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Juniper Suspension upgrade is real

analyticsboi | 2026-02-10 16:58 | 103 views

Coming from a 2023 MY to Premium AWD Juniper 2026, the suspension upgrade and ride quality is massively improved. I used to hate driving my 23 due to how harsh the suspension and road noise. Definitely more refined, more quiet cabin, and road imperfections are no longer noticeable as before. In my opinion its 50% upgrade, not Lexus level yet but its great enough to drive for the next 30 years

Comments (88)
Noleksum69420 2026-02-10 17:01

Juniper suspension is a bolt on replacement for the pre juniper Y’s. I agree with you on the 23 suspension being terrible, roller coaster-esque

analyticsboi 2026-02-10 17:05

Definitely agree pre juniper My needs to upgrade to juniper suspension asap

Various-Story-5601 2026-02-10 17:21

I have a 2024 MY. how much does it cost to upgrade the suspension to a juniper suspension?

PrizeMeans 2026-02-10 17:24

The suspension difference is not that significant in my opinion but the ride is quieter on the highways

NightOfTheLivingHam 2026-02-10 17:37

I just want the juniper suspension on my older car

AnDaLe47 2026-02-10 17:42

I agree. I think the noise insulation is making the suspension upgrade feel better than it is. The bigger issue all along was the noisiness on bumps and potholes.

seanbrobaggins 2026-02-10 17:53

Me: *Just got a MYP ‘23* 👁️👄👁️

NMSky301 2026-02-10 17:57

I just upgraded my 21 model y with the juniper suspension and it’s so much better. Much quieter. I used to grit my teeth driving in bad roads, but now it’s so much more manageable.

PvTails 2026-02-10 17:58

Can you upgrade the suspension if it's pre-juniper?

DBY2016 2026-02-10 18:02

With labor probably close to 2 grand. I want to do it with my 21 MYLR but debating that or just getting Teins.

aka_linskey 2026-02-10 18:14

Just get coilovers.

DBY2016 2026-02-10 18:15

What do you suggest? I really don't want to change my ride height.

Old_Relief2841 2026-02-10 18:26

For the Junipers - is the suspension softer and more comfortable in the ‘26 AWD Premium, or the ‘26 model y Performance?? Thanks. Just deciding between two for my wife and comfort ride is the priority

Mattiebear85 2026-02-10 18:30

I got a 23 myp and these threads crack me up. Everything is a crisis and over exaggerated lol. Then again the target audience is a bunch of liberals so there’s that.

analyticsboi 2026-02-10 18:48

Performance will always be a harsher ride than premium. Get the premium for comfort in my opinion

cjest 2026-02-10 18:48

Hard for me to imagine how bad the suspension is on the old model y. Coming from the ID4 my juniper feels extremely harsh in its suspension

Old_Relief2841 2026-02-10 18:49

Even with the new performance being adaptive air suspension ? Thanks

eSUP80 2026-02-10 18:53

It’s very significant. I have a juniper rental currently while my 22 Y is in the body shop. Night and day ride quality

PrizeMeans 2026-02-10 19:00

23 model year and up got updated suspension and the Juniper is not a significant jump from it.

eSUP80 2026-02-10 19:11

Model Y shocks have actually changed damper settings several times from 2020 on, getting progressively softer. 2023 is slightly different than a 2022, but not substantially. The juniper shock OTOH- is quite different from either of them. Zevcentric has a whole series of videos detailing each one.

robotzor 2026-02-10 19:33

22 to 23 was a minor but perceptible difference. Both suffer from seizing at ultra low temps where the metal does not want to change shape and it absolutely tanks the hits from rough roads in winter. I can't imagine it isn't a significant change in the Juniper redesign, especially with the linkages being slightly different.

arjunprabhu 2026-02-10 19:40

https://youtu.be/EahoyTgkkyU?si=NI6nIyOtTOEF2ygx Neat video on how it's done..

RomanSLR 2026-02-10 19:41

Noticeable, but not a significant improvement. Let’s be real.

Pitiful-Art-423 2026-02-10 20:02

Seems like someone in the New Jersey area is attempting to get work that isn't necessary. An internet info search explains: "Tesla began upgrading the Model Y with a new, softer "comfort suspension" in late 2022, with widespread implementation across production lines by January 2023. This improved suspension, which includes reduced spring rates and improved damping, is generally found on all 2023 and newer models. Key Details on Model Y Suspension Upgrade: Initial Rollout: Giga Texas began implementing the updated suspension on Long Range models around August 29, 2022. Broad Implementation: By November 2022, the "comfort suspension" was being added to standard and Performance variants in Fremont and Texas." All vehicles in the "2020-2025" (pre-Juniper) span DO NOT have the same original suspension.

007meow 2026-02-10 20:17

Why did you have to bring politics into this? And be wrong at that?

sherlocknoir 2026-02-10 20:18

Yeah it’s good, it’s not great. Coming from a 2021 Y it is much improved on my 2026 MYP. That said my wife’s 2021 ID.4 is just an entirely different level of comfort. Tesla still can’t get their suspension on the level of other manufacturers. The quietness of the 2026 MYP is most noticeable thing vs my 2021 Y. When I drove it home after delivery I couldn’t get over how much that had improved. It’s truly night & day.

sherlocknoir 2026-02-10 20:19

This is exactly what’s happening.

