Tesla lateral link vs compliance link: which is which, labour time and alignment

Updated 2026-10-16 · Version française

Tesla front lower compliance link, left, Tesla OE 2188354-20-B

Each front wheel on a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y has two lower links: the front lower lateral link and the front lower compliance link. Both run from the front subframe to the steering knuckle. The strut bolts to the lateral link. One lateral link fits either side; compliance links come in left and right. Tesla's alignment tables call for an alignment check after a lateral link is replaced, and none after a compliance link.

Tesla allows 0.42 hour to replace one lateral link on every Model 3 and Model Y, and 0.30 to 0.42 hour for one compliance link. MapleV lists the lateral link at CA$169 for the Model 3 and Model 3 Highland (OE 1044341-00-E) and CA$169 for the Model Y and Model Y Juniper (OE 1188341-00-C; CA$279 in ZF Lemförder). Compliance links are CA$209 a side aftermarket, or CA$299 in ZF Lemförder.

Which link is which

In Tesla's procedures, each link bolts to the subframe and is held to the knuckle by a nut. Only the lateral link carries the strut: on all four cars, Tesla's lateral link procedure lists the strut bolt and nut at 106 Nm. Tesla sets the suspension at ride height before it tightens that bolt.

The lateral link has one part number for both sides, but the Model 3 and the Model Y use different ones: 1044341-00-E for the Model 3 and Model 3 Highland, 1188341-00-C for the Model Y and Model Y Juniper, or 2188341-00-B from ZF Lemförder. Compliance links are left and right, and the same pair fits all four cars: 2188354-20-B and 2188359-20-B aftermarket, 2188354-10-B and 2188359-10-B from ZF Lemförder.

On an estimate, check both the name and the number. Tesla's parts catalogue lists them as the front lower lateral link and the front lower compliance link, left hand or right hand.

Tesla front lower links: OE numbers, fitment and MapleV list prices (CAD)
Part	Tesla OE number	Fits	MapleV list price
Front Lower Lateral Link (aftermarket)	1044341-00-E	Model 3 (Jun 2017 – Dec 2023) · Model 3 Highland (Jan 2024–)	CA$169
Lower Lateral Link (aftermarket)	1188341-00-C	Model Y (Jan 2020 – Jan 2025) · Model Y Juniper (Feb 2025–)	CA$169
Lower Lateral Link (ZF Lemförder)	2188341-00-B	Model Y (Jan 2020 – Jan 2025) · Model Y Juniper (Feb 2025–)	CA$279
Front Lower Compliance Link - Left (aftermarket)	2188354-20-B	Model 3 (Jun 2017 – Dec 2023) · Model 3 Highland (Jan 2024–) · Model Y (Jan 2020 – Jan 2025) · Model Y Juniper (Feb 2025–)	CA$209
Front Lower Compliance Link - Right (aftermarket)	2188359-20-B	Model 3 (Jun 2017 – Dec 2023) · Model 3 Highland (Jan 2024–) · Model Y (Jan 2020 – Jan 2025) · Model Y Juniper (Feb 2025–)	CA$209
Front Lower Compliance Link - Left (ZF Lemförder)	2188354-10-B	Model 3 (Jun 2017 – Dec 2023) · Model 3 Highland (Jan 2024–) · Model Y (Jan 2020 – Jan 2025) · Model Y Juniper (Feb 2025–)	CA$299
Front Lower Compliance Link - Right (ZF Lemförder)	2188359-10-B	Model 3 (Jun 2017 – Dec 2023) · Model 3 Highland (Jan 2024–) · Model Y (Jan 2020 – Jan 2025) · Model Y Juniper (Feb 2025–)	CA$299

Tesla's labour time for each link

Tesla gives a flat rate time, in hours, for each repair. It covers the whole procedure, including linked steps such as removing the wheel. On all four cars, the lateral link procedure also removes the front aero shield. Doing both sides at once takes less time than two single sides.

