Replacement of the front sway (anti-roll) bar on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The bar runs across the front subframe and connects to both struts via end links; access is from underneath with the vehicle safely raised.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar (manufacturer-specified for Model Y Performance) × 1 — OEM Tesla front anti-roll bar — verify Performance-specific part vs. LR
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — OEM bushings sized to the new bar's diameter
• Sway bar end links × 2 — OEM front end links (replace if boots are torn or studs spin)
• Front aero underbody shield fasteners (clips/bolts as needed) × 1 — OEM replacement clips — these often break on removal

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 Model Y — refer to architecture notes).
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 Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) before raising — this disables self-leveling routines and prevents fault codes (note: behavior is more relevant on air-suspension cars but is still good practice).
7. Raise the front of the vehicle using only the manufacturer-designated jack points with proper puck adapters. Support on jack stands.
8. Remove both front wheels for clearance.
9. Remove the front underbody aero shield to expose the sway bar and subframe area. Save fasteners; replace any broken clips.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prep the sway bar area
   With the underbody shield removed, locate the front sway bar running laterally across the front subframe. Identify the two bracket-and-bushing mounts on the subframe and the two vertical end links connecting the bar to the strut bodies. Photograph orientation and note any color/index marks on bushings before removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect the sway bar end links (both sides)
   At each strut, locate the upper or lower nut securing the sway bar end link to the bar. Insert an Allen key into the end of the stud to prevent rotation, then loosen the nut with a wrench. Remove the nut and separate the link from the sway bar. Repeat on the opposite side. If a stud spins freely and cannot be held, plan to replace the end link.
   ⚠Do not use an impact gun on a spinning stud — this generates heat and can damage the link boot.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the two U-shaped brackets clamping the sway bar bushings to the subframe. Support the sway bar by hand or with a strap, then remove the bracket bolts on each side. Retain the brackets — they are typically reused with new bushings.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Maneuver the sway bar out of the vehicle
   Carefully rotate and slide the sway bar out from between the subframe and surrounding components. On the Model Y, clearance around the steering rack, control arms, and underbody HV harness is tight — work slowly and avoid contact with any wiring or orange cabling. Note which side of the bar faces forward.
   ⚠️If the sway bar contacts an orange HV cable during removal, STOP immediately and re-route the bar — do not force it past HV components.
5. 5

   Transfer or replace bushings
   Slide the old bushings off the bar and install new bushings on the new bar (or in the same locations on the original bar if reusing). Orient the bushing split toward the direction specified by the manufacturer (typically forward or downward). A small amount of rubber-safe silicone lubricant on the bushing inner surface is acceptable; do not use petroleum grease, which degrades rubber.
6. 6

   Install the new sway bar
   Maneuver the new sway bar into position, mirroring the orientation of the original. Position the bushings against the subframe mounting pads and install the brackets over them. Start all bracket bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading into the aluminum subframe.
   ⚠Aluminum subframe threads strip easily. Always start fasteners by hand and verify the bolt spins freely before applying torque.
7. 7

   Torque the sway bar bracket bolts
   With both brackets evenly seated and the bar centered left-to-right, torque all bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect the end links
   Reattach each end link to the sway bar. Hold the stud with an Allen key and tighten the nut to specification. Verify the end link boot is intact and the link moves freely through its arc.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final visual inspection
   Confirm no wiring, brake lines, or HV cabling is contacting the new sway bar. Check that the bar is centered and that bushings are not pinched or rolled. Verify all removed fasteners are reinstalled.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front underbody aero shield using all original fasteners; replace any broken clips.
2. Reinstall the front wheels and snug lug nuts by hand.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Torque the lug nuts to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual — in a star pattern.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Exit Jack Mode if it was engaged; allow the vehicle to wake and re-initialize.

Verification

• Test drive at low speed first; listen for any clunking from the front end over bumps, which would indicate a loose bracket or end link.
• At highway speed, the vehicle should track straight with no new vibrations or steering pull.
• After the test drive, re-inspect the bracket bolts and end link nuts for any sign of movement or paint-mark shift; confirm bushings have not walked out of position.
• Check the touchscreen for any new chassis/suspension related alerts.
• Note: this is a good opportunity to inspect tire wear — the Model Y Performance is hard on front tires, and Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 mi.
• If brake fluid service is approaching its 2-year interval or the 12V battery is older than 3-4 years, flag those for the owner while the vehicle is already in the shop.

More procedures for this vehicle