Replace the rear trailing arm bushing on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The trailing arm is part of the multi-link rear suspension; bushing replacement requires pressing or specialty bushing tooling and final torque must be done with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading the bushing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm bushing (manufacturer-specified for Model X 2024) × 1 — OEM Tesla rear trailing arm bushing — confirm by VIN
• Trailing arm-to-body mounting bolt (single-use if specified by Tesla) × 1 — OEM specification — replace if torque-to-yield

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. On the touchscreen, enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling.
4. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). Wait an additional 2 minutes after disconnection.
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal. The HV pack runs the length of the floor and is close to rear suspension fasteners.
6. 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.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle ONLY at Tesla-approved jacking points using puck adapters. Support with rated jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Photograph and document the suspension geometry
   Before removing any fastener, photograph the trailing arm position, alignment cam markings, and any factory paint marks. This aids reassembly and gives the alignment tech a baseline.
2. 2

   Support the rear knuckle/hub assembly
   Place a jack with a rubber pad under the rear knuckle to support the suspension and keep the half-shaft, brake hose, and air spring line at neutral length. Do not let the suspension hang from the brake line, ABS wire, or air line.
   ⚠Air suspension lines run to the rear corners — do not pinch, kink, or disconnect them unless required. If a line must be disconnected, depressurize the system per Tesla service procedure.
3. 3

   Disconnect components blocking trailing arm removal
   Depending on access, you may need to disconnect the rear sway bar end link from the lower arm and reposition the parking brake cable bracket. Note routing of any wiring harnesses and the air line clip on the trailing arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and remove the trailing arm-to-body bolt
   Mark any eccentric/cam alignment bolt position with paint before loosening. Remove the trailing arm front mounting bolt at the body bracket. This bolt is long and may require working through a wheel-well access point.
   ⚠Inspect the fastener — if Tesla specifies a single-use torque-to-yield bolt for this location, it must be replaced. When in doubt, replace it.
5. 5

   Remove the trailing arm-to-knuckle fastener
   Support the knuckle, then remove the bolt connecting the trailing arm to the rear knuckle. Carefully pivot the trailing arm down and out of the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points
   Inspect the body bracket and knuckle bore for elongation, cracking, or corrosion. Inspect surrounding bushings (lateral links, toe link) — if any show cracking or fluid weep, recommend replacement now.
7. 7

   Press out the old bushing
   Secure the trailing arm in a vise with soft jaws or in a hydraulic press. Using the appropriate receiver cup and driver, press the old bushing OUT in the direction specified by the bushing kit instructions. Do not heat the arm with a torch — this can damage aluminum or weaken steel.
   ⚠Aluminum components — do not strike directly. Use a press with proper alignment to avoid deforming the bushing bore.
8. 8

   Clean and prep the bore
   Clean the bushing bore with a non-abrasive solvent. Remove any burrs with light hand sanding. Do not enlarge the bore. A light film of soapy water or the lubricant supplied with the bushing kit is acceptable — never use grease on a rubber bushing.
9. 9

   Press in the new bushing
   Align the new bushing with any voiding/orientation marks aligned per the manufacturer-specified orientation (often longitudinal voids fore-aft). Press in straight and square, stopping when the bushing is flush or to the depth specified by the kit.
   ⚠Incorrect bushing clocking will cause harshness and premature failure. Confirm orientation before pressing.
10. 10

    Reinstall the trailing arm
    Maneuver the trailing arm back into position. Hand-thread the body-side bolt and the knuckle-side bolt. Restore alignment cam to its marked position. Do NOT final-torque yet.
11. 11

    Reconnect ancillary items
    Reattach the sway bar end link (hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut), reseat air line and wiring clips, and reinstall the parking brake cable bracket if disturbed.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle to ride height
    Install the rear wheel and snug the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle onto drive-on ramps or scale stands so the suspension is loaded at normal ride height. Exit Jack Mode and allow the air suspension to self-level if access permits, otherwise simulate ride height on the ramps.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque the trailing arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the trailing arm pivot bolt(s) to specification. This prevents preloading the new bushing in a deflected position. Re-verify alignment cam mark has not shifted.
    ⚠If torque value for this specific 2024 Model X Plaid trailing arm fastener is not on the verified list, torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Do not guess.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque wheel
    Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified spec.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Confirm all wiring, air lines, and brake hoses are routed in their original clips — nothing rubbing on the trailing arm or half-shaft.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive first, then negative). Close the frunk.
3. Re-enter the vehicle, wake the system, and exit Jack Mode on the touchscreen. Allow the air suspension to cycle and self-level.
4. Cycle the suspension through the available height settings (Low / Standard / High) and confirm normal operation with no faults on the dash.

Verification

• Confirm no suspension, ABS, or air suspension warnings on the instrument cluster.
• Visually inspect the new bushing under load — no offset, no contact with the bracket edges.
• Test drive: listen for clunks over bumps, drift to one side, or rear-end wander — any of these suggests improper bushing orientation or loose fastener.
• REQUIRED: Perform a four-wheel alignment. Rear trailing arm replacement affects rear toe and (depending on geometry) camber. Document final alignment numbers.
• While the vehicle is on the alignment rack, take the opportunity to verify other Tesla service intervals: brake fluid (replace every 2 years), cabin air filter (every 2 years, or 3 years for HEPA-equipped X with Bioweapon Defense Mode), and tire rotation (every 6,250 mi — Model X Plaid wears tires aggressively).
• Re-check trailing arm bolt torque after the first 100 miles as a precaution.

More procedures for this vehicle