Lower Control Arm - Rear

Replacement of a rear lower control arm on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The Model Y rear suspension uses a multi-link design; the lower control arm (often called the lower lateral link) carries spring/damper load on Tesla, so the spring perch must be supported before removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm (lateral link) assembly × 1 — Tesla Model Y rear lower control arm — match by VIN at parts counter
• Control arm inner pivot bolt (single-use if specified by manufacturer) × 1 — OEM replacement — refer to Tesla Service Manual for reuse policy
• Ball joint nut (if integral to arm) × 1 — OEM self-locking nut

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission selector in P, and 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 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 cargo area trim — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for exact location and 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. Place the vehicle in Transport/Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Service menu) before lifting to disable air-suspension calibration routines and self-leveling features (if applicable).
7. Chock the front wheels.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheel is on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified lift points using puck adapters and support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
10. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
11. Visually inspect the work area for any orange HV cabling or coolant lines before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and photograph
   Photograph the existing control arm orientation, eccentric/cam bolt positions (for alignment reference), and routing of any sensor wiring (e.g., ABS, ride-height sensor if equipped). Note the position of the inner cam bolt witness marks if visible.
2. 2

   Support the knuckle and spring
   Place a transmission jack or floor jack with a wide cradle under the rear knuckle/spring perch area. Raise just enough to take the load off the lower control arm without lifting the vehicle off the stands. The coil spring on Model Y rear seats on the lower arm — this support is mandatory for safety.
   ⚠️Failure to capture the spring load before disconnecting the arm can cause the spring to release violently.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link attachment near the knuckle or on the control arm. Hold the stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation while loosening the nut. Swing the link clear of the work area.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect any sensor or harness clips on the arm
   If the ABS line, parking brake cable, or ride-height sensor is routed along the control arm, release the clips and move the wiring aside. Do not stretch or kink the lines.
5. 5

   Remove outer ball joint / knuckle fastener
   Remove the nut securing the control arm's outer end to the knuckle. If the joint is a tapered ball joint, separate using a proper ball joint separator — do not hammer the knuckle (aluminum). If the outer end is a bolt-through bushing, simply withdraw the bolt.
   ⚠Aluminum knuckle — use a separator tool, never strike with a steel hammer.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove inner pivot bolt
   Mark the position of any eccentric/cam alignment bolt before loosening. Support the arm by hand, then remove the inner pivot bolt securing the control arm to the subframe. The arm should now be free.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower the spring (if captured) and remove arm
   Slowly lower the supporting jack to release any residual spring tension, then remove the coil spring (and isolators) if it must come out with the arm, or pivot the arm down and out if the spring stays captive on the knuckle side. Note isolator orientation.
   ⚠️Lower the jack slowly and stay clear of the spring's line of travel.
8. 8

   Compare new arm to old
   Place the new control arm next to the old to verify length, bushing orientation, ball joint angle, and spring perch geometry match. Transfer any reusable hardware (isolators, dust boots) per the Tesla Service Manual.
9. 9

   Install new control arm — inner pivot first
   Position the new arm in the subframe pocket. Install the inner pivot bolt (and cam washer if equipped) hand-tight only. Align cam to the witness marks recorded earlier as a starting point for alignment.
10. 10

    Reseat coil spring and connect outer joint
    Reposition the coil spring with isolators correctly oriented on the perches. Raise the supporting jack to compress the suspension and align the outer end of the control arm to the knuckle. Install the ball joint / outer fastener and torque.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reattach the sway bar link, holding the stud with an Allen key while torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

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

    Re-secure wiring and lines
    Reinstall any harness clips, ABS line retainers, or parking brake cable guides removed in step 4. Verify routing matches the opposite (untouched) side.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground so full curb weight rests on the suspension.
3. With wheels on the ground, final-torque the inner control arm pivot bolt to specification — this preloads the bushing at ride height.
4. Torque the lug nuts to the verified spec in a star pattern.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
7. Cycle the vehicle on and allow systems to re-initialize.

Verification

• Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen related to stability control, ABS, or ride height.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks over bumps that would indicate an under-torqued bushing or unseated spring.
• Inspect the new arm and all fasteners after a short drive — re-verify torque on the critical fasteners (inner pivot bolt, ball joint nut, sway bar link).
• An alignment is REQUIRED. Schedule a four-wheel alignment specifying Tesla Model Y rear toe and camber specs — heavy curb weight and instant torque on this vehicle will rapidly chew rear tires if alignment is off.
• Note: While the vehicle is on the alignment rack, this is a good opportunity to inspect tire wear and rotate (Tesla recommends every 6,250 mi due to high wear rate on Performance trims).
• If the vehicle is approaching its 2-year mark, also consider scheduling brake fluid service (Tesla's published 2-year recommendation) and cabin air filter replacement (2-year interval).

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