Replace a rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) end link on a 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD. Straightforward suspension job; the main challenge is preventing the ball stud from spinning while removing the nut.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar end link assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y rear sway bar link — match side

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. On 2024 Model Y, the 12V (Li-ion) battery is accessed under the rear trunk floor / behind the rear seat area — refer to architecture notes.
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. Disable Sentry Mode and put the vehicle in Tow/Jack Mode (Controls → Service → Jack Mode) to prevent suspension self-leveling messages and to keep the car from waking.
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the factory rear jack points using puck adapters and support on rated jack stands. Confirm stability before going underneath.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
10. Visually inspect the new sway bar link against the old one to confirm correct length and orientation before installation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear sway bar end link
   With the wheel removed, locate the rear sway bar end link. It connects the rear sway (anti-roll) bar to the rear suspension knuckle/control arm assembly. The upper ball stud attaches to the sway bar end; the lower ball stud attaches to the suspension component.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil if needed
   If the link nuts appear corroded, apply penetrating oil to both upper and lower nuts and allow several minutes to soak. Wipe excess so it does not contact rubber bushings.
3. 3

   Remove upper sway bar link nut
   Insert an Allen/hex key into the end of the upper ball stud to prevent it from spinning. Using an open-end wrench or appropriately sized socket on the nut, loosen and remove the upper nut. Slip the link off the sway bar mounting eye.
   ⚠If the stud spins despite the Allen key, do NOT apply heat — the HV pack is overhead. Use vise grips on the smooth shaft only as a last resort, accepting that the link will be discarded.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower sway bar link nut
   Repeat the procedure on the lower ball stud where the link attaches to the suspension knuckle/control arm. Hold the stud with the Allen key and remove the nut. Withdraw the old link from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect surrounding components
   With the link out, inspect the sway bar bushings, sway bar bracket, and rear control arm bushings for cracking, tearing, or excessive play. Also check the mating eye of the sway bar for elongation. Address any additional wear before reassembly.
6. 6

   Install the new sway bar end link
   Position the new link with correct orientation (match the old link's geometry). Start the upper ball stud through the sway bar eye and the lower ball stud through the suspension mount. Hand-thread both nuts to ensure no cross-threading.
7. 7

   Torque the sway bar link nuts
   Hold each ball stud with the Allen/hex key and torque both upper and lower nuts to specification. Confirm the link rotates freely without binding after torqueing.
   ⚠Over-torquing will deform the ball stud seat and cause premature failure. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall the wheel
   Mount the rear wheel onto the hub. Hand-thread all lug nuts, then snug them in a star pattern before final torque.

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just touch the ground, then final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
2. Lower the vehicle fully and remove jack stands.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery and secure all covers/trim removed for access.
4. Close the trunk and re-enter the vehicle; the touchscreen may take 30-60 seconds to boot.
5. Exit Jack Mode (Controls → Service) once the vehicle is on the ground.
6. Re-enable Sentry Mode if you use it.

Verification

• Wheel lug nuts torqued in star pattern to spec — verify with calibrated wrench.
• Bounce-test the rear corner: it should rebound once and settle, with no clunking, knocking, or rattling from the sway bar area.
• Test drive on a road with mild bumps and at least one sharp turn at low speed. Listen for clunks over bumps (loose link) and feel for proper roll resistance in turns.
• After test drive, recheck both link nuts for correct torque (Sway Bar Link Nuts: 55 Nm / 41 lb-ft).
• Confirm no suspension or stability fault messages appear on the touchscreen.
• Check the Tesla touchscreen for any TPMS or service alerts before returning the vehicle to service.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends rear tire rotation every 6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear from instant torque and curb weight — note current mileage if rotation is approaching.

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