Replacement of the front sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Model S Plaid. This Plaid trim uses adaptive air suspension, so the vehicle must be placed in Jack Mode before lifting to prevent ride-height compensation damage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — OEM Tesla Model S Plaid front stabilizer bar — verify by VIN
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — OEM-specified bushing kit matching bar diameter
• Sway bar end links (recommended replacement) × 2 — OEM-specified front stabilizer end links

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. On the touchscreen, enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling.
4. Disconnect the low-voltage battery. On 2024 Plaid this is typically the 16V lithium unit — refer to architecture notes and verify location by VIN (frunk under nose cowl, or under rear seat on some Plaid builds).
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal. If 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. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
7. Lift the front of the vehicle at the Tesla-designated jack points using approved puck adapters and support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight.
8. Remove both front wheels.
9. Remove the front aero underbody/belly pan fasteners and lower the panel to expose the front subframe and sway bar.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and photograph the sway bar layout
   Before disassembly, photograph the orientation of the sway bar, the bushing brackets, and the end link routing. Note which side of the bushing the split faces. This Plaid front sway bar is mounted to the front subframe with two clamp brackets and connects to the strut assemblies via vertical end links.
2. 2

   Spray fasteners with penetrating oil
   Apply penetrating oil to the sway bar end link nuts (top and bottom) and the two sway bar bracket bolts on each side of the subframe. Allow several minutes to soak before attempting removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end links from the sway bar
   While holding the end link stud with an Allen key inserted into the hex socket on the shaft end, loosen and remove the nut securing each end link to the sway bar. If end links are seized or worn (clunking on test drive), replace them. Do NOT spin the stud freely — this damages the internal ball joint.
   ⚠If the end link stud spins freely and cannot be held, the internal ball joint is worn — the link must be replaced.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the two clamp brackets that secure the sway bar to the front subframe (one per side). Remove the bracket bolts and lift the brackets off. Note that on air-suspension Plaid models, the sway bar may be routed close to air lines and wiring harnesses — do not pinch or kink any line.
   ⚠Do not pry against air suspension lines or wiring harnesses.
5. 5

   Maneuver the sway bar out of the chassis
   Carefully rotate and slide the sway bar out from between the subframe and the front of the vehicle. Clearance is tight — you may need to angle the bar past steering linkage and cooling lines. Do not force it; if it does not pass, reassess clearance and remove obstructions per Tesla Service Manual.
6. 6

   Inspect bushings, brackets, and mating surfaces
   Inspect the old bushings for cracking, ovaling, or oil contamination. Inspect bracket bores for corrosion. Replace bushings as a pair. Clean the bushing seats on the bar before installing new bushings.
7. 7

   Install new bushings on the new (or existing) sway bar
   Apply manufacturer-specified rubber-safe bushing lubricant (silicone-based, NOT petroleum grease) to the inner bore of each bushing. Position bushings on the bar at the marked locations — bushings are side-specific on most Tesla applications and must be installed in the correct orientation.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based grease on bushings — it will degrade the rubber and cause premature failure and clunking.
8. 8

   Position the sway bar in the chassis
   Maneuver the new sway bar into position, reversing the removal path. Ensure orientation matches your reference photos — sway bars are not symmetric and incorrect installation will cause poor handling.
9. 9

   Install sway bar bracket bolts
   Reinstall the bushing clamp brackets and start all bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum subframe. Snug evenly, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar end links
    Reattach each end link to the sway bar. Hold the end link shaft with an Allen key in the hex recess and torque the nut to specification. If you replaced the end links entirely, also torque the lower (strut-side) connection.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front aero underbody/belly pan, ensuring all clips and fasteners are seated — a missing or loose pan will whistle at highway speed and reduce range.
2. Reinstall front wheels and snug lug nuts by hand.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
5. Reconnect the low-voltage battery.
6. Power on the vehicle and exit Jack Mode (it will also clear after a drive cycle above ~7 mph).
7. Allow the air suspension to re-level fully before driving.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground at normal ride height, visually confirm both end links are vertical and not preloaded (which would indicate the bar is twisted/incorrectly oriented).
• Check the touchscreen for any suspension or chassis fault alerts. The Plaid air suspension may take a leveling cycle to clear any residual codes.
• Test drive at low speed first, performing gentle left-right transitions in a parking lot to confirm no clunking from the sway bar bushings or end links.
• Follow up with a highway test for body roll behavior — the car should feel firm and symmetric in cornering.
• Recheck sway bar bracket bolts and end link nuts after ~100 miles for any settling.
• Note: while the wheels are off, this is a good opportunity to verify tire rotation interval (Tesla recommends every 6,250 mi due to instant torque wear) and to inspect brake fluid age — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.

More procedures for this vehicle