Tesla flat rate times for the front lower links, in hours (Tesla service manuals, read October 16, 2026)
Car	Lateral link, one side	Lateral links, pair	Compliance link, one side	Compliance links, pair
Model 3 (2017–2023)	0.42	0.66	0.36	0.54
Model 3 Highland (2024+)	0.42	0.54	0.30	0.48
Model Y (2020–2024)	0.42	0.66	0.42	0.60
Model Y Juniper (2025+)	0.42	0.66	0.30	0.54

Do you need an alignment afterwards?

Tesla's alignment tables give the same answer for all four cars. One lateral link: EPAS alignment check. Both lateral links: four-wheel alignment check. Replacing a compliance link, one or both, needs no alignment.

If the car passes the EPAS check, no alignment is needed. If it fails, a four-wheel alignment check follows. In the 2025+ Model Y manual, the EPAS check is 0.1 hour, the four-wheel check 0.30 hour and an adjustment 0.9 hour. Each is billed on its own line.

Two more points from the same pages. Since September 2025, Tesla says not to use the EPAS check to look for suspension damage after a collision. And for the 2025+ Model Y compliance link, Tesla says that after a collision, the Collision Repair Manual decides whether the steering gear must be replaced too.

Nuts and bolts Tesla replaces

On every Model 3 and Model Y, the nut that holds the lateral link to the knuckle is single-use: part 1109263-00-B, 180 Nm. The two bolts that hold it to the subframe are single-use too. In North America, Tesla says to use bolt 1109912-00-B at 135 Nm; the 190 Nm bolt in the same table is for Europe and Asia-Pacific. The strut bolt and nut are reused. The 2017–2023 Model 3 procedure adds: do not tighten the subframe bolts with an impact wrench.

For the compliance link on the 2025+ Model Y, Tesla replaces the knuckle nut (the same 1109263-00-B, 180 Nm) and reuses the subframe bolt and nut (115 Nm).

We sell the links, not these nuts and bolts. Order them separately.

Aftermarket or ZF Lemförder

Both are sold under Tesla's OE numbers. We stock compliance links in aftermarket and ZF Lemförder, and the Model Y lateral link in both. For the Model 3 lateral link we stock the aftermarket part only. Every suspension part we sell carries the same 2 years or 60,000 km warranty. Our ZF Lemförder guide compares the two, with prices for the full front set.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between a lateral link and a compliance link on a Tesla?

Both are front lower links between the subframe and the knuckle. The strut bolts to the lateral link, and one lateral link fits either side. Compliance links come in left and right. Tesla calls for an alignment check after a lateral link is replaced, not after a compliance link.

Is the front lateral link the same on the Model 3 and the Model Y?

No. The Model 3 and Model 3 Highland use 1044341-00-E; the Model Y and Model Y Juniper use 1188341-00-C, or 2188341-00-B from ZF Lemförder. Each fits either side.

Are Tesla front compliance links left and right?

Yes. 2188354-20-B is the left and 2188359-20-B the right (ZF Lemförder: 2188354-10-B and 2188359-10-B). The same pair fits the Model 3, Model 3 Highland, Model Y and Model Y Juniper.

Do I need an alignment after replacing a compliance link?

No. Tesla's alignment tables list none for a compliance link on any Model 3 or Model Y. After a lateral link, Tesla calls for an EPAS alignment check (one side) or a four-wheel alignment check (both sides).

How long does it take to replace a Tesla front lateral link?

Tesla's flat rate time is 0.42 hour for one side on every Model 3 and Model Y, and 0.54 to 0.66 hour for a pair. The alignment check is billed separately.

Do I need new nuts and bolts?

Some. Tesla replaces the knuckle nut (1109263-00-B) and the two subframe bolts of the lateral link (1109912-00-B in North America). It reuses the strut bolt and nut, and on the 2025+ Model Y the compliance link's subframe bolt and nut.