Electric Vehicle Repair: Tesla Model 3/Y Highland/Juniper Suspension Upgrade
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have both been a hit — and for good reason. They are reliable, reasonably well-built, and offer superb performance, technology, and efficiency for their price. The Model 3 was first released in 2017 and its taller sibling, the Model Y, arrived in 2020. Since then, some owners have taken issue with one aspect of these otherwise fantastic vehicles: their relatively firm — sometimes approaching harsh — ride quality.
That firmer ride is largely by design; Tesla has always prioritized performance and technology over outright comfort or luxury. Many owners appreciate the tight, precise driving feel of the Model 3 and Model Y. However, broader feedback told a different story. When both vehicles received their first major refresh (the Model 3 in 2024 and the Model Y in 2025), Tesla placed a clear emphasis on delivering a softer, more compliant ride. They accomplished this by changing two things: the spring rate of the coil springs and the valving (damping) inside the shock absorbers. Most of the other suspension parts from the pre-refresh Model 3/Y either carried over directly, or are very similar on the refreshed models.
It is possible to retrofit the updated coil springs and shock absorbers from the 2024/2025 Model 3/Y into your older Tesla! Within Tesla forums and clubs, this is often called a “Highland suspension upgrade” or a “Juniper suspension upgrade”, with those names referring to old, internal Tesla codenames for the refreshed models while they were in development. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion about what this upgrade includes — and which components actually get replaced. As Alberta’s Tesla experts, let us clear up the confusion.
Which components are actually replaced during a Highland/Juniper suspension upgrade?
Even among Tesla enthusiasts, there seems to exist a misunderstanding about what this upgrade actually includes. When an owner takes to our local Tesla Owners Club of Alberta or Alberta Tesla Facebook groups to vent about facing yet another suspension repair (more on that below), we often observe comments like “You should do the Highland suspension upgrade instead”, or something along those lines. While they’re just trying to help, these folks don’t realize that the parts replaced during that upgrade and the parts that the poster actually needs are usually totally different components.
As mentioned above, achieving the softer ride of the refreshed Model 3/Y involves changing the coil springs and shock absorbers. These are identified below in yellow, with the rest of the suspension components identified in red.
Which components are NOT replaced during the upgrade?
Here’s something interesting about the photo above. The parts marked in yellow (required to provide the softer ride) almost never need replacing. We have never experienced a sagged or broken Tesla coil spring, even on cars with over 500,000 kilometers. Similarly, the struts and shock absorbers seem to last for at least 200,000 kilometers before they start leaking, become bouncy or otherwise show signs of wear. It’s the parts marked in red (the parts not required for the ride quality upgrade) that do wear out. This includes components such as the:
- Front lateral links
- Front compliance links
- Front upper control arms
- Rear upper fore links
- Rear knuckle bushings
- Rear toe links
- Sway bar links
None of those components are related to the Highland/Juniper ride quality upgrade.
Why do Teslas need such frequent suspension repairs?
If you’re a Tesla owner and it feels like your car requires more suspension work than other vehicles you’ve owned before, that’s because it probably does. There are several factors contributing to this:
- More complex suspension design.
In order to offer the performance and handling they do, the Model 3 and Model Y employ a more intricate suspension system, similar to high end European vehicles. This includes sixteen control arms that can (and do) wear out. For comparison, a Nissan Leaf only uses 8 control arms and a Chevrolet Bolt only features two, plus a rear twist axle. - Weight and torque.
Compared to similarly-sized gasoline cars, a Tesla is heavier plus has a lot more power on tap. This places extra stress on all of the suspension parts. - OEM parts quality.
Some of the parts originally fitted to the Model 3 and Y weren’t as robust as you might see from other manufacturers, especially given the performance level of these cars. In addition, some of the factory suspension joints are lubricated with grease that doesn’t perform well in our colder climate, leading to seizing/squeaky parts.
We are proud to provide Alberta’s highest quality, longest lasting Tesla suspension repairs by pairing a combination of updated OEM and premium aftermarket parts with a meticulous installation from one of our caring, non-commission technicians. Anyone who appreciates attention to detail will enjoy the level of service that we provide. Best of all, we back our repairs longer than anyone else in the province: 3 years or 100,000 kilometers.
What does this Tesla suspension upgrade cost?
Installing the coil springs, front struts and rear shock absorbers from a refreshed Model 3 or Y in your older Tesla usually costs around $3000, including the wheel alignment, assuming that no other parts are worn and need to be replaced at the same time.
More detailed pricing and part numbers coming soon!
Is the upgrade worth it?
That depends! If you’re not sure, we suggest speaking with other Tesla owners who have completed the upgrade, or better yet, driving a vehicle where the upgrade been performed. Some Tesla owners really seem to appreciate the revised spring rates and damping of the new models, while others state that they can’t feel a difference.
In the rare event that your coil springs and/or shocks need to be replaced one day, the upgrade might make more financial sense because the Highland/Juniper parts cost roughly the same as your original components do.
Is there any savings in performing the suspension upgrade at the same time as other suspension repairs?
Because the parts replaced during the Highland/Juniper upgrade are different from the parts that normally wear out on the Model 3 and Y, not a lot. If doing the upgrade in combination with other repairs, you will save a little by only performing one wheel alignment afterward. There is also sometimes a bit of labour overlap between certain repairs, so please contact one of our Client Advocate team members to learn more and discuss specific pricing.