Replacement of a front strut upper bearing (mount) on a 2024 Model X. Because this vehicle uses standard air suspension, the air strut assembly must be depressurized through the service menu before removal, and the spring/bearing service is performed on the bench using a coil/air spring fixture.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut upper bearing / mount assembly × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model X (2024) front upper strut bearing — refer to Tesla parts catalog
• Strut tower nuts (single-use if specified by OEM) × 3 — OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts (replace if specified by OEM) × 2 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the 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 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Follow the labeled negative-first procedure.
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 12V: enter Tesla Service Mode and activate 'Jack Mode' to disable air suspension self-leveling, then depressurize the affected front strut per the on-screen service procedure.
7. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Raise the vehicle using OEM-approved lift points (puck adapters required to protect the battery enclosure and rocker pinch welds) and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.
10. Inspect the strut, air line fitting, sway bar link, and upper control arm for corrosion or damage before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm strut is depressurized
   Verify in Service Mode that the front air strut on the affected side reads 0 psi / depressurized. Do not proceed if pressure is still indicated. Carefully disconnect the air line fitting at the strut per the manufacturer-specified procedure, capping the line to prevent debris ingress.
   ⚠️A pressurized air line can whip violently. Confirm zero pressure before loosening any fitting.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Disconnect the sway bar end link from the strut/lower control arm bracket. Hold the stud with a hex/Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent the ball stud from spinning.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect ride-height sensor and any harness clips
   Carefully unclip the ride-height sensor link and any wiring harness retainers attached to the strut body. Do not pull on the sensor wiring — release the clip first.
   ⚠Ride-height sensors are easily damaged and require recalibration if mishandled.
4. 4

   Support the knuckle
   Place a jack under the lower control arm or knuckle to support the assembly before separating the strut from the knuckle. Do not let the knuckle hang on the CV axle or brake hose.
5. 5

   Separate strut from steering knuckle
   Remove the strut-to-knuckle through-bolts. Tap the knuckle clamp with a soft-faced mallet if needed to free the strut. Do not pry against aluminum surfaces.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From the top of the strut tower (under the frunk-area trim if required), support the strut from below, then remove the upper strut tower nuts. Lower the strut assembly out of the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward — use two hands and lower it controlled onto the bench.
   Torque spec

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

   Mount strut in bench fixture
   Secure the strut assembly in a Tesla-compatible air strut/spring fixture. For an air strut, ensure the air spring is fully vented to atmosphere before any disassembly of the upper mount.
8. 8

   Replace upper bearing/mount
   Remove the upper retaining nut from the strut shaft (hold the shaft per OEM procedure to prevent rotation). Lift off the old upper bearing/mount assembly. Inspect the strut shaft, isolator, and dust boot. Install the new upper bearing/mount in the correct orientation. Reinstall the upper retaining nut and torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
   ⚠Note the rotational alignment marks between the upper mount, spring seat, and strut body before disassembly. Incorrect orientation will cause clunking and uneven tire wear.
9. 9

   Reinstall strut into vehicle
   Lift the strut into the tower, start the upper nuts by hand, then guide the lower end into the steering knuckle and start the through-bolts by hand. Do not fully torque yet.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque upper strut and knuckle fasteners
    Torque the upper strut tower nuts to the verified spec. Torque the strut-to-knuckle bolts to the verified spec.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect sway bar link, ride height sensor, and air line
    Reattach the sway bar end link (hold stud with Allen key). Reconnect the ride-height sensor link. Reconnect the air line fitting to the strut, ensuring it is fully seated and locked.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel and snug the lug nuts in a star pattern. Final torque after the vehicle is on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle to the ground so full curb weight is on the suspension.
2. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to spec.
3. With the vehicle at ride height, final-torque any control arm fasteners that were disturbed (load-on-wheels torque is critical for bushing life).
4. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive-first per OEM procedure), close the frunk.
5. Exit Jack Mode and re-pressurize the air suspension via Service Mode; allow the system to self-level.
6. Verify no air leak audible at the strut fitting; confirm the system holds pressure overnight if possible.

Verification

• In Service Mode, confirm both front struts read equal pressures and that ride height matches side-to-side within Tesla's specification.
• Perform a slow steering lock-to-lock with the vehicle stationary and listen for clunking from the upper mount — a properly seated bearing will be silent.
• Road test at low speed over expansion joints and listen for any top-hat clunk; then at highway speed, verify no steering wander or vibration.
• Check ride-height sensor calibration; perform alignment (camber/toe) — strut R&R typically disturbs alignment and Model X is sensitive to front toe.
• Recheck for air leaks at the strut fitting after the first heat cycle.
• While the vehicle is in for suspension work, this is a good opportunity to verify Tesla's other service intervals: brake fluid (every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 2 years; 3 years if HEPA-equipped), and front drive unit gear oil (no longer 'lifetime' — initial 12,500 mi service then every 25,000–50,000 mi).

More procedures for this vehicle