Replace the front strut top mount assembly on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The Model X uses standard air suspension, so the air strut must be depressurized via service mode before any disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut upper mount assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Model X 2024-spec front upper strut mount — order by VIN
• Strut tower nuts (replace if single-use) × 3 — OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts (inspect, replace if stretched) × 2 — OEM specification

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 12V low-voltage battery, located in the frunk under the forward service cover. Follow the on-vehicle disconnect procedure exactly.
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 the touchscreen Service menu and place the vehicle in Jack Mode. This locks ride height and disables compressor activity.
7. If the strut is air-sprung, follow the manufacturer-specified depressurization procedure for the front air strut before removal. Confirm the corner has fully settled and is no longer pressurized.
8. Loosen front lug nuts while the wheels are on the ground.
9. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified front jacking points using pucks/pads to protect the battery enclosure. Support on rated jack stands.
10. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify air suspension is depressurized
   Confirm Jack Mode is active and the front air strut on the affected side has fully bled down. If equipped with an air line to the strut top, identify it and plan to disconnect it without kinking. If you have any doubt the system is depressurized, STOP.
   ⚠️An undepressurized air strut can launch components when the upper mount nuts are released.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link from strut
   Locate the sway bar end link at the strut. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key while loosening the nut. Separate the link from the strut bracket and swing it out of the way.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor wiring and brake hose brackets from strut
   Release any wiring harness clips, ABS sensor cable retainers, and brake hose brackets attached to the strut body. Move them aside without straining the lines. Do not disconnect the brake hydraulic line.
4. 4

   Disconnect air line from strut (if applicable)
   With the system confirmed depressurized, disconnect the air supply line at the strut using the manufacturer-specified push-to-connect release procedure. Cap or cover the open fitting to keep contaminants out.
   ⚠Air line fittings are plastic. Do not pry — use the proper collar-release technique.
5. 5

   Support the lower control arm / knuckle
   Place a jack under the lower control arm or knuckle to support the suspension as the strut is freed. This prevents the assembly from dropping and stretching the CV axle or brake hose.
6. 6

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Remove the two strut-to-knuckle through-bolts. Note any alignment marks/cams if present and mark them before removal to aid reassembly. Inspect bolts for stretch; replace if specified.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   Open the frunk and access the front strut tower. Remove the upper strut mount nuts (typically three). Support the strut from below — it will drop free once the last nut is removed.
   ⚠Confirm again that the strut is depressurized before removing the last upper nut.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the strut/spring assembly downward and out of the wheel well. Watch clearance against the CV axle, brake rotor, and inner fender liner.
9. 9

   Compress spring and disassemble strut
   Mount the strut in a soft-jaw vise. Install an external spring compressor and compress the coil only enough to relieve preload from the upper mount. Hold the damper shaft with the manufacturer-specified internal hex while loosening the top nut. Remove the upper mount, bearing, isolator, and spring seat. Note stack order and orientation.
   ⚠️A loaded coil spring can cause fatal injury if the compressor slips. Verify both hooks are fully seated and the compressor is centered before turning the top nut.
10. 10

    Inspect components and install new strut mount
    Inspect the spring isolators, bump stop, dust boot, and bearing. Replace any worn item now — the labor is already done. Install the new upper strut mount in the correct orientation (note any 'FRONT' or directional markings). Reassemble the stack in the original order.
11. 11

    Torque damper shaft top nut
    Hold the damper shaft with the internal hex tool and torque the top nut to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Slowly release the spring compressor, ensuring the spring ends seat correctly in the upper and lower spring seats.

Reassembly

1. Maneuver the strut assembly back into the wheel well and align the upper mount studs into the strut tower.
2. Loosely install the upper strut tower nuts to hold the assembly in place.
3. Align the strut to the knuckle and install the strut-to-knuckle bolts. Restore any alignment cam marks made during disassembly.
4. Torque the strut-to-knuckle bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft).
5. Torque the upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
6. Reconnect the air line to the strut (if equipped) and confirm it is fully latched.
7. Reconnect ABS/wheel speed sensor harness, brake hose brackets, and any wiring retainers.
8. Reattach the sway bar end link, holding the stud with an Allen key, and torque the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
9. Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts.
10. Lower the vehicle so the suspension is at ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels.
11. Final-torque any control arm fasteners disturbed during service to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) with weight on the wheels.
12. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
13. Reconnect the 12V battery and close the frunk service cover.

Verification

• Power up the vehicle. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen and allow the air suspension to repressurize. Watch for any 'Suspension Fault' or 'Vehicle Settling' alerts.
• Verify the affected corner returns to commanded ride height and matches the opposite side within spec.
• Listen for air leaks at the strut air fitting with the system pressurized; apply soapy water if any hiss is suspected.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks over bumps that would indicate an incorrectly seated spring or loose upper mount.
• Perform a four-wheel alignment — strut replacement on a Model X always requires re-alignment, especially camber.
• Recheck all critical torques after the first 100 miles: strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link, and lug nuts.
• Note: while the wheel is off, this is also a good time to inspect brake fluid age (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years) and verify cabin filter service interval (every 2 years, or every 3 years for HEPA-equipped Model X).

More procedures for this vehicle