Replace the front upper control arm bushing on a 2024 Model Y Performance. On this platform the upper control arm bushings are not typically serviced separately — if the bushing is degraded, the complete upper control arm assembly is replaced as a unit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front Upper Control Arm Assembly (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model Y Performance) × 1 — OEM Tesla front upper control arm — verify by VIN
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — New cotter pin — single use
• Ball joint castle nut (if not reusable per OEM) × 1 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 rear seat area on 2024 Model Y — refer to owner documentation for exact access).
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. Place the vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Service menu) to disable auto-leveling/self-leveling behaviors before lifting.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle using Tesla-approved jack pucks at the designated factory lift points only — never lift on the battery pack or aluminum subframe.
9. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's curb weight, then remove the front wheel on the affected side.
10. Inspect the work area for any orange HV cabling before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and confirm diagnosis
   With the wheel off, visually inspect the upper control arm bushing(s) for cracking, separation, or fluid weeping. Pry-test the arm to confirm play in the bushing and not the ball joint. Confirm the part replacement plan (full arm vs. bushing-only) before disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link (if it interferes)
   If the sway bar end link blocks access to the upper arm, hold the link's internal shaft with an Allen key and remove the upper sway bar link nut. Swing the link clear. Reinstall later to spec.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support the lower control arm / knuckle
   Place a jack under the lower control arm or steering knuckle to support the suspension's weight. This relieves preload on the upper ball joint and prevents the knuckle from dropping under spring force when separated.
   ⚠If the strut/spring is preloaded, sudden release of the upper arm can violently move the knuckle. Maintain support throughout.
4. 4

   Separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint stud. Loosen the castle nut but leave it threaded on a few turns to capture the joint. Use a ball joint separator to break the taper. Once free, fully remove the nut.
   ⚠Do not use a pickle fork that will tear the ball joint boot if you intend to reuse the arm. Use a press-style separator.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut tower nuts (if required for arm clearance)
   If shop manual specifies removing the upper strut mount nuts to gain arm clearance on this chassis, mark the strut tower position and remove the strut tower nuts. Otherwise skip this step. Refer to Tesla Service Manual to confirm whether this is required for upper arm removal on the 2024 Model Y Performance.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark and remove upper control arm pivot bolt(s)
   Mark the position of any cam/eccentric bolts to preserve alignment as a starting reference. Remove the inboard pivot bolt(s) securing the upper control arm to the chassis/subframe bracket. Withdraw the control arm from the vehicle.
   ℹ️Marking eccentric positions is a reference only — a professional alignment is still required after reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Service the bushing (or install new arm)
   If the manufacturer-specified bushing is serviceable, press out the old bushing and press in the new one using a hydraulic press and the appropriate manufacturer-specified press adapters. If a complete arm replacement is specified (most likely on this platform), set the old arm aside and prepare the new arm for installation.
   ⚠Never heat aluminum control arm components to remove a bushing — heat will weaken the forging. Press only.
8. 8

   Install upper control arm
   Position the upper control arm into the chassis bracket. Install the pivot bolt(s) hand-tight only at this stage — do NOT final-torque yet. The arm must be at ride height before final torque is applied.
9. 9

   Reconnect the upper ball joint to the knuckle
   Insert the upper ball joint stud into the knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Continue tightening (only as needed) to align the next castellation slot with the cotter pin hole — never back off to align. Install a NEW cotter pin and bend the legs per OEM practice.
   ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Reusing a cotter pin can result in catastrophic suspension separation.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link and strut nuts (if removed)
    Reinstall the sway bar end link, holding the inner shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut. If strut tower nuts were removed, reinstall and torque them now.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
2. Lower the vehicle so suspension is fully loaded at normal ride height (tires on ground or on drive-on ramps/alignment rack).
3. With the suspension at ride height, final-torque the upper control arm pivot bolt(s) to specification. This is mandatory to prevent bushing pre-load damage.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery and close all access panels.
5. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
6. Have a four-wheel alignment performed before returning the vehicle to service — Model Y is highly sensitive to alignment due to heavy curb weight and tire wear characteristics.

Verification

• Confirm no cotter pin legs are touching adjacent components and that the new cotter pin is correctly bent over.
• With the vehicle on the ground, bounce the front corner and listen for clunks — there should be none.
• Steering should feel centered and tracking should be straight on a flat road. Any pull indicates immediate alignment is required.
• Verify the upper control arm pivot bolt was torqued AT RIDE HEIGHT (mark the bolt with a paint pen as a tell-tale).
• Get a four-wheel alignment immediately — this is non-optional on a Model Y after any front suspension disassembly.
• Note: Tesla recommends front tire rotation every 6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear from instant torque and curb weight — schedule the next rotation accordingly.
• If the 12V battery on this vehicle is approaching 3+ years old, consider testing/replacing it as part of routine service while the low-voltage system is already disconnected.

More procedures for this vehicle