and remove subframe mounting bolts
   Position a transmission jack or subframe cradle under the front subframe with the load taken up evenly. Mark the position of the subframe relative to the body with paint pen. Remove the four subframe-to-body mounting bolts. Slowly lower the subframe just enough to access the bushings — do NOT drop it. Watch for snagged wiring, brake lines, or coolant hoses as you lower.
   ⚠Subframe mounting bolts are commonly torque-to-yield/single-use on modern Tesla chassis. Replace per Tesla Service Manual.
8. 8

   Press out old subframe bushings
   With the subframe lowered (or fully removed to a workbench, recommended), use a hydraulic press or in-vehicle bushing tool kit to drive out the old bushings. Note bushing orientation and any voiding/keying — install the new bushings in the same clock position.
   ⚠Bushings are often directional. Installing one rotated incorrectly will alter compliance and ride characteristics.
9. 9

   Install new subframe bushings
   Lubricate only the outer shell of the new bushing with the manufacturer-specified lubricant (typically soapy water — never petroleum grease on rubber). Press the new bushings squarely into the subframe pockets to the correct depth. Verify orientation matches the OEM marks.
10. 10

    Raise subframe back into position
    Raise the subframe with the transmission jack, aligning it to the witness marks made earlier. Start all four subframe mounting bolts by hand before tightening any. Use alignment dowels or tapered guide pins if available to ensure correct subframe position — this directly affects alignment.
11. 11

    Torque subframe mounting bolts
    Torque the subframe mounting bolts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Follow the manufacturer's specified sequence. If torque-to-yield, use new bolts.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect steering, ball joints, and sway bar links
    Reconnect the steering rack/intermediate shaft to its marked position. Reattach ball joints to the knuckles and torque the ball joint nuts. Reattach sway bar end links, holding the shaft with an Allen key.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

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

    Snug control arm bolts (final torque deferred)
    If control arm inboard bolts were removed, snug them only — do NOT final torque yet. Final torque must be applied with full vehicle weight on the wheels at ride height to set the bushing preload correctly.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to the ground so suspension is fully loaded.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle's full weight on the wheels (use drive-on ramps or a scissor lift to retain access), final torque the inboard control arm bolts. This step is critical — torquing at full droop will cause premature bushing failure.
    ⚠Skipping ride-height torque is the single most common cause of premature bushing failure after subframe service.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front aero underbody panels and any disturbed clips. Replace any broken plastic clips — aero panel detachment at speed is a known Model S issue.
2. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
3. Close the frunk and verify it latches normally.
4. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen and allow air suspension (if equipped) to self-level.
5. Have a 4-wheel alignment performed immediately — subframe service always disturbs alignment.

Verification

• Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen related to vehicle dynamics, ABS, traction control, or steering. If any appear, recheck connections and intermediate shaft clocking.
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight; if off, the steering shaft was reclocked incorrectly — do NOT 'fix' it by adjusting tie rods only, recheck the shaft.
• Drive at low speed and listen for clunks over bumps — properly seated bushings should be silent.
• Inspect subframe-to-body gap visually for symmetry side-to-side.
• Confirm 4-wheel alignment is within Tesla's published spec for 2024 Model S Long Range AWD before returning the vehicle to service.
• Recheck control arm bolt torque after the first 100 miles.
• While the vehicle is on the lift, this is also a good time to inspect: brake fluid (Tesla recommends every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 2 years, or 3 years if HEPA-equipped), and front drive unit gear oil condition (no longer considered 'lifetime' fluid by Tesla).

More procedures for this vehicle