suspension
Sway Bar Bushing - Front
for 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
30 min
Tools
8
Steps
8
Replace the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) bushings on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The bushings are clamped to the front subframe by two brackets; the job does not require dropping the subframe but does require unloading the sway bar.
Warnings
⚠️The Model Y floor pan houses the HV battery pack. Use ONLY the factory-designated jack/lift points. Lifting on the battery case or pinch welds without a proper puck can damage the HV pack and cause fire or electrocution risk.
⚠Model Y is heavy (~4,400+ lb curb weight). Use jack stands rated accordingly and never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
⚠Do not strike aluminum suspension or subframe components with a steel hammer — use a dead-blow or brass drift if persuasion is needed.
ℹ️Suspension fasteners that clamp rubber bushings (control arm bolts) must be final-torqued at ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels, not while suspension is hanging.
ℹ️Inspect end links, bar condition, and control arm bushings while the area is accessible — failures in these are common on heavy EVs.
Tools required
Floor jack and 2x jack stands rated for EV curb weight (>4,500 lb)Essential
Pinch-weld jack pad adapters (puck) for Tesla lift pointsEssential
Metric socket set (13mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Allen/hex key set (for sway bar end link shafts)
Breaker bar
Silicone-safe rubber lubricant or soapy water
Trim removal tools (for any underbody panel clips)
Parts
- Front sway bar bushings (pair, sized to OEM bar diameter) × 2 — Tesla Model Y front sway bar bushing — match OEM bar diameter
- Underbody panel fastener clips (replace any damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM-style plastic push clips
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
- 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.
- Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (located behind/under the rear seat area on 2024 Model Y). Follow the in-vehicle 'Power Off' procedure on the touchscreen first, then physically disconnect the negative terminal.
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
- 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.
- Loosen front lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground.
- Raise the front of the vehicle using the manufacturer-specified front lift points with proper jack pad pucks. Support on jack stands.
- Remove both front wheels.
- Remove the front underbody/aero panel as required to access the sway bar bushing brackets — note clip and fastener locations for reinstallation.
Procedure
- 1Inspect and documentVisually inspect the sway bar, bushings, brackets, and end links. Photograph orientation and routing of the sway bar relative to the subframe before disassembly. Confirm the new bushings match the OEM bar diameter exactly — incorrect ID will cause clunking or premature failure.
- 2Disconnect sway bar end links (one or both sides)Remove the nut securing each sway bar end link to the sway bar. Hold the end link shaft with an Allen/hex key to prevent it from spinning. Swing the end link out of the way. Removing both ends allows the bar to drop for easier bushing replacement.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 3Support the sway barPlace a transmission jack, second floor jack, or stout strap under the sway bar near its center to support its weight before unbolting the brackets. The bar is steel and heavy — do not let it fall.⚠An unsupported sway bar can swing down and damage adjacent components or pinch fingers.
- 4Remove sway bar bushing bracketsRemove the bolts retaining the two sway bar bushing brackets to the front subframe. Note bracket orientation (left/right specific on some applications). Lower the sway bar enough to expose the bushings, but only as far as needed — avoid stressing any remaining connected components.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 5Remove old bushingsSlide the old bushings off the bar or open them at the split and peel them off. Clean the bar contact surface with a clean rag — remove old rubber residue and debris. Inspect the bar for corrosion pitting or wear grooves where the bushings rode; severe wear means the bar should be replaced.ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based grease on rubber/poly bushings — it will swell and degrade them.
- 6Install new bushingsLubricate the inner surface of the new bushings with silicone-safe rubber lube or soapy water (or the manufacturer-supplied lubricant if poly). Install with the split facing the manufacturer-specified orientation (typically forward or upward — refer to packaging or service manual). Ensure the bushings are seated centered on the bar's stop collars/markings so the bar cannot walk side-to-side.
- 7Reinstall bushing bracketsPosition the brackets over the new bushings and start all bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the subframe. Once all bolts are started, snug them evenly side-to-side, then torque to specification.Torque specSway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect sway bar end linksReconnect each end link to the sway bar. Hold the end link stud with a hex key while torquing the nut to specification. Inspect end link boots for tears while accessible — replace if damaged.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall the front underbody/aero panel with all original fasteners and clips. Replace any broken push clips.
- Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to avoid cross-threading the aluminum hub threads.
- Lower the vehicle so wheel weight is on the ground.
- Torque lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual — in a star pattern.
- Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal.
- Close all doors, allow the vehicle to wake, and verify the touchscreen powers up normally with no new alerts.
Verification
- With wheels on the ground, push down on each front corner of the vehicle and listen for clunks — properly installed bushings and end links should be silent.
- Test drive at low speed over uneven pavement and through a parking lot turn; listen for clunks, squeaks, or rattles from the front end.
- After 50-100 miles, re-inspect the bushing bracket bolts for tightness and confirm bushings are still centered on the bar.
- Confirm no suspension, ABS, traction control, or stability control warnings appear on the touchscreen.
- While the front end was apart, this is a good moment to verify tire rotation interval — Tesla recommends every 6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear from instant torque and curb weight. Also check brake fluid service date (Tesla recommends every 2 years) and cabin air filter age (every 2 years) if they are near due.