Replacement of a front strut upper bearing (strut mount bearing) on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle and disassembled with a spring compressor to access the bearing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut upper bearing × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y front strut bearing — verify by VIN
• Strut mount / upper spring seat (recommended if worn) × 1 — OEM specification
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts (if single-use per OEM) × 2 — OEM specification — replace if specified

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 the 2024 Model Y, the low-voltage battery is located in the front trunk area — refer to architecture notes and the Tesla Service Manual 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 into Jack/Service Mode via the touchscreen to disable self-leveling and prevent unintended motion.
7. Loosen front lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands at the manufacturer-specified lift points (use hockey-puck style pads to protect the battery pack).
8. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.
9. Inspect for any unexpected wiring, sensors, or cabling routed near the strut tower and document with photos before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark reference positions
   Use a paint pen to mark the strut-to-knuckle bolt positions (camber reference), the strut mount orientation relative to the strut tower, and the spring orientation on the strut body. This minimizes alignment shift on reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Hold the sway bar end link stud with an Allen key and remove the nut securing the link to the strut bracket. Swing the link out of the way. Inspect bushings/ball joint while accessible.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ABS / wheel speed sensor and brake hose bracket
   Release the ABS wheel speed sensor harness clip and any brake hose retainers from the strut/knuckle bracket so the assembly can be moved freely. Do not stretch the brake hose or sensor wiring.
   ⚠Do not let the brake caliper hang by the hose — support it with a hook or strap if it must be displaced.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the lower control arm/knuckle with a jack. Remove the two strut-to-knuckle through-bolts. These are the primary load-bearing bolts; note their orientation. Some Tesla suspensions use single-use bolts — replace if specified by the Tesla Service Manual.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support strut and remove upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the front trunk / under the upper trim, support the strut from below and remove the upper strut tower nuts. Do NOT remove the center strut shaft nut at this stage — only the perimeter mounting nuts. Lower the strut assembly out of the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavier than a typical ICE strut — have a helper or support stand ready.
   Torque spec

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

   Compress the coil spring
   Mount the strut in a vise (clamping on the spring perch base, never on the strut tube). Install a properly rated coil spring compressor on opposite sides of the spring and compress evenly until all tension is off the upper spring seat.
   ⚠️Verify the compressor hooks are fully seated on coils before applying tension. Stand to the side, never in line with the spring.
7. 7

   Remove center strut shaft nut
   With the spring fully relieved of tension, hold the strut shaft from rotating using the OEM-specified holding tool and remove the center nut. Lift off the upper strut mount, the bearing, the upper spring seat, and any isolators — note their stack order.
8. 8

   Replace the strut bearing
   Compare the new bearing to the original to confirm fitment and orientation. Inspect the upper mount, bump stop, dust boot, and spring isolators — replace any worn components. Reassemble the upper components in the exact stack order with the new bearing installed in the correct rotational orientation.
9. 9

   Reinstall center strut shaft nut
   Install the center strut shaft nut and torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Hold the shaft to prevent rotation during torquing.
10. 10

    Decompress spring and verify seating
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor. Verify the spring ends are properly seated in both upper and lower spring perch indexes before removing the compressor fully.
    ⚠️An improperly seated spring can dislodge under load. Confirm full seating before reinstallation.

Reassembly

1. Position the strut assembly back into the strut tower, aligning the upper mount studs with your reference marks.
2. Install the upper strut tower nuts and torque to spec (Strut Tower Nuts: 50 Nm / 37 lb-ft).
3. Align the strut to the knuckle using the paint marks; install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to spec (Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts: 122 Nm / 90 lb-ft). Replace bolts if Tesla specifies single-use.
4. Reattach the ABS wheel speed sensor harness, brake hose bracket, and any retaining clips to the strut/knuckle.
5. Reconnect the sway bar end link, holding the stud with an Allen key, and torque the nut (Sway Bar Link Nuts: 55 Nm / 41 lb-ft).
6. Reinstall the front wheel and snug the lug nuts.
7. Lower the vehicle until tires bear full weight, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern (Wheel Lug Nuts: 136 Nm / 100 lb-ft).
8. With suspension at ride height (vehicle weight on wheels), perform final torque on any control arm fasteners that were disturbed (Control Arm Bolts: 165 Nm / 122 lb-ft) — only if any control arm hardware was loosened during the procedure.
9. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery and exit Service Mode.

Verification

• With wheels on the ground, bounce the corner of the vehicle and listen for any clunks, pops, or grinding from the strut tower — a properly installed bearing should turn silently.
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock (engine off, then on) and listen at the strut tower for binding or notchy bearing feel.
• Confirm no ABS, traction control, or steering warnings are present on the touchscreen after a short test drive.
• An alignment is REQUIRED after this job. Model Y tires wear quickly even when aligned correctly — driving on an unaligned car will visibly damage tires within a few hundred miles.
• Recheck strut-to-knuckle and strut tower fasteners after the first 100-200 miles of driving.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends front tire rotation every 6,250 mi on the Model Y due to aggressive front tire wear — note current mileage and schedule the next rotation.
• While the vehicle is being serviced, also consider the 2-year brake fluid service interval and 2-year cabin air filter interval if either is approaching.

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