Replacement of the rear sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. The procedure requires raising the vehicle in jack mode to disable air suspension self-leveling and supporting the rear subframe area while the bar is dropped.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) — Model X Plaid specific × 1 — Tesla OEM rear sway bar assembly for 2024 Model X Plaid (do not substitute Long Range or Model S parts — rates may differ)
• Rear sway bar bushings × 2 — OEM bushing kit matched to bar diameter
• Rear sway bar end links (recommended replacement) × 2 — OEM end link assemblies
• Sway bar bracket bolts (if reuse not advised) × 4 — Manufacturer-specified hardware

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, located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Refer to the service manual for the access panel and 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 through the touchscreen Service menu so the air suspension does not attempt to adjust ride height while lifted.
7. Confirm both falcon-wing doors are fully closed and will stay closed during the lift.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground if removal is required for access.
9. Raise the vehicle on a lift using Tesla-approved lift points, or use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight at the manufacturer-specified jacking points.
10. Allow suspension to hang or support the rear lower control arms with a jack — final torque on suspension fasteners must be done with the vehicle's weight on the wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheels (if needed for access)
   Remove both rear wheels to gain working clearance to the sway bar end links and bracket bolts. On Model X, lug nut access is straightforward — note the aero/center cap orientation if applicable.
2. 2

   Remove rear underbody aero shielding
   Remove the rear underbody aero panels and any heat shielding necessary to expose the sway bar, bushings, brackets, and end links. Take note of clip and fastener locations — Model X uses a mix of plastic clips and small bolts. Set hardware aside organized for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not pull aero panels free if any orange HV cable, conduit, or harness is routed through or clipped to them — release those clips first without stressing the cable.
3. 3

   Inspect routing and clearance
   Visually inspect the area around the sway bar for any harnesses, sensor wires (ride height sensor, ABS), brake lines, and HV routing. Confirm a clear removal path before disconnecting fasteners. Photograph the area for reassembly reference.
4. 4

   Disconnect rear sway bar end links
   At each end of the sway bar, hold the end-link shaft stationary with an appropriately sized Allen/hex key while loosening and removing the end-link nut. Separate the link from the sway bar arm. Inspect the links for play, torn boots, or seized shafts — replace as a pair if worn.
   ℹ️If the shaft spins freely and the nut will not break loose, use a wrench on the flats provided or carefully apply penetrating oil. Do not use an impact gun without holding the shaft, as this destroys the link internals.
   Torque spec

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

   Support the sway bar
   Place a transmission jack or a helper's hand under the center of the sway bar so it does not drop when the brackets are released. The Model X rear sway bar is heavier than typical due to bar diameter — do not allow it to fall.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Unbolt the two sway bar mounting brackets (one per side) that secure the bar via its bushings to the rear subframe/chassis. Retain the bracket hardware. Once both brackets are released, carefully maneuver the sway bar out of the vehicle, working it past suspension components and any harnesses.
   ⚠Do not pry the bar against the HV battery pack enclosure or any orange cable shielding during removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Transfer/install bushings on new sway bar
   Slide the new bushings onto the new sway bar in the correct orientation (split facing the manufacturer-specified direction). Apply only manufacturer-approved rubber-safe lubricant if specified — do not use petroleum grease, which degrades the bushing material.
8. 8

   Install new rear sway bar
   Position the new sway bar into the vehicle with bushings located in their bracket seats. Loosely install the bracket bolts on both sides — do not torque yet. Confirm the bar is centered side-to-side and the bushings are fully seated.
9. 9

   Reconnect end links
   Reattach each sway bar end link to the bar arm. Hand-thread the nuts to avoid cross-threading. Hold the shaft with the Allen key and snug each nut, but do not final-torque until the vehicle is at ride height.
10. 10

    Torque sway bar bracket bolts
    With the bar centered and bushings seated, torque both sway bar bracket bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall aero shielding and wheels
    Reinstall any underbody aero panels and heat shields removed earlier, ensuring all clips are seated and no harnesses are pinched. Reinstall the rear wheels and torque lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final-torque end links
    Lower the vehicle so full vehicle weight is on the wheels (or simulate ride height with the suspension loaded). Final-torque the sway bar end-link nuts to specification while holding the shaft with an Allen key.
    ℹ️Suspension fasteners (control arm bolts, etc.) that may have been disturbed for access must be torqued with the vehicle weight on the wheels — refer to verified torque list.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Confirm both end-link nuts and both bracket bolts are at final torque.
2. Verify no tools, fasteners, or rags remain on the underbody or near the HV pack.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk, then close and latch the frunk.
4. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen after the vehicle is fully lowered and powered up — the air suspension will re-level.

Verification

• Power the vehicle on and confirm no chassis, suspension, or stability-control alerts appear on the touchscreen.
• Allow the air suspension to complete its self-leveling cycle and verify normal ride height front and rear.
• Test drive at low speed first, then highway speed: confirm there are no clunks over bumps, no rattles from the rear, and that body roll feel through corners is consistent side to side.
• Re-inspect the bar, bushings, brackets, and end links after the test drive for any movement, loose hardware, or contact marks.
• Note: while the vehicle is on the lift, this is also a convenient opportunity to inspect items Tesla has moved away from 'lifetime' — rear drive unit gear oil (recommend service per current Tesla intervals, generally 12,500 mi initial then 25,000–50,000 mi), brake fluid (every 2 years), and battery coolant (4 years / 50,000 mi inspection).

More procedures for this vehicle