Fireefury 2026-02-10 20:33

Yeah I have the 26 Y and the suspension is pretty bad and the weakest part with a lot of body roll and movement transfer of road shocks from potholes and bumps and whatever else. On par with a rav4 and similar entry level CUVs. Noise isolation however is excellent. On par with the higher end lexus models

Fireefury 2026-02-10 20:34

Adaptive air suspension will ALWAYS be best.

Empty_Wallaby5481 2026-02-10 20:38

My 2021 rattles like it's falling apart on any road that was repaved more than a year or two ago. The ID4 (wife has one) is a luxury ride compared to the old Y suspension.  After watching some videos, I'm tempted to try and DIY it. It looks manageable and I have most of the tools.

Empty_Wallaby5481 2026-02-10 20:41

How is the Juniper suspension compared to the LFP upgrade suspension?  I'm wondering because I have a 2021 SR RWD and if I need a new battery, it is likely LFP and then I also get a new suspension. If that one is decent, I wait. If not, maybe I look at sourcing Juniper suspension.

[deleted] 2026-02-10 20:53

[deleted]

AllMyIdeasWereTaken7 2026-02-10 23:25

Did you do it yourself?

analyticsboi 2026-02-10 23:44

See this guy comment: https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModelY/s/yDXknHRpw6

Old_Relief2841 2026-02-10 23:49

Wow, that’s very important info for me! Thanks!

Old_Relief2841 2026-02-10 23:50

You’re the man! That’s essential information for me. Thanks a lot!!

KansasKing107 2026-02-11 00:34

Yeah, if Tesla would’ve offered a true comfort model of the juniper Y, I would have chose that without question. IMO, my Juniper is a rather poor effort at trying to be a sports car and being comfortable, relative to other cars on the market.

Puzzleheaded-Race671 2026-02-11 01:13

I mean I think the truth is in between I think people overstate the comfort issue but it is totally valid to be mildly upset that a car me and others at the height of the pandemic paid 60-70k for gas a subpar comfort fee compared to the new ones tha are much cheaper

NMSky301 2026-02-11 01:15

No, I had a local mobile guy come and do it. Only took him a couple hours.

NMSky301 2026-02-11 01:16

I just had it done. Parts ordered direct from Tesla for me were about a grand. Had a local mobile guy charge 350 to put it in. I still have to get an alignment so consider that cost on top too.

for-alba 2026-02-11 01:28

Worth the price? Thinking of doing this as well.

NMSky301 2026-02-11 01:33

Depends on what year Tesla you have. I have a 21 so the suspension was absolutely jarring. It’s a pretty noticeable difference. It’s not night and day, but it feels much more refined, and smaller bumps/shallow potholes are much much softer now, compared to my teeth going through my skull before. The handling around corners is different too. It’s more squared off, though that could be due to the suspension needing a while to break in. Regardless, I like the feel of corners more now. If the cost isn’t prohibitive to you I’d recommend it. I don’t regret it at all. Side note if you have the pre-juniper comfort suspension it may not be worth it for you. I’ve heard those that came from the comfort suspension said it wasn’t a huge upgrade.

NMSky301 2026-02-11 01:34

Yes I had it done. It’s basically a drop in install. The guy who did mine had no issues with it.

nothingnew2me 2026-02-11 01:52

Nice! Is it true the lane centering is gone in the Juniper though?

Brilliant_Oil5261 2026-02-11 01:59

aside from the awful rattle noise lol

Zealousideal-Ant9548 2026-02-11 02:19

I emailed a local auto-body shop that said it did suspensions with something like this:  > Hello,  > >I'm looking to swap the suspension on my Tesla model Y with the newer one as per this thread:  > >https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-y-juniper-suspension-retrofit-install-on-1st-gen-model-y-2020-2025-installation-video.352719/ > >Is this something you do? If so, generally how much would it cost and if not, is there anything you would recommend? I also provided my VIN The specific place I got it was: https://apexautosworks.com/ Interesting motto but the price was reasonable for the work.  Another place quoted me $3,400

Zealousideal-Ant9548 2026-02-11 02:20

I emailed a local auto-body shop that said it did suspensions with something like this:  > Hello,  > >I'm looking to swap the suspension on my Tesla model Y with the newer one as per this thread:  > >https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-y-juniper-suspension-retrofit-install-on-1st-gen-model-y-2020-2025-installation-video.352719/ > >Is this something you do? If so, generally how much would it cost and if not, is there anything you would recommend? I also provided my VIN The specific place I got it was: https://apexautosworks.com/ Interesting motto but the price was reasonable for the work.  Another place quoted me $3,400 I haven't done the work yet but I also have a model y performance as well 2022

