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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar end link assembly (Model X 2024-spec, includes nuts) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rear sway bar link for 2024 Model X Plaid — confirm with 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 on Model X (similar position to Model S). Remove frunk trim as needed and disconnect the negative terminal first.
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 (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to lock out the air suspension self-leveling.
7. Chock the front wheels.
8. Identify which side (LH/RH) sway link is being replaced. If both, order two links.
9. Raise the rear of the vehicle on Tesla-designated lift points only and support with rated stands. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side for access.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the failed link
   Visually inspect the rear sway bar end link. Check for torn ball joint boots, play in either ball joint, corrosion, or a bent shaft. Confirm the link (not the bushing or bracket) is the cause of any noise. Note orientation (which end goes up) before removal.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Apply penetrating oil to both end nuts of the sway bar link and allow a few minutes to soak. Even on a 2024 vehicle, road salt can seize the upper nut quickly.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert an Allen/hex key into the end of the sway link shaft to hold it stationary. Use a wrench on the nut and back it off. The ball stud will try to spin in the housing — holding the shaft is mandatory to break it loose without destroying the boot.
   ⚠If the ball stud spins freely in its socket and the nut won't break loose, the link is internally failed — clamp the stud with locking pliers on a non-sealing surface as a last resort, since the link is being discarded.
4. 4

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Repeat the procedure on the lower mounting point (typically attaching to the rear suspension control link/knuckle area). Hold the shaft with an Allen key and remove the nut.
5. 5

   Remove the link
   Separate the link from both mounting points and remove it from the vehicle. If a stud is stuck in its tapered seat, tap the surrounding boss (NOT the stud directly) gently with a soft mallet to break it free. Do not pry against the aluminum sway bar.
   ⚠Do not strike aluminum suspension components with a steel hammer.
6. 6

   Compare old vs new link
   Lay the new link next to the old one. Confirm overall length, thread direction, stud taper, and orientation match exactly. Model X front and rear links differ — verify you have the rear-specific part.
7. 7

   Install new link — hand tight
   Install the new sway bar link in the same orientation as the original. Thread both nuts on by hand to be sure no cross-threading occurs. Do not final-torque yet.
8. 8

   Torque both end nuts
   Holding the shaft stationary with an Allen key, torque both the upper and lower sway bar link nuts to specification. The Allen key prevents the ball stud from rotating, which would otherwise damage the internal boot and give a false torque reading.
   ⚠Do not skip holding the shaft — torquing without it shears the boot and ruins the new part.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and torque lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive first, then negative) and reinstall any frunk trim removed.
4. Close the frunk.
5. Power the vehicle on. Exit Jack Mode if it remains active. Allow the air suspension to self-level fully before driving — this can take 30–60 seconds.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground and at normal ride height, push down sharply on the rear corner — there should be no clunking from the sway bar area.
• Test drive over a road with mild bumps and through a slow turn. Listen for the original noise; a bad link typically produces a metallic clunk on uneven pavement that should now be gone.
• Recheck both sway bar link nuts after the test drive to confirm they have not loosened.
• Verify no suspension or chassis warnings on the touchscreen. The air suspension should hold ride height correctly overnight (no abnormal sag on the repaired side).
• Note: while under the vehicle, this is a good moment to check tire wear — Tesla recommends rotation every ~6,250 mi on Model X due to the vehicle's weight and instant torque.

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