Replace the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) bushings on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The bushings sit in two brackets that clamp the bar to the front subframe; access requires lowering the aero shield and supporting the bar.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar bushing (matched to bar diameter) × 2 — OEM Tesla front sway bar bushing, Model X 2024 — verify diameter before ordering
• Sway bar bracket bolts (reuse if undamaged, otherwise replace) × 4 — 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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (Model X 12V/Li-ion auxiliary is in the frunk, similar to Model S). Follow the labeled disconnect sequence.
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: enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen so the air suspension does not attempt to self-level.
7. Loosen front lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground (only if wheel removal proves necessary for access).
8. Raise the front of the vehicle using Tesla-approved lift points and support securely on jack stands. Confirm stability before going underneath.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front aero underbody shield
   Remove the fasteners and push-pin clips securing the front aero underbody panel beneath the front subframe. Set the panel and hardware aside in order. The sway bar and its two bushing brackets will now be visible mounted to the front subframe.
2. 2

   Inspect and document
   Photograph the sway bar, brackets, and end-link orientation before disassembly. Note bushing orientation (split direction, any tabs, and which side faces forward). Check end links and bar for damage; if end links are worn, replace them while access is open.
3. 3

   Support the sway bar
   Place a transmission jack or secondary stand lightly under the center of the sway bar to support it once the brackets are released. The bar will drop slightly when both brackets are loose.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar end links (if required for clearance)
   If the bar cannot drop far enough to free the bushings with end links attached, remove the sway bar link nuts at the bar. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent the ball stud from spinning.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Unbolt both sway bar bushing brackets from the front subframe (typically two bolts per bracket). Lower the bar enough to slide the brackets off and access the bushings. Do not force the bar against steering or HV components.
   ⚠Keep the bar from swinging into the steering rack boots or any wiring/cooling lines as it is lowered.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old bushings
   Slide the old bushings off the bar (or open at the split if applicable). Clean the bar contact surfaces with a clean rag — do not use solvents that attack rubber. Inspect the bar for wear grooves, corrosion, or coating damage at the bushing contact area.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Install the new bushings onto the bar in the original orientation (split facing the correct direction per the OEM design). If the manufacturer permits, apply a thin film of rubber-safe silicone lubricant to the inner bushing surface only — never use petroleum grease, which will degrade the rubber and cause squeaks.
8. 8

   Reinstall brackets
   Position the brackets over the bushings and start all bracket bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum subframe. Tighten evenly side-to-side, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect end links
   If the end links were disconnected, reattach them to the sway bar. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall aero underbody shield
    Reinstall the front aero panel with all original fasteners and push-pins. Missing or loose aero panels affect range and high-speed stability on Model X. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.

Reassembly

1. Remove the secondary support from under the sway bar.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground on all four wheels.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and secure the cover.
4. Close the frunk; allow the vehicle to wake.
5. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Controls → Service) and allow the air suspension to self-level to standard ride height before driving.

Verification

• With the vehicle at standard ride height, visually confirm both bushing brackets are flush to the subframe with no gaps and no rubber pinched outside the bracket.
• Rock the front of the vehicle side-to-side and listen for clunks from the bushings or end links — there should be none.
• Test drive at low speed over a driveway transition or speed bump; sway bar should be silent. Then drive a short loop with gentle cornering and confirm no squeak, clunk, or roll change.
• Recheck bracket bolt torque after the first 100–200 miles, especially if the bar coating was disturbed.
• While the vehicle is on stands is a good time to check related interval items: brake fluid (Tesla recommends every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 3 years on HEPA-equipped Model X), and tire rotation (every 6,250 mi).

More procedures for this vehicle