Zealousideal-Ant9548 2026-02-11 02:22

I emailed a local auto-body shop that said it did suspensions with something like this:  > Hello,  > >I'm looking to swap the suspension on my Tesla model Y with the newer one as per this thread:  > >https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-y-juniper-suspension-retrofit-install-on-1st-gen-model-y-2020-2025-installation-video.352719/ > >Is this something you do? If so, generally how much would it cost and if not, is there anything you would recommend? I also provided my VIN The specific place I got it was: https://apexautosworks.com/ Interesting motto but the price was reasonable for the work.  Another place quoted me $3,400 I keep pasting this because I literally just had a thread about this. I haven't done the work yet but it will be soon

Zealousideal-Ant9548 2026-02-11 02:24

I'm really considering adding additional noise dampening foam to the wheel wells

Zealousideal-Ant9548 2026-02-11 02:29

I emailed a local auto-body shop that said it did suspensions with something like this:  > Hello,  > >I'm looking to swap the suspension on my Tesla model Y with the newer one as per this thread:  > >https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/model-y-juniper-suspension-retrofit-install-on-1st-gen-model-y-2020-2025-installation-video.352719/ > >Is this something you do? If so, generally how much would it cost and if not, is there anything you would recommend? I also provided my VIN The specific place I got it was: https://apexautosworks.com/ Interesting motto but the price was reasonable for the work.  Another place quoted me $3,400

Moist_Researcher5413 2026-02-11 02:41

So nice to hear a pre juniper Y owner SPEAK HONESTLY….the old ones are noisy and rough

sri745 2026-02-11 02:57

How much did it run you?

NMSky301 2026-02-11 03:05

Parts were a grand, and install was 350. Admittedly on the lower end, but was from a well known tech in the area I was referred to by a friend. Most places you’ll probably be looking at close to double the install cost. I have yet to get an alignment but am probably going to sooner than later so factor that cost in as well.

jabnlab 2026-02-11 03:10

I'm definitely noticing it now, the frost heaves this year are the worse I've seen them in years. In my old 2020 Y my back would be wrecked everyday commuting to work during frost heave season but I''m not having any back issues commuting with my juniper this year.

analyticsboi 2026-02-11 03:14

Bro we made it man, we no longer have to suffer!!

TheDoodieMonster 2026-02-11 04:28

Where did you order the parts from?

Proof_Resolve_602 2026-02-11 04:30

How does it compare to model x?

NMSky301 2026-02-11 05:10

EPC Tesla, Teslas part site. Shipped direct to my house within a week. I went into my local service center and they gave me a VIN for a juniper dual motor, since my 21 model y is a dual motor. I’m sure there’s other ways of getting a VIN for a juniper. Maybe off the used inventory portion of their site?

for-alba 2026-02-11 05:56

I see, thanks for the detailed response! I actually have the same model year (‘21 MYLR on 20 inch induction wheels). Suspension is pretty brutal on parts of my commute where the road conditions are rough. May start getting some quotes from shops…

NMSky301 2026-02-11 06:19

No problem! I have 20” induction wheels as well. Best way to put it is you’ll still feel the road, but you won’t feel it in your teeth. You won’t get as much side to side bouncing over bumps as well. The 20” wheels will dampen the results of the new suspension a bit, so don’t expect miracles, but you’ll notice a pretty sizable difference regardless. At least I do.

colindgrant 2026-02-11 06:31

I see these posts and I’m so confused. I have a 23 MYP, it’s on 19s now and I couldn’t be happier but when it was new on 21s, I didn’t find it harsh at all. Is there some other variable? Because I see people (like me) who are totally happy and others who say it’s terrible. That doesn’t make sense on the same car unless there is a difference we are missing. Is the Performance better riding that LR?

MattNis11 2026-02-11 06:38

I upgraded to the Juniper tires in size 255/50/19 and the ride is almost like Juniper level now. Night/Day difference.

MattNis11 2026-02-11 06:41

You didn't need a vin from service center. You can just find one from a used or new listing online on tesla site or any dealership site.

MattNis11 2026-02-11 06:42

just have to pay extra

MattNis11 2026-02-11 06:43

Just get the juniper tires

MattNis11 2026-02-11 06:46

How about the Koni special active shock? [https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModel3/comments/1l0xk99/finally\_installed\_the\_koni\_fsd\_shocks\_on\_my\_2021/](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaModel3/comments/1l0xk99/finally_installed_the_koni_fsd_shocks_on_my_2021/) [https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=Special+Active+Shock&group=Special+Active+Shock&partNum=8245-1421L&autoMake=Tesla&autoModel=Model+Y&autoYear=2023&autoModClar=255%2F45-19](https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=Special+Active+Shock&group=Special+Active+Shock&partNum=8245-1421L&autoMake=Tesla&autoModel=Model+Y&autoYear=2023&autoModClar=255%2F45-19) Most shock absorbers are designed to offer a firmer ride OR to maximize ride comfort. And complete computerized systems can deliver both comfort and performance, but at too high a price for the average consumer's vehicle. The KONI Special Active shock combines excellent road holding and handling characteