Replace the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) bushings on a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD. The bushings are clamped to the rear subframe by two brackets and can be replaced without removing the sway bar entirely.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar bushing (manufacturer-specified, sized to Model Y Performance rear bar diameter) × 2 — OEM Tesla Model Y rear stabilizer bar bushing

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the 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 Model Y — refer to 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. Loosen rear lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground (only if wheel removal is needed for access).
7. Raise the rear of the vehicle at the Tesla-designated rear jack points using rubber pucks, and support on jack stands. Confirm the vehicle is stable before going underneath.
8. Remove rear wheels if needed for bracket access (optional on Model Y — many techs can reach the brackets without wheel removal).

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the rear sway bar and bushing brackets
   From under the rear of the vehicle, identify the rear sway bar running laterally across the rear subframe. The bushings are held by two U-shaped brackets bolted to the subframe, one on each side of the vehicle centerline. Inspect for damage, cracking, or oil contamination on the existing bushings.
2. 2

   Support the sway bar
   Place a transmission jack or a stand with a wide pad lightly under the sway bar to support its weight once the brackets are released. The bar will not drop significantly but should be controlled to avoid stressing the end links.
3. 3

   (Optional) Disconnect sway bar end links
   If the bar will not rotate enough to allow bushing removal, disconnect the lower sway bar end link nuts on one or both sides. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent the ball stud from spinning. This step is often not required for bushing replacement on Model Y.
   ⚠Do not use an impact gun on the end link nut without holding the stud — the internal ball stud can spin and be damaged.
4. 4

   Remove the sway bar bracket bolts
   Remove the two bolts securing each bushing bracket to the rear subframe. Set the brackets aside and inspect them for corrosion or distortion. Note the orientation of each bracket for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove the old bushings
   Slide each bushing off the sway bar through its split seam. If the bushings are bonded or stuck, gently rotate the sway bar to expose them. Clean the sway bar mounting area with a clean rag — remove old rubber residue, dirt, and any petroleum contamination.
6. 6

   Install the new bushings
   Open the split in each new bushing and seat it on the sway bar at the original mounting location. Ensure the bushing is oriented with any flat or alignment feature matching the bracket. Apply only a rubber-safe silicone lubricant if specified by the bushing manufacturer — never use petroleum grease.
7. 7

   Reinstall the bushing brackets
   Position each bracket over its bushing and start both bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading into the aluminum subframe. Snug both bolts evenly, then torque to specification.
   ⚠The rear subframe is aluminum — cross-threading or over-torquing will strip threads. Always start bolts by hand.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect end links (if disconnected)
   If end links were disconnected in Step 3, reattach them. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove the support from under the sway bar.
2. Reinstall rear wheels if removed; snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Final-torque rear lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Close the hood/frunk and rear hatch; allow the vehicle to wake and re-initialize.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, visually confirm both bushing brackets are flush to the subframe with no gaps and that the bushings are seated squarely.
• Test drive on a road with mild bumps and a few sweeping turns. Listen for clunks, squeaks, or knocking from the rear — squeaking often indicates contamination or wrong-size bushings.
• Confirm no new error or chassis messages appear on the center display after the drive.
• Re-inspect bushings and bracket bolts after the first 100–200 miles — rubber bushings can settle, and the aluminum subframe threads benefit from a torque re-check.
• While underneath, take this opportunity to inspect rear tire wear (Model Y Performance is hard on rear tires — Tesla recommends rotation every ~6,250 miles).

More procedures for this vehicle