suspension
Sway Bar Link - Front
for 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
7
Steps
9
Replace a front sway bar (anti-roll bar) end link on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. Straightforward suspension job with one critical caution: hold the link's internal hex while torquing the nut to prevent the ball stud from spinning.
Warnings
⚠️The HV battery pack runs the full length of the floor. NEVER place a jack or jack stand directly on the battery case — use only the manufacturer-specified jack pad locations on the rocker pinch welds.
⚠Model Y has aluminum suspension components and body structure in many areas. Do not strike with a steel hammer; use a dead-blow or rubber mallet if persuasion is needed.
⚠If the ball stud spins while torquing, the nut will never reach proper clamp load. Always hold the internal hex with an Allen key.
ℹ️Replace links in pairs if both show wear — uneven sway response can affect the Model Y's already-firm Performance suspension feel.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack stands (or lift)Essential
Lug nut socket (21mm) and torque wrenchEssential
Metric socket set (typically 18mm for link nut on Model 3/Y platform — verify on vehicle)Essential
Allen/hex key set (to hold link shaft while loosening/torquing nut)Essential
Torque wrench capable of 55 Nm (41 lb-ft)Essential
Penetrating oil
Hockey puck or rubber jack pad (to protect battery pack from jack contact)Essential
Parts
- Front sway bar end link assembly × 1 — Manufacturer-specified front sway bar link for 2024 Model Y (Model 3/Y platform)
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 under the front trunk/frunk area on 2024 Model Y — refer to Tesla Service Manual for exact access). On 2024 Performance, this is a Li-ion unit; observe correct disconnect order (negative first).
- 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.
- Put the vehicle into Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Service > Jack Mode) to disable self-leveling routines and prevent the suspension from reacting to lift.
- Loosen front lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
- Lift the front of the vehicle using the OEM-specified rocker jack points only. Support on jack stands rated for the Model Y Performance curb weight (~4,400 lb).
Procedure
- 1Remove front wheelFully remove the lug nuts and pull the front wheel on the affected side. Set aside on its face to protect the finish.
- 2Locate the sway bar end linkThe front sway bar end link connects the sway bar to the strut on the Model 3/Y platform. Identify the upper nut (link-to-strut bracket) and lower nut (link-to-sway bar). Apply penetrating oil to both if corroded.
- 3Loosen the upper end link nutInsert an Allen key into the center of the ball stud to hold it stationary, then loosen the upper nut with a wrench. If the stud spins freely with the nut, increase Allen key pressure or use locking pliers on the stud flats if provided.⚠Do not use heat near the strut — the strut contains a sealed gas charge and nearby ABS wiring.
- 4Loosen the lower end link nutRepeat the hold-and-loosen procedure on the lower nut where the link mounts to the sway bar.
- 5Remove the old end linkOnce both nuts are off, remove the link from the vehicle. Inspect the sway bar bushings and strut bracket for wear or damage while access is good.
- 6Compare new and old linksVerify the new link matches the old in length, ball stud orientation, and thread size. Model 3 and Model Y front links are similar but not always identical — confirm the part is correct for 2024 Model Y Performance.
- 7Install the new end linkPosition the new link with the correct orientation (some links are directional — note any markings). Hand-thread both nuts onto the studs to ensure no cross-threading before applying torque.
- 8Torque the end link nutsHold the ball stud with an Allen key and torque both the upper and lower nuts to the specified value. Verify the link does not bind and the sway bar can articulate freely.⚠If the stud spins during torquing, the actual clamp load is unknown. Stop, hold the hex, and re-torque.Torque specSway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 9Reinstall the wheelMount the wheel and snug the lug nuts in a star pattern. Final torque is performed with the vehicle on the ground.
Reassembly
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual (typical Model Y spec is 175 Nm / 129 lb-ft, but verify).
- Reconnect the 12V battery (negative last). Close the frunk/access panel.
- Exit Jack Mode by driving above the threshold speed or via the touchscreen prompt.
- Allow the vehicle to re-initialize — TPMS and chassis sensors may take a short drive to re-sync.
Verification
- With the vehicle on the ground, push down on the front fender on the repaired side — suspension should compress and rebound smoothly with no clunk.
- Test drive over a series of bumps and through a low-speed turn. A properly installed link will eliminate any prior clunking or rattle from the front end.
- Check that no warning indicators appear on the instrument cluster after the drive.
- Recheck both end link nuts for proper torque after the first 50–100 miles, as suspension fasteners can settle.
- Note: This job does not affect alignment, but the Model Y Performance is sensitive to toe — if you notice uneven steering feel or pull, have the alignment checked. Also remember Tesla's recommended 6,250 mi tire rotation interval given the Performance's high tire wear rate.