Replacement of the rear sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid. The rear subframe area is tight on Plaid due to the rear drive unit and air suspension components — work carefully around suspension and HV-adjacent hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model S Plaid rear sway bar — verify by VIN
• Sway bar bushings (saddle/D-bushings) × 2 — OEM-spec rear sway bar bushing set
• Sway bar end links (recommended if worn) × 2 — OEM-spec rear sway bar end link

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 low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model S Plaid this is typically the 16V lithium unit located under the rear seat (verify by VIN — some units remain in the frunk).
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. Enable Jack Mode / service lift mode on the touchscreen before raising the vehicle to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Raise the vehicle on a lift or jack stands using the manufacturer-specified lift pads only — never lift on the battery pack edges.
9. Remove both rear wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear underbody aero shielding
   Remove the rear underbody aero panels and any heat shielding necessary to access the rear sway bar and its brackets on the rear subframe. Use trim tools and store fasteners by location — Tesla aero panels use a mix of plastic clips and small Torx/hex bolts.
   ⚠Aero panels are structural for thermal/aero performance. Do not omit or distort them on reinstall.
2. 2

   Survey work area and identify HV routing
   Visually trace any orange HV cabling and high-voltage components in the rear subframe area. Confirm none of your wrench paths cross or contact orange cabling. Also identify ABS/ride-height sensor wiring near the rear control arms — these are easily damaged.
   ⚠️If an orange cable obstructs sway bar removal, STOP. This job should not require disturbing HV cabling.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end links from sway bar
   At each end of the rear sway bar, hold the end link stud with an Allen/hex key and remove the nut securing the end link to the sway bar arm. Inspect end-link bushings/ball joints for play; replace if worn. Swing the freed end link out of the way.
   Torque spec

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

   Support the sway bar
   Place a transmission jack or a helper hand under the sway bar to support its weight before unbolting the brackets. The bar is light but awkward; an unsupported drop can damage the rear subframe finish or nearby sensors.
5. 5

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Remove the bolts securing the two sway bar saddle brackets to the rear subframe. Retain the brackets — they are reused unless damaged. Note bushing orientation (slit typically faces forward or as marked).
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Maneuver sway bar out of vehicle
   Carefully rotate and lower the sway bar out from under the rear of the vehicle. Clearance around the rear drive unit, half shafts, and air suspension lines is tight — protect air lines and any wiring harnesses with shop rags as you maneuver.
   ⚠Do not pry against air suspension lines or HV cabling. If the bar will not clear, recheck for an obstructing fastener rather than forcing it.
7. 7

   Transfer / replace bushings
   Slide the old D-bushings off the sway bar. Install new bushings on the new bar (or old bar if reusing) in the same orientation. Lubricate only with the bushing manufacturer's specified silicone-based lubricant — never use petroleum grease, which will degrade the rubber.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar
   Lift the new (or rebuilt) sway bar into position, oriented identically to the original. Loosely fit both saddle brackets over the bushings and start all bracket bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading aluminum subframe threads.
   ⚠Aluminum threads strip easily. Always start bolts by hand and confirm smooth engagement before applying tool torque.
9. 9

   Torque sway bar bracket bolts
   Tighten the sway bar bracket bolts evenly side-to-side, 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 arm. Hold the stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation while torquing the nut. If the end link bolts pass through the link body and into the bar, use the Sway Bar Link spec instead of the Sway Bar Link Nuts spec — verify which fastener you are tightening.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear underbody aero shielding, ensuring all clips and fasteners are seated — missing panels affect range and thermal management.
2. Reinstall rear wheels. Snug lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle to the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified spec.
3. Reconnect the low-voltage battery (16V/12V as applicable).
4. Exit Jack Mode on the touchscreen and allow the air suspension to re-level fully before driving.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground and air suspension self-leveled, visually confirm both sway bar saddle brackets sit flush and the bar is centered in the chassis.
• Grab each end of the sway bar and attempt to twist — there should be no clunking from bushings or end links.
• Test drive on a known-smooth road, then on a road with one-wheel bumps. Listen for clunks over expansion joints, which would indicate loose end links or bushings.
• Perform a moderate cornering test at low speed — body roll should feel symmetric left vs. right.
• Re-check sway bar bracket bolt and end link torque after the first 100–500 miles, as is good practice for any CRITICAL suspension fastener.
• Note: Tesla recommends a brake fluid service every 2 years and tire rotation every 6,250 miles — if either is due, address while the vehicle is already on the lift.
• Torque Wheel Lug Nuts in star pattern to spec.
• Lug nut torque reference: Wheel Lug Nuts.

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