Replace both front sway bar end links on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. The Roadster's front suspension is largely Lotus Elise-derived, so most components are accessible via standard suspension techniques rather than Tesla-specific procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar end link (left) × 1 — OEM Roadster front sway bar link — many are shared with Lotus Elise/Exige; verify fitment with a Roadster-specific supplier
• Front sway bar end link (right) × 1 — OEM Roadster front sway bar link — verify fitment with a Roadster-specific supplier

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P (or in gear if equipped with the manual transmission), and 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. On the 2012 Roadster the auxiliary 12V battery is located in the front trunk/service area — disconnect the negative terminal first and isolate it.
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 front lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground.
7. Raise the front of the vehicle using only the manufacturer-specified jacking points and support securely on jack stands. The Roadster's chassis is fragile aluminum — improper jacking will deform it.
8. Remove both front wheels and set aside.
9. Inspect the area around each sway bar link for any wiring, ABS sensor leads, or brake hoses that need to be moved aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and pre-treat fasteners
   Locate the front sway bar end links connecting the front anti-roll bar to the lower suspension/upright on each side. Wire-brush the exposed threads on both ends of each link and apply penetrating oil. Allow several minutes to soak. Note the orientation and any spacers/washers present so they can be reinstalled identically.
2. 2

   Remove driver-side sway bar link upper nut
   Using a wrench on the nut and an Allen/hex key inserted into the end of the link's stud to prevent it from spinning, loosen and remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Capture any washers.
   ⚠If the stud spins instead of the nut breaking loose, do not apply heat near composite or bonded chassis structures. Use a cut-off tool as a last resort and shield surrounding components.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driver-side sway bar link lower fastener
   Remove the lower fastener attaching the link to the lower control arm / suspension mounting point. Hold the link's shaft with a hex key as needed. Once both ends are free, withdraw the link from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove passenger-side sway bar link
   Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the passenger side. Keep left and right links separated if they differ in any way, and compare each removed link to its replacement before installing to verify length, stud diameter, thread pitch, and orientation match.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect related components
   With the links out, inspect the sway bar bushings and brackets, the lower control arm bushings, and the ball joint boots. The Roadster's front suspension is lightly built; any torn boots, cracked bushings, or excessive play should be addressed now while access is good. Check the sway bar itself for cracks at the link attachment points.
6. 6

   Install passenger-side new link
   Position the new link in the same orientation as the original. Start the lower fastener by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then start the upper nut. Once both are seated, snug both fasteners but do not final-torque yet.
7. 7

   Install driver-side new link
   Repeat the install on the driver side. Confirm the sway bar is centered and not preloaded — both links should reach their mounts without forcing the bar sideways. If the bar is offset, loosen the sway bar bracket bolts to allow it to recenter, then retorque the brackets.
   Torque spec

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

   Final torque sway bar links
   Torque the link's body fastener (where the link bolts through to the control arm/sway bar mounting) to the Sway Bar Link spec. Torque the link end nuts (on the studded ends, where applicable) to the Sway Bar Link Nuts spec, holding the stud with a hex key so the stud does not spin. Use the spec that matches the fastener type your replacement link uses — through-bolt vs studded end.
   ⚠Do not overtighten. Roadster links are small and the studs will twist off well before reaching higher truck-style suspension torques.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify no tools, rags, or hardware remain in the wheel well.
2. Reinstall both front wheels. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the Wheel Lug Nuts specification.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative).
6. Cycle the ignition/key and confirm normal vehicle wake-up; no suspension-related fault is expected from this job, but verify no warning lights remain illuminated.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground and at normal ride height, gently rock the vehicle side-to-side and listen for any clunks from the front suspension — properly installed links should be silent.
• Visually confirm both links are seated with washers in correct orientation and that the sway bar is centered (equal exposure of bar past each bracket).
• Test drive at low speed first, then perform a gentle slalom or lane-change maneuver. The car should feel symmetrical with no clunking over bumps.
• Recheck both link fasteners after the first 50-100 miles, as new bushings can settle.
• Note: this job is not part of any Tesla scheduled service interval, but while the front is apart it's a good time to verify brake fluid age (Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years) and check tire wear (Tesla recommends rotation every ~6,250 mi).

More procedures for this vehicle