Sway Bar Link - Front

Replace a front sway bar end link on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. Straightforward suspension job, but the Model X's air suspension and aluminum chassis require specific handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar end link (Model X 2024 specific) × 1 — OEM Tesla front sway bar link assembly — verify part number against VIN

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 in the frunk (remove frunk liner/access panel, then disconnect the negative 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 the 12V: enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) so the air suspension does not attempt to self-level.
7. Loosen the front lug nuts ½ turn while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified front jack points and support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
9. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and access the sway bar link
   With the wheel removed, locate the front sway bar end link. It connects the sway bar to the strut on Model X. Spray penetrating oil on both upper and lower link nuts and allow it to soak for several minutes if there is corrosion or road grime.
2. 2

   Loosen the upper sway bar link nut
   Insert an Allen/hex key into the end of the link's ball stud to hold the shaft from spinning. Using a socket on the nut, loosen and remove the upper nut where the link attaches to the strut.
   ⚠If the ball stud spins freely and the nut won't break loose, do NOT apply heat near the strut or wiring. Use a wheel-stud-style nut splitter or consult OEM guidance.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Loosen the lower sway bar link nut
   Repeat the same procedure for the lower nut where the link attaches to the sway bar end. Hold the shaft with the Allen key, remove the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove the old sway bar link
   Withdraw the link from the strut bracket and sway bar eye. If it is stuck in the tapered bore, tap the mounting ear (not the link body) gently with a soft-faced mallet. Do not pry against painted aluminum control arm surfaces.
   ⚠Aluminum suspension — do not strike with a steel hammer.
5. 5

   Compare old and new parts
   Compare the new link to the original side-by-side: overall length, stud orientation, and bushing/ball joint configuration must match. Front Model X links are side-specific on some build variants — verify before installing.
6. 6

   Install the new sway bar link
   Position the new link with the lower stud through the sway bar eye and the upper stud through the strut bracket. Hand-thread both nuts to ensure no cross-threading.
7. 7

   Torque the sway bar link nuts
   Hold each ball stud with the Allen key and torque both upper and lower nuts to specification. Confirm the link is free of bind and seated fully before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle so the wheels just contact the ground, then torque the lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the frunk and reinstall the frunk liner/access panel.
5. Close the frunk. Re-enter the vehicle with the key fob; the system will boot and air suspension will repressurize. Wait until the suspension reaches normal ride height before driving.
6. Exit Jack Mode if it is still active (it typically clears automatically when motion is detected, but verify on the touchscreen).

Verification

• On the touchscreen, confirm no new suspension or chassis alerts are present after the vehicle has settled to normal ride height.
• Visually confirm the air suspension has equalized — vehicle should sit level front-to-back and side-to-side.
• Bounce-test the corner: the suspension should rebound smoothly without clunks. A loose sway bar link will produce a distinct 'tick' or 'clunk' over small bumps.
• Road test at low speed over uneven pavement; listen for any knocking from the front end. Then test at highway speed and during gentle cornering.
• Recheck the sway bar link nuts after the first 100 miles to confirm they have not loosened.
• Note: While the vehicle is on stands with the wheel off, this is also a convenient time to inspect the cabin air filter (2-year interval; 3-year for HEPA bioweapon-defense equipped X) and review brake fluid age (Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years).

More procedures for this vehicle