Replace a rear sway bar (stabilizer) end link on a 2024 Model S Plaid. This is a straightforward suspension job, but the Plaid's air suspension and aluminum subframe require care during lifting and fastener handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar end link (manufacturer-specified for Model S Plaid) × 1 — Tesla OEM rear sway bar link assembly — verify by VIN

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 lithium on Plaid, located under the rear seat or in the frunk depending on build) low-voltage battery. Verify location for your specific VIN before service.
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 disconnecting the LV battery, enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen to lock out the air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Identify which side (left or right) sway bar link is being replaced and stage the new part.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift and support the rear of the vehicle
   Using only the manufacturer-designated lift points (reinforced pinch-weld locations with Tesla puck adapters), raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on jack stands rated for EV weight. Never place a jack under the HV battery floor pan.
   ⚠️Incorrect jack placement on a Model S can puncture the HV battery enclosure. Use only factory lift points.
2. 2

   Remove the rear wheel
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the rear wheel off the side being serviced. Set the wheel aside on its face to protect the finish.
3. 3

   Locate the rear sway bar end link
   The rear sway bar link connects the rear sway bar to the upper control arm or knuckle bracket. It is a short bar with a ball stud at each end. Spray penetrating oil on both nuts and allow it to soak for several minutes.
4. 4

   Remove the upper sway bar link nut
   Insert a hex key into the end of the ball stud to hold it stationary, then break loose and remove the upper nut with an open-end or crow-foot wrench. Do not allow the stud to spin — this can damage the new boot or the sway bar bushing.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the lower sway bar link nut
   Repeat the process at the lower mounting point (control arm/knuckle side). Hold the ball stud with a hex key and remove the nut. Remove the link from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect related components
   With the link out, inspect the sway bar bushings, the bar itself, and the knuckle/control arm mounting boss for cracks, corrosion, or elongated holes. On a Plaid, also visually verify there is no chafing of nearby wiring or air suspension lines. If any issues are found, address them before reinstallation.
   ℹ️Aluminum suspension components do not show rust the way steel does — look for white oxidation powder or hairline cracks instead.
7. 7

   Install the new sway bar link
   Position the new link in the same orientation as the original (note any offset or angled ends — they are not always symmetrical). Hand-thread both nuts onto the ball studs to ensure clean engagement.
8. 8

   Torque the sway bar link nuts
   Using a hex key to hold each ball stud stationary, torque both upper and lower nuts to specification. Use a crow-foot adapter on the torque wrench if needed and apply correction factor for the offset. Note: the verified spec list contains both a 'Sway Bar Link' (61 Nm) and 'Sway Bar Link Nuts' (55 Nm) value — verify the correct spec for the specific fastener style on your VIN before final torque. When in doubt, refer to the Tesla Service Manual.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall the rear wheel
   Mount the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Snug them in a star pattern before lowering.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower the vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery.
2. Close the frunk/rear seat access used to reach the LV battery.
3. Exit Jack Mode by tapping the screen prompt or by driving away slowly — the air suspension will re-level itself.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, push down firmly on the rear corner — there should be no clunking, knocking, or rattling from the sway bar area.
• Take a short, low-speed test drive over uneven pavement and a few sharp turns. Listen for any clunks during body roll — a properly installed link will be silent.
• Confirm the air suspension self-levels correctly and no suspension faults appear on the touchscreen.
• Recheck the sway bar link nuts after the first 100 miles of driving.
• While the vehicle is in the air, this is a good opportunity to inspect items that share Tesla's real-world service intervals: tire wear/rotation (every 6,250 mi), brake fluid age (replace every 2 years), and rear drive unit gear oil (Tesla now recommends inspection rather than 'lifetime').

More procedures for this vehicle