Replace the front strut top mount/bearing assembly on a 2024 Model S Plaid. This trim uses adaptive air suspension, so the strut is an air strut assembly — handle with care and depressurize before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut top mount assembly (with upper bearing) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model S Plaid front strut mount — verify by VIN
• Strut tower nuts (if single-use) × 3 — OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint nut × 1 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 Li-ion on 2021+ Plaid, located under the rear seat) low-voltage battery. On standard layout the 12V is in the frunk under the nose cowl panel — verify which your VIN uses before proceeding.
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. Before lifting: enter the touchscreen Service menu and activate Jack Mode (this disables self-leveling and lowers air pressure). For full air strut removal, the air suspension must be fully depressurized per Tesla service procedure.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle using Tesla-specified jack pad locations and support on jack stands rated for EV weight. Chock the rear wheels.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Depressurize air suspension and disconnect air line
   Confirm the air system is fully depressurized via service mode. Locate the air line fitting at the top of the strut. Carefully disconnect the air line per the manufacturer-specified release procedure. Cap the open line to prevent contamination.
   ⚠️Never disconnect a pressurized air line — it can whip and injure. Confirm zero pressure before releasing the fitting.
2. 2

   Disconnect ride-height sensor link
   Locate the ride-height (leveling) sensor link attached to the lower control arm. Release the ball-stud clip carefully — these plastic links break easily. Position the sensor arm out of the way.
   ⚠Air suspension leveling sensors are a known wear item on Model S and are easy to damage. Replace if cracked.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end link from strut
   Hold the sway bar link stud with an Allen key and remove the nut securing the link to the strut bracket. Swing the link clear of the strut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect any wiring harnesses on the strut
   Release the brake line bracket and any wiring (ABS, brake pad sensor) clipped to the strut body. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose — support with a hook or strap.
5. 5

   Separate strut from steering knuckle
   Mark the strut-to-knuckle position with a paint pen for reference. Remove the two strut-to-knuckle through-bolts. The knuckle may need to be pried down slightly to free the strut. Support the knuckle so it does not hang on the CV axle or tie rod.
   ⚠Do not let the knuckle hang freely — it can damage the outer CV joint boot or strain the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Support strut and remove upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the frunk area, remove the cowl/access cover as needed to expose the upper strut mount studs. Support the strut from below. Remove the upper strut tower nuts.
   ⚠Do not remove the center shaft nut while the strut is still in the vehicle if a coil spring is present — spring force can release violently. On air struts, follow the manufacturer-specified disassembly order.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Lower the strut out of the tower and maneuver it out through the wheel well. Set on a clean bench.
8. 8

   Replace top strut mount
   On the bench, secure the strut. Because this is an air strut, follow the Tesla service manual procedure for separating the top mount from the air strut body — there is no traditional coil spring to compress on the Plaid air strut, but there is internal gas pressure. Remove the center retaining nut/clip per OEM specification, swap the top mount/bearing assembly, and reassemble. Torque the top center fastener to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
   ⚠️If you find a coil spring instead of an air strut (e.g. wrong VIN match, replacement coilover installed), STOP and use a proper spring compressor. Never remove the center nut on a compressed coil spring without a compressor.
9. 9

   Reinstall strut into tower
   Lift the strut back into position. Align the top studs through the strut tower holes and start the upper nuts by hand. Snug — do not final-torque yet.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reattach strut to knuckle
    Align the strut to the knuckle using your paint marks to preserve camber. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts. Snug, then final-torque.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final-torque upper mount nuts
    With the strut now located at the knuckle, final-torque the upper strut tower nuts.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link, ride-height sensor, and air line
    Reconnect the sway bar end link, holding the stud with an Allen key while torquing the nut. Reconnect the ride-height sensor link. Reconnect the air line to the strut, ensuring the fitting is fully seated and clip is in place.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reattach brake line / harness brackets
    Reinstall any brake line and wiring brackets you released. Verify the brake hose has full range of motion at lock-to-lock without binding.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and snug the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery.
5. Power the vehicle on. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
6. Allow the air suspension to repressurize and self-level. Listen for leaks at the air line fitting — apply soapy water if needed to confirm a leak-free seal.
7. Cycle the suspension through Low / Standard / High via the touchscreen to verify normal operation.

Verification

• Confirm no air leak at the strut air fitting (compressor should not cycle excessively at rest).
• Verify the vehicle sits at correct ride height side-to-side; the affected corner should match the opposite side within Tesla's specified tolerance.
• Check for any suspension fault messages on the touchscreen — clear any DTCs and recheck.
• Test drive at low speed listening for clunks or knocks from the strut tower over bumps and during steering lock-to-lock.
• Have a 4-wheel alignment performed — required after any strut or knuckle disturbance on Model S.
• If a ride-height calibration / suspension relearn is required by service mode, perform it before returning the car to the customer.
• Note: while the suspension is apart, this is a good time to inspect the air strut itself for weeping (a known wear item after ~80K mi on Model S air suspension).

More procedures for this vehicle