Sway Bar Link - Front

Replacement of a front sway bar end link on a 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD. Straightforward bolt-on suspension job, but the link's ball stud will spin freely without holding the internal hex.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar end link assembly (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model Y) × 1 — OEM Tesla front sway bar link — verify side if side-specific

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 behind/under the rear seat area on Model Y). Follow Tesla's documented 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. Chock the rear wheels.
7. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts on the affected side while the wheel is still on the ground.
8. Raise the front of the vehicle at the Tesla-designated front lift points and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the sway bar end link
   With the wheel removed, locate the front sway bar end link. It connects the end of the front sway bar to the strut assembly. There is one nut at the top (strut bracket) and one nut at the bottom (sway bar end). Spray both with penetrating oil if corroded and let soak briefly.
2. 2

   Hold the ball stud and remove the upper nut
   Insert an Allen/hex key into the center of the upper ball stud to keep it from spinning. Using an open-end wrench on the nut, loosen and remove the upper sway bar link nut. Do not use an impact gun — the stud will spin and damage the boot.
   ⚠If the stud spins despite holding the Allen key, the internal hex is stripped or seized. Stop and consider cutting the link off rather than damaging the strut bracket.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the lower nut
   Repeat the same procedure on the lower end of the link where it attaches to the sway bar. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key and loosen the nut with a wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the link from the vehicle
   Separate the link from the strut bracket and from the sway bar. Note its orientation — some links are directional. Compare the new link to the old one before installing to confirm correct length, orientation, and side fitment.
   ℹ️If the new link does not match the old one in length or stud angle, stop. An incorrect link will preload the sway bar and cause handling/noise issues.
5. 5

   Install the new sway bar link
   Position the new link with the same orientation as the original. Hand-thread both nuts onto the upper and lower ball studs to ensure clean engagement. Do not use an impact gun to seat them.
6. 6

   Torque the sway bar link nuts
   Hold each ball stud with an Allen key and torque both upper and lower nuts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. The shaft must be held stationary during final torque or the reading will be inaccurate.
   ⚠Critical fastener — under-torque can result in link separation; over-torque can crack the ball stud collar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reinstall the wheel
   Mount the front wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Snug them in a star pattern but do not final-torque until the wheel is on the ground.
8. 8

   Lower the vehicle and final-torque the lug nuts
   Lower the vehicle to the ground, remove the jack stands, and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the 12V battery
   Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery following Tesla's documented sequence. Close the access panel/seat.

Reassembly

1. Verify both sway bar link nuts are torqued and the Allen key was used during final torque.
2. Confirm the wheel lug nuts have been final-torqued in a star pattern with the vehicle on the ground.
3. Reinstall any plastic underbody panels or splash shields if removed.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery and allow the vehicle to fully wake up before driving (touchscreen boot, dash indicators clear).

Verification

• Power the vehicle on and check the touchscreen for any suspension, ABS, or stability control alerts. The Model Y should not throw chassis codes from a sway bar link replacement — if it does, recheck wiring/sensors that may have been disturbed.
• Test drive at low speed and listen for clunks over bumps or during sharp turns; a properly installed link is silent.
• At highway speed, verify the vehicle tracks straight and turn-in feels symmetric left vs. right.
• Re-check both sway bar link nut torques after the first 100-200 miles.
• While the wheel is off, take the opportunity to inspect tire wear — Model Y front tires wear quickly due to vehicle weight and instant torque. Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 miles.
• If brake fluid service is due (every 2 years per Tesla) or cabin air filter is due (every 2 years), note it for the next service visit.

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