Replace the front strut upper bearing (mount) on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The Model X uses standard air suspension, so the strut/spring assembly must be removed as a unit and the air spring depressurized before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut upper bearing/mount assembly × 1 — OEM Tesla Model X front strut bearing — verify by VIN
• Strut tower nuts (single-use if specified by OEM) × 3 — OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts (if single-use) × 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 Tesla-specified disconnect sequence for your vehicle.
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 on the touchscreen and engage Jack Mode / suspension service mode to depressurize the air suspension and lock out ride height changes. Confirm the falcon doors are fully closed and disabled.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points (use Tesla-approved pucks for the pinch-weld lift points) and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.
10. Inspect the strut, air line, and surrounding harnesses for routing before disassembly — photograph for reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm air suspension is depressurized
   With the vehicle in suspension service mode and 12V disconnected, verify there is no residual air pressure at the strut. Do not loosen the air line fitting until you are certain the system is vented per the Tesla service procedure.
   ⚠️Loosening a pressurized air line fitting can launch the fitting and cause serious injury.
2. 2

   Disconnect ride-height sensor link
   Locate the front ride-height sensor linkage attached to the lower control arm or strut bracket. Carefully unclip the link without bending the sensor arm. Support the sensor so it does not hang by its harness.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Hold the end link stud with an Allen/hex key and remove the nut. Swing the link clear of the strut bracket.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect brake line and ABS/wheel speed sensor harness from strut bracket
   Release the brake hose retaining clip and the wheel speed sensor harness clip from the strut body so the strut can be removed without straining the lines. Do not disconnect the brake hose hydraulically.
5. 5

   Disconnect the air line from the strut
   With air system confirmed depressurized, release the air line fitting at the top of the strut per the manufacturer-specified procedure. Cap the line and the strut port to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Keep the air line absolutely clean — debris in the air system can damage the compressor and valve block.
6. 6

   Separate strut from steering knuckle
   Support the knuckle/hub assembly with a jack stand or strap. Remove the two strut-to-knuckle through-bolts. Note bolt orientation for reassembly. Do not let the knuckle hang by the CV axle or brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From under the frunk trim or upper strut tower access (remove cowl/trim panels as needed using non-marring tools), support the strut from below, then remove the upper strut tower nuts. Lower the strut assembly out of the wheel well.
   ⚠Do NOT remove the center shaft nut on the strut while the assembly is in the vehicle — the spring is preloaded.
   Torque spec

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

   Disassemble strut on the bench
   Secure the strut assembly. If a coil-over style: install an OEM-rated spring compressor and compress the spring fully before loosening the center shaft nut. If an air-spring assembly: follow the manufacturer-specified disassembly procedure for the upper mount/bearing — the air spring may need to remain captive. Remove the center nut, top hat, and the strut bearing.
   ⚠️A compressed spring carries enormous stored energy. Verify the compressor is fully and evenly engaged before loosening the center nut.
9. 9

   Inspect related components
   Inspect the upper mount, bump stop, dust boot, and air spring (if applicable) for cracks, oil weeping, or tears. Replace any damaged parts now — labor overlap is significant. Inspect the strut shaft for pitting or fluid leakage.
10. 10

    Install new strut bearing
    Install the new bearing with any directional/index marks oriented per the OEM specification. Reassemble the top hat, washer, and center nut. Torque the strut shaft center nut to OEM specification — refer to the Tesla Service Manual. Slowly release the spring compressor, verifying the spring seats correctly in both upper and lower perches.
11. 11

    Reinstall strut into vehicle
    Lift the strut into the tower, start the upper nuts by hand, then align the strut-to-knuckle bolts. Snug all fasteners before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect air line, sway bar link, brake line, and ride-height sensor
    Reattach the air line fitting cleanly. Reinstall the sway bar end link, brake hose clip, wheel speed sensor harness, and ride-height sensor link in their original positions.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any cowl/trim panels removed for upper strut access.
2. Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern (Wheel Lug Nuts: 136 Nm / 100 lb-ft).
5. With vehicle weight on the wheels, final-torque any control arm fasteners that were loosened (Control Arm Bolts: 165 Nm / 122 lb-ft) — bushings must be loaded at ride height.
6. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk per Tesla's reconnect sequence.
7. Wake the vehicle, exit service mode, and allow the air suspension to repressurize and self-level. Watch for fault messages on the touchscreen.
8. Re-enable falcon doors and verify normal operation.

Verification

• Confirm no suspension, ride-height, or air-system fault messages on the touchscreen after a full leveling cycle.
• Cycle the vehicle through the available ride-height settings (Low / Standard / High / Very High via the touchscreen) and confirm smooth, even movement on both sides.
• With the vehicle parked and stable, measure fender-to-ground height left vs. right at the front — should be within Tesla's specified tolerance.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks, creaks, or binding when turning lock-to-lock — a bad or improperly indexed strut bearing typically presents as a popping/creaking on steering input.
• Recheck strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts for proper torque after the test drive.
• Have a 4-wheel alignment performed — strut R&R can shift camber/caster on this chassis.
• Reminder unrelated to this job: Tesla recommends brake fluid service every 2 years and cabin air filter every 2 years (3 years for HEPA-equipped Model X). Check service history while the vehicle is in the shop.

More procedures for this vehicle