Replacement of rear subframe bushings on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The rear subframe carries the rear drive unit and HV cabling, so this job requires careful support and HV awareness even though no orange cables are being disconnected.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear subframe bushings — manufacturer-specified for Model Y Performance × 4 — Refer to Tesla EPC for 2024 Model Y subframe bushing set
• Subframe mounting bolts (single-use if specified by Tesla) × 4 — Verify reuse policy in Tesla Service Manual; replace if torque-to-yield

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 under/behind the rear seat area on 2024 Model Y — refer to service manual for exact access). Isolate the negative terminal so it cannot reconnect.
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 before lifting (suspension and ride-height related software state); confirm the vehicle is fully powered down afterward.
7. Raise vehicle on a lift using Tesla-specified lift pad locations to avoid damage to the battery pack case or rocker castings.
8. Remove rear wheels.
9. Remove the rear underbody aero panels/diffuser to gain access to the subframe.
10. Photograph and apply paint-marker witness marks at every suspension fastener and subframe-to-body interface for reassembly reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect HV cable routing
   Before disturbing any rear suspension component, visually trace all orange HV cabling from the rear drive unit forward to the HV battery. Confirm none of it is clamped to the subframe in a way that will be stressed when the subframe is lowered. If HV cables are routed through subframe-mounted clips that must be released, STOP — this becomes an HV-trained job.
   ⚠️If any orange cable is under tension or clipped to the subframe, do not proceed. Hand off to a Tesla-certified technician.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear sway bar end links
   Disconnect the rear sway bar end links from the lower control arms (or from the sway bar, per access). Hold the stud with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent spinning.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect lower suspension links from knuckle/subframe as required
   Following witness marks, disconnect the lower control arm(s)/toe link(s) as needed to allow the subframe to drop. Do not disconnect more than necessary. Support the knuckle so it does not hang on the half-shaft or brake hose.
   ⚠Do not allow the rear knuckle to hang by the brake hose or parking brake cable. Support with a stand or strap.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support the rear subframe and drive unit
   Position a subframe cradle or two transmission jacks to support the rear subframe AND the rear drive unit independently. The drive unit must remain supported when the subframe is unbolted, since the subframe carries it. Confirm the load is fully on the cradle before removing any subframe bolts.
   ⚠️Subframe + rear drive unit assembly is heavy and unbalanced. A single jack is not sufficient.
5. 5

   Release any drive unit / mount fasteners required to access bushings
   If accessing the bushings requires releasing drive unit mounts from the subframe, do so per the Tesla Service Manual. DO NOT disconnect HV connectors, coolant lines to the drive unit, or 12V harnesses unless absolutely required and you are HV-trained. If coolant or HV disconnection is required, STOP — this is no longer a non-HV job.
   ⚠️Disconnecting drive unit HV connectors or coolant lines requires Tesla Toolbox and HV training. STOP if needed.
6. 6

   Loosen subframe-to-body bolts
   With the subframe fully supported, loosen each subframe-to-body mounting bolt evenly in stages. Do not fully remove until the cradle is confirmed bearing the load. Lower the subframe only enough to access the bushings — typically a few inches — while monitoring HV cables, coolant lines, and harnesses for tension.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old bushings
   Depending on bushing design (pressed-in vs. bolt-in cartridge), either remove the bushing retaining hardware or use a hydraulic bushing press with the manufacturer-specified cups to press the old bushings out of the subframe. Do not heat the subframe with an open flame — the casting alloy can be damaged and HV cabling/coolant may be nearby.
   ⚠No torch use near the subframe — proximity to HV cabling and aluminum casting.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Press in the new manufacturer-specified bushings using the proper press cups, ensuring correct orientation (many subframe bushings are clocked — refer to OEM markings). Seat fully and squarely. Verify no deformation of the subframe bore.
   ⚠Incorrect bushing clocking will cause NVH and premature wear. Match factory orientation marks.
9. 9

   Raise and align subframe to body
   Raise the subframe back into position. Use alignment dowels or pins (or the manufacturer-specified subframe alignment tool) to position the subframe to the body before tightening. Hand-thread all subframe mounting bolts before torquing any.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque subframe mounting bolts
    Torque the subframe mounting bolts to specification in the OEM-specified sequence. If Tesla specifies an angle-torque (torque-to-yield) procedure for these bolts, follow that sequence using new bolts as required.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reattach drive unit mounts (if released)
    Reinstall any drive unit mount fasteners that were released. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
12. 12

    Reconnect suspension links
    Reconnect lower control arm(s)/toe link(s) and sway bar end links. Snug fasteners but do NOT final-torque control arm bolts yet — they must be torqued at curb height.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels and torque lug nuts in a star pattern (Wheel Lug Nuts: 136 Nm / 100 lb-ft).
2. Lower vehicle so suspension is at curb height (vehicle weight on wheels).
3. Final-torque the control arm bolts at curb height (Control Arm Bolts: 165 Nm / 122 lb-ft).
4. Reinstall rear underbody aero panels and diffuser.
5. Reconnect 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal.
6. Wake the vehicle, exit Jack/Transport mode, and confirm no chassis or stability fault messages on the touchscreen.

Verification

• No suspension, ABS, stability control, or drive unit warnings on the touchscreen after a power cycle.
• Perform a four-wheel alignment — disturbing the rear subframe always requires alignment on Model Y.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for clunks or driveline vibration that would indicate incorrect bushing orientation or under-torqued subframe bolts.
• Re-inspect all subframe and suspension fasteners after the test drive.
• Re-torque check after the first 100-200 miles is good practice on freshly-installed subframe bushings.
• Note: While the vehicle is on the lift, this is a good time to verify Tesla's other rear-end service items if due — rear drive unit gear oil (Tesla now recommends ~12,500 mi initial service, then every 25,000-50,000 mi; not 'lifetime') and tire rotation (every 6,250 mi on Model Y Performance due to high tire wear).

More procedures for this vehicle