This procedure addresses replacement of an air spring on a 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD. Note: the Model Y is factory-equipped with coil-over struts only — it does NOT come with air suspension from Tesla. If air springs are present, they are aftermarket and must be serviced per the aftermarket kit manufacturer's instructions.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Replacement air spring assembly (must match installed aftermarket kit) × 1 — Per aftermarket air suspension kit manufacturer
• Cotter pin for ball joint nut (if ball joint is separated) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified cotter pin

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even though this is a non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (located behind/under the rear seat area on 2024 Model Y). Refer to the owner's manual for the exact access panel.
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. Confirm whether the air spring is part of an aftermarket kit. Locate the kit's compressor, manifold, and reservoir, and identify the depressurization procedure from the kit's documentation.
7. Fully depressurize the air system per the kit manufacturer's instructions before any disassembly.
8. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the affected corner while the vehicle is still on the ground.
9. Lift the vehicle at the Tesla-designated jack point using rubber pucks, and support on rated jack stands. Remove the wheel.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify aftermarket kit and depressurize
   Confirm the air spring is from an aftermarket conversion kit. Open the kit's air manifold/solenoid block and bleed all residual pressure. Verify with a gauge (or by depressing the Schrader fitting if equipped) that line pressure is zero before continuing.
   ⚠️Do not loosen any air fitting until pressure is fully vented. Pressurized air spring lines can whip and cause injury.
2. 2

   Support the lower control arm
   Place a floor jack with a wood or rubber block under the lower control arm of the affected corner to support it. This holds suspension geometry while the strut/air spring assembly is unloaded. Do NOT place the jack against the HV battery enclosure.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sway bar end link
   Disconnect the sway bar end link from the strut/knuckle to allow the suspension to droop. Hold the end-link shaft with an Allen/hex key while loosening the nut to prevent the ball stud from spinning.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS/brake hose brackets if necessary
   If the wheel speed sensor harness or brake hose bracket is mounted to the strut body, unclip them carefully. Do not stretch or pinch the harness. Set them aside, supported, so they do not hang by their own wiring.
5. 5

   Disconnect the air line from the spring
   With the system fully depressurized (verified in Step 1), disconnect the air supply line at the air spring fitting using the kit-specified disconnect method (typically a push-to-connect collar). Cap the line to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Re-verify zero pressure before disconnecting. Even a small residual charge can eject debris into your eyes.
6. 6

   Remove the upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the wheel well or under the hood frunk trim (front) / rear cargo trim (rear), remove the upper mount nuts retaining the strut/air spring assembly to the body. Have an assistant or strap support the assembly so it does not fall when the last nut is removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove the lower strut bolts
   Remove the bolts securing the lower end of the strut/air spring assembly to the steering knuckle (front) or rear knuckle/upper link (rear). Mark orientation if the bolts are eccentric (alignment cams).
   ℹ️If alignment cam bolts are present, an alignment will be required after reassembly regardless.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove the air spring/strut assembly
   Lower the control arm slightly and maneuver the air spring/strut assembly out of the wheel well. Avoid contacting the brake rotor, CV boot, or any wiring on the way out.
9. 9

   Transfer components per kit instructions
   If the aftermarket kit reuses the upper mount, bump stop, or bracketry from the old unit, transfer them to the new air spring per the kit manufacturer's procedure. Use a spring compressor only if the kit specifies a captive coil or assist spring.
   ⚠️If a coil spring is integrated with the air spring assembly, treat it as energy-storing — use a proper spring compressor.
10. 10

    Install the new air spring assembly
    Position the new air spring/strut into the vehicle. Start the upper mount studs into the body first (hand-tight), then align and start the lower strut bolts. Do not fully torque until all fasteners are started.
11. 11

    Torque upper and lower fasteners
    Torque the upper strut tower nuts and lower strut bolts to the verified specifications. The lower strut/control-arm joints should be final-torqued with the suspension loaded at ride height (vehicle weight on wheels) where applicable.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link and air line
    Reconnect the sway bar end link, holding the shaft with a hex key while torquing the nut. Reconnect the air supply line to the new air spring per kit instructions, ensuring the push-to-connect collar is fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reattach harness brackets and reinstall wheel
    Reattach any wheel speed sensor wiring or brake hose brackets removed earlier. Reinstall the wheel; snug the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle so the tire just touches the ground, then torque the lugs in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Pressurize and leak-check
    Reconnect the 12V battery. Power the aftermarket compressor and allow the system to pressurize to ride height. Apply soapy water to the new fitting and air spring upper/lower seals — watch for bubbles indicating leaks. Cycle the suspension up and down per kit controls and re-check.

Reassembly

1. Confirm all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification with the vehicle at ride height where required.
2. Reinstall any frunk/cargo trim panels removed for upper mount access.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery if not already done; verify the vehicle wakes normally and shows no chassis warnings on the touchscreen.
4. Cycle the air suspension through its full range (if the aftermarket controller allows) and re-inspect all fittings for leaks after the system has settled.
5. Drive the vehicle a short distance, then re-check the air spring fittings and re-verify torque on the lower strut and sway bar link fasteners.

Verification

• Touchscreen should show no new suspension, ABS, or stability control faults after the 12V is reconnected and the vehicle has fully booted.
• Vehicle should sit at even ride height side-to-side; measure fender-to-ground at all four corners and compare.
• No audible compressor cycling at rest after system reaches set pressure (continuous cycling indicates a leak).
• Steering should track straight and centered. Because Strut Bolts and/or Control Arm fasteners were disturbed, a four-wheel alignment is required — Tesla alignment specs are tight and the Model Y is sensitive to camber/toe drift, which accelerates the already-high tire wear on this platform.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 mi on Model Y due to high curb weight and instant torque — schedule the next rotation accordingly.
• If brake fluid is approaching its 2-year service interval, consider servicing it while the wheels are off.

More procedures for this vehicle