For 2012-2016 Tesla Model S owners, the 6006351-00-D air strut isn’t just a suspension part—it’s what makes your drive feel like "floating on air." This dual-position component (fitting both front left and right) is the heart of Tesla’s adaptive air suspension, balancing sharp handling with cloud-like comfort. When you hit a pothole, it’s the one absorbing the impact so your coffee stays in the cup. When you cruise the highway, it’s the reason your Model S glides like it’s on rails.
Tesla’s air suspension is a marvel of engineering, and this strut is built to work in lockstep with it:
- Dual-Role Versatility: It fits both front left and right thanks to mirrored mounting points and a reversible air inlet. No need to order two parts—this one adapts to either side, simplifying your repair.
- Pressure-Smart Performance: The integrated air bag adjusts in real time (via your Model S’s onboard computer) to road conditions. Hit a bump? It inflates slightly to soften the impact. Corner hard? It stiffens to reduce body roll. It’s like having a suspension specialist riding along.
- Electromagnetic Precision: The built-in solenoid valve responds in milliseconds to commands from the vehicle’s control module, ensuring the strut’s damping force matches your driving mode—Comfort, Sport, or Low (for easy entry).
- Rubber That Breathes: The air bag uses a multi-layered EPDM rubber compound—flexible enough to expand/contract 10,000+ times without cracking, yet tough enough to resist road salt, oil, and UV damage (critical for 8+ year-old Model S units).
- Steel That Stands Firm: The outer cylinder is forged from high-strength steel with a corrosion-resistant coating, handling the front axle’s 1,800+ lbs of load without warping—even in subzero winters or scorching deserts.
- Leak-Proof Assurance: Every seal, O-ring, and valve is pressure-tested to 150 PSI (3x the normal operating pressure) to prevent air leaks—the #1 cause of suspension failure in older Model S units.
- The Bounce Test: Push down on the front fender—if it bounces 3+ times before settling, the strut’s damping is shot. Your ride will feel floaty on the highway and jittery on rough roads.
- Warning Lights: A "Suspension Fault" alert on your touchscreen often points to a leaky air bag (the system can’t maintain pressure) or a failing solenoid (can’t adjust damping).
- Uneven Ride Height: One front corner sits lower than the other? That’s a telltale sign of a slow leak—ignoring it strains the opposite strut and throws off your Model S’s alignment.
- Clunking Noises: A dull "thud" when hitting bumps means internal components (like the piston or bearing) are worn, risking metal-on-metal damage.
While this strut is a direct fit, air suspension work demands precision:
- Safety First: Disconnect the 12V battery and relieve air pressure from the system (via the touchscreen’s service menu) to avoid sudden movement.
- Bolt-by-Bolt Swap: It mounts using the same 4 M10 bolts as the original, with torque specs (35 Nm) matching Tesla’s factory standards. No drilling or modifications needed.
- Calibration Is Key: After installation, a Tesla-compatible scanner (like Launch or Autel) runs a "leveling sequence" to teach the strut its new range—critical for avoiding error codes.
- Pro Tip: Replace both front struts at once. Mismatched wear (one new, one old) causes uneven handling and premature failure of the newer unit.
Your early Model S was a revolution—don’t let a worn strut dull that legacy. The 6006351-00-D isn’t just a replacement; it’s a restoration of the ride Tesla promised: responsive, comfortable, and uniquely Tesla.
Whether you’re fixing a fault code or refreshing an aging suspension, this strut delivers the fit and performance your Model S deserves.