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2024 TESLA MODEL X

Long Range Dual Motor AWDAWDAUTOMATICev
8 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs90Labor363Torque3249Fluid8DTC557Battery0Maintenance0Recalls8
suspension

Sway Bar - Front

for 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
11

Replace the front sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The vehicle uses standard air suspension, so the suspension must be placed in Jack Mode before lifting to prevent ride-height correction damage.

Warnings

⚠️Model X has air suspension. Failing to enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) before lifting can cause the system to attempt ride-height correction while on a lift, damaging the suspension or destabilizing the vehicle.
⚠️The HV battery pack is floor-mounted directly beneath the cabin. Use only Tesla-approved lift points — never lift on the battery case or pinch welds adjacent to the pack.
Falcon doors: keep them closed and powered off (vehicle off, key away) during service. Do not lift the vehicle with falcon doors open — body flex can damage hinge sensors.
Aluminum subframe and body components — do not strike with a steel hammer. Use a dead-blow or rubber mallet only.
ℹ️If any orange high-voltage cabling is visible during this work, do not touch it. Stop and consult a Tesla-certified technician.

Tools required

Mid-rise or two-post lift (preferred) or floor jack with jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Metric socket set (sizes typical for Tesla suspension hardware)Essential
Calibrated torque wrench (20-200 Nm range)Essential
Allen/hex key set (for sway bar end link shaft)Essential
Breaker bar
Pry bar
Jack pad adapters compatible with Tesla lift points (puck-style)Essential

Parts

  • Front sway bar (anti-roll bar) × 1 — Tesla Model X front sway bar — match by VIN
  • Sway bar bushings × 2 — Manufacturer-specified bushings sized to bar diameter
  • Sway bar end links (recommended replacement if worn) × 2 — Manufacturer-specified front end links

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 low-voltage battery located in the frunk (remove frunk trim as required to access the 12V terminal).
  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 vehicle and enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling. Confirm the suspension is locked at current height.
  7. Loosen front lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
  8. Lift the vehicle at Tesla-specified front lift points using puck adapters and support on jack stands or a lift.
  9. Remove both front wheels.

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove front underbody/aero shielding
    Remove the front belly pan and any aero shields covering the front subframe and sway bar area. Hardware is typically a mix of plastic push-clips and small bolts — keep them organized for reinstallation. Inspect shields for cracks while off the vehicle.
  2. 2
    Inspect surrounding components
    Visually inspect control arm bushings, ball joint boots, end links, and air suspension lines/wiring near the sway bar before disassembly. Note any pre-existing damage so it isn't blamed on this repair.
    Air suspension lines run along the lower control arms — do not pinch or kink them during sway bar removal.
  3. 3
    Disconnect sway bar end links from the sway bar
    At each end of the sway bar, hold the end link's internal shaft with the appropriate Allen/hex key while loosening the end link nut with a wrench. Detach the link from the sway bar end. If the end link rubber/ball joint is worn, plan to replace the link.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Support sway bar and remove bracket bolts
    Support the sway bar with one hand or a small stand. Remove the bolts securing the two sway bar bushing brackets to the subframe. Note bracket orientation — they are not always symmetrical.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Maneuver sway bar out of vehicle
    Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from between the subframe, steering rack, and air suspension components. Clearance is tight on Model X — rotate the bar as needed and avoid contact with air lines, wiring harnesses, and the floor-mounted HV battery case.
    ⚠️Do not allow the sway bar to strike the underside of the HV battery enclosure.
  6. 6
    Transfer / replace bushings and brackets
    Slide old bushings off the bar. Inspect bar for cracks, corrosion at bushing contact points, and any deformation. Install new bushings on the new bar in the correct orientation (split facing the manufacturer-specified direction). A thin film of silicone-based bushing grease (never petroleum-based) may be applied to the bushing ID if specified by the bushing manufacturer.
  7. 7
    Install new sway bar
    Maneuver the new sway bar into position, mirroring removal. Position bushings against the subframe mounting surfaces and start the bracket bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum subframe.
    Aluminum threads damage easily — always start bolts by hand.
  8. 8
    Torque sway bar bracket bolts
    Once both brackets are seated and bolts are hand-tight, torque the bracket bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench, alternating side-to-side to seat the bushings evenly.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect sway bar end links
    Attach each end link to the sway bar. Hold the end link's internal shaft with an Allen/hex key while torquing the nut to specification — do not let the ball stud spin in its socket.
    Torque spec
    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reinstall aero shielding
    Reinstall the front belly pan and aero shields with all original fasteners and clips. Missing aero panels measurably affect Model X range and high-speed stability.
  11. 11
    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall front wheels, hand-snug lug nuts, lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual — in a star pattern. Lower fully to the ground.

Reassembly

  1. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any frunk trim that was removed.
  2. Close the frunk and all doors. With the key fob present, power up the vehicle.
  3. Exit Jack Mode: the vehicle will automatically resume normal air suspension operation once driven above the manufacturer-specified speed, or disable Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
  4. Allow the air suspension to self-level. Verify ride height looks even side-to-side.

Verification

  • With the vehicle on level ground and air suspension at Standard ride height, verify equal ride height left vs. right at the front fender arches.
  • Check the touchscreen for any new suspension, ABS, or stability control alerts. Clear or investigate as needed.
  • Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks over bumps (loose end link or bracket bolt). Then drive at moderate speed through gentle turns to confirm the sway bar engages without noise.
  • After ~100 miles, re-inspect bracket and end link torque — sway bar bushings can settle.
  • Note: While suspension is apart is a good time to verify brake fluid service interval (Tesla recommends every 2 years) and tire rotation interval (every 6,250 mi) — perform if due.

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