Sway Bar Link - Front

Replacement of a front sway bar end link on a 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range. The Model X uses standard sway bar links accessible from below; air suspension must be disabled to safely lift the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar end link (manufacturer-specified for Model X) × 1 — OEM Tesla front sway bar link assembly — confirm by VIN

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 (similar to Model S layout).
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 Jack Mode on the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) so the air suspension does not attempt to self-level once lifted.
7. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts on the affected side while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified front lift point and support on jack stands rated for the Model X curb weight.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the sway bar link
   Visually inspect both ends of the sway bar link for torn boots, play in the ball studs, or corrosion on the threads. Confirm the link is the failed component (a worn link typically rattles over bumps or shows visible looseness when grasped and shaken).
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Apply penetrating oil to both the upper (strut/control arm side) and lower (sway bar side) sway bar link nut threads. Allow several minutes to soak. This reduces the risk of spinning the ball stud during removal.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert the appropriate Allen/hex key into the end of the sway bar link stud to hold it stationary. Using the matching wrench or socket on the nut, loosen and remove the upper nut. If the stud spins despite the hex key, grip the stud with locking pliers as a last resort, but the link is being replaced so minor stud damage is acceptable.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Repeat the same procedure on the lower end of the link where it attaches to the sway bar. Hold the stud with a hex key while loosening the nut.
5. 5

   Remove the sway bar link
   Separate the link from the sway bar and the strut/control arm bracket. The studs should slide free; if seized, tap gently with a soft-faced mallet — do not strike aluminum suspension components with a steel hammer.
   ⚠Aluminum body and many suspension components — avoid steel hammer strikes.
6. 6

   Compare new and old links
   Place the new sway bar link next to the original to verify length, stud orientation, and thread size match. Model X front and rear links differ; confirm you have the correct front-specific part.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new link with the upper stud through its mounting point and the lower stud through the sway bar. Hand-thread both nuts to ensure no cross-threading.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Hold each stud with a hex key while final torquing both nuts to specification. Torque both upper and lower nuts.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle until the wheel just contacts the ground, then final-torque the lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
3. Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
5. Close the frunk and exit Jack Mode by driving above ~4 mph or via the touchscreen prompt; the air suspension will resume normal self-leveling.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, push down firmly on the front bumper corner — the suspension should compress and rebound smoothly with no clunking from the link area.
• Test drive over a known rough surface; listen for the rattle or clunk that prompted replacement — it should be gone.
• Check the touchscreen for any suspension or stability control faults (Service alerts). The air suspension should self-level normally to the previously-set ride height.
• Re-inspect the link nuts after the first ~100 miles to confirm they remain at torque.
• Note: while the vehicle is on the lift, this is a good opportunity to verify Tesla's recommended service intervals — tire rotation every ~6,250 miles, brake fluid every 2 years, and cabin air filter every 2 years (3 years if HEPA-equipped).

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