2024 TESLA MODEL S

Long Range Dual Motor AWDAWDAUTOMATICev
6 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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suspension

Sway Bar Link - Front

for 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
9
Steps
8

Replacement of a front sway bar end link on a 2024 Model S Long Range AWD. This is a non-HV chassis job, but Tesla-specific lifting precautions and aluminum body handling apply.

Warnings

⚠️Never lift or support this vehicle on the HV battery pack case. Use only Tesla-designated lift points along the rocker pinch welds with proper pucks.
⚠️Do not touch, cut, pierce, or pry against ANY orange cable. If you see orange HV wiring near your work area, STOP.
Body panels are aluminum — do not strike with steel hammers and avoid prying against fenders or subframe edges.
Sway bar link nuts are self-locking. Replace if the prevailing torque feels lost, or if reusing per OEM allowance only.
ℹ️Performance/Plaid trims use air suspension — system may auto-level. Place the vehicle in 'Jack Mode' via the touchscreen (Controls → Service → Jack Mode) before lifting if equipped.

Tools required

Floor jack with rubber padEssential
Jack stands (rated for EV curb weight)Essential
Tesla-approved lift pucks (to protect battery pack lip)Essential
Metric socket set (15mm, 18mm typical for link hardware — verify by inspection)Essential
Metric Allen/hex key set (to hold link stud)Essential
Torque wrench (10–150 Nm range)Essential
Breaker bar
Penetrating oil
Wheel chocksEssential

Parts

  • Front sway bar end link (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model S LR AWD) × 1 — OEM Tesla front sway bar link assembly — verify by VIN

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 applicable Plaid) low-voltage battery — located in the frunk under the nose cowl panel on Model S.
  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. If equipped with air suspension, enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen before lifting to prevent the system from trying to re-level.
  7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
  8. Chock the rear wheels.
  9. Lift the front of the vehicle at Tesla-designated jack points using approved pucks, and support on jack stands. Never support on the HV pack.

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove front wheel
    Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the front wheel off the side being serviced. Set the wheel aside on its sidewall to protect the finish.
  2. 2
    Inspect the sway bar link
    Visually inspect both ends of the existing end link — upper attachment to the strut/control arm bracket and lower attachment to the sway bar. Note orientation, any spacers/washers, and the direction the studs face. Photograph for reference.
    ℹ️Confirm you have the correct replacement link in hand and that it matches the original in length and stud orientation before removal.
  3. 3
    Loosen upper end link nut
    Insert a hex key into the end of the link's upper ball stud to hold it stationary, then break loose the upper retaining nut with the appropriate socket. Apply penetrating oil if corroded. Remove the nut fully.
    Do not use an impact gun without holding the stud — the ball stud will spin and damage the boot.
  4. 4
    Loosen lower end link nut
    Hold the lower ball stud with a hex key and remove the lower retaining nut from the sway bar end. Support the link as the second nut comes free.
  5. 5
    Remove the old end link
    Withdraw the link from the upper and lower mounting points. If the studs are stuck in their tapered seats, tap gently with a soft-face mallet — do NOT pry against aluminum suspension components.
    Suspension uprights and many brackets on Model S are aluminum/forged alloy — avoid prying or hammering directly on these surfaces.
  6. 6
    Install new end link
    Install the new sway bar link in the same orientation as the original. Hand-thread both nuts onto the upper and lower studs to ensure clean engagement. Do not cross-thread.
  7. 7
    Torque end link nuts
    Holding each ball stud stationary with a hex key, torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification. Verify each side is fully seated against its mounting surface before final torque.
    These nuts are CRITICAL fasteners — a loose link can cause clunking, loss of roll control, and potential separation at speed.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reinstall front wheel
    Mount the wheel on the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Snug them in a star pattern before lowering.

Reassembly

  1. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
  2. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual (typically verified by VIN; do not guess).
  3. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
  4. If air suspension is equipped, exit Jack Mode and allow the system to self-level.
  5. Close the frunk and verify it latches fully.

Verification

  • Bounce-test the front of the vehicle and listen for clunks or rattles from the sway bar area.
  • Test drive at low speed over uneven pavement and through a gentle slalom — listen for end link knock; the front end should feel tight with no looseness in roll transitions.
  • Re-inspect the new link's nuts after the test drive to confirm they are still at the specified torque (Sway Bar Link Nuts: 55 Nm).
  • Check the touchscreen for any new chassis or suspension alerts (especially on air-suspension trims).
  • While under the vehicle, take the opportunity to note any drive unit fluid weeping — Tesla now recommends gear oil service at 12,500 mi initial and every 25,000–50,000 mi thereafter, contrary to the older 'lifetime fluid' claim.

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