Replace the worn rear trailing arm (fore link) bushing on a 2024 Model S Plaid. This is a suspension job that does not involve HV systems, but requires careful handling around the air suspension and aluminum body structure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm bushing (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model S Plaid) × 1 — OEM Tesla rear trailing arm bushing — verify by VIN
• Replacement control arm bolts (if single-use — verify per service manual) × 2 — 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. On the touchscreen, navigate to Service > Jack Mode to disable air suspension self-leveling. Wait for confirmation before lifting.
4. Disconnect the low-voltage battery. On 2024 Plaid this is typically the 16V lithium unit located under the rear seat (verify by VIN — some configurations use the 12V in the frunk).
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle using the manufacturer-specified lift points and Tesla-approved pucks. Support securely on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and document
   Photograph the trailing arm and surrounding suspension geometry before disassembly. Note any alignment marks on cam bolts (if present) — these are reference points only, alignment is still required after reassembly. Inspect the bushing for cracks, separation, or fluid leakage to confirm diagnosis.
2. 2

   Remove rear underbody aero panel
   Remove the plastic underbody aero shielding covering the rear suspension area to access the trailing arm mounting points. Use the appropriate Torx and plastic clip tools. Set fasteners aside in order — they are not interchangeable with body fasteners.
   ⚠Aero panels on Model S are structural for airflow management. Do not crack or distort during removal.
3. 3

   Support the rear knuckle/upright
   Place a transmission jack or second floor jack with a wood block under the rear knuckle to support it. This prevents the half-shaft, brake line, and air spring from being stressed when the trailing arm is disconnected.
   ⚠Do NOT let the knuckle hang on the brake hose, ABS sensor wire, or air line. Damage to the air suspension line will require pneumatic system service.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar link (if required for clearance)
   If access to the trailing arm bushing is obstructed, disconnect the sway bar end link at the lower control arm. Hold the stud with an Allen key while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the trailing arm body-side mounting bolt
   Locate the trailing arm's forward (body-side) mounting bolt where the bushing resides. Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak. Using a breaker bar, remove the through-bolt. Note orientation of any cam/eccentric washers for reinstallation reference (alignment will still be performed afterward).
   ⚠The mounting bolt may be a single-use stretch bolt. Verify against the Tesla Service Manual before reusing.
6. 6

   Remove the trailing arm knuckle-side fastener
   Remove the bolt(s) securing the trailing arm to the rear knuckle. Support the arm as the last fastener is removed. Lower the arm out of the vehicle.
7. 7

   Press out the old bushing
   Secure the trailing arm in a bench vise using soft jaws (aluminum arm). Using a hydraulic press with appropriately sized receiver and driver cups, press the old bushing out in the direction specified by the bushing manufacturer. Inspect the bushing bore in the arm for scoring, corrosion, or ovality — replace the arm if the bore is damaged.
   ⚠Do not use heat on or near the aluminum trailing arm — it will anneal and weaken the casting.
   ⚠Never strike an aluminum arm with a steel hammer to drive a bushing. Always use a press.
8. 8

   Prepare the bore
   Clean the bushing bore with a non-abrasive solvent. Lightly deburr any raised edges. Apply a thin film of the bushing manufacturer's specified lubricant (typically a silicone-based assembly lube — never petroleum-based on rubber bushings).
9. 9

   Press in the new bushing
   Align the new bushing squarely with the bore. Press in slowly and evenly, observing any clocking marks (some bushings are voided/oriented). Stop when the bushing is flush or seated to the depth specified in the service manual.
   ⚠If the bushing has clocking marks (orientation arrows or voids), incorrect orientation will cause poor ride and premature wear.
10. 10

    Reinstall trailing arm to knuckle
    Lift the trailing arm into position. Hand-thread the knuckle-side fastener first to allow alignment. Do not fully torque yet.
11. 11

    Reinstall body-side mounting bolt
    Insert the body-side through-bolt with cam/eccentric washers oriented as documented. Hand-tighten only — final torque must occur under vehicle load.
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If disconnected, reattach the sway bar end link, holding the stud with an Allen key while torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear underbody aero panel with all original fasteners.
2. Reinstall the rear wheel. Hand-snug lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle until the wheel just touches the ground (suspension begins to load) but vehicle weight is partially supported.
4. With suspension loaded to approximately ride height, final-torque the trailing arm body-side bolt and knuckle-side fastener. Use the verified Control Arm Bolts torque value.
5. Lower vehicle fully to the ground.
6. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
7. Reconnect the low-voltage battery.
8. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen and allow the air suspension to self-level. Confirm normal compressor operation (no extended runtime, no fault messages).

Verification

• Confirm no suspension or air-suspension fault codes appear on the touchscreen after waking the vehicle.
• Verify ride height visually — both rear corners should match within ~5 mm. If uneven, recheck Jack Mode exit and allow full self-level cycle.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks, rattles, or bushing bind. Then at highway speed, confirm no vibration or pull.
• Schedule and perform a four-wheel alignment — rear toe and camber must be reset after any trailing arm disturbance on Model S.
• Re-inspect torque on control arm and trailing arm fasteners after the first 100 miles.
• Note: While the vehicle is up, this is a good opportunity to check brake fluid age (Tesla recommends every 2 years regardless of mileage) and rear drive unit gear oil condition (Tesla now recommends inspection at 12,500 mi initial then every 25,000–50,000 mi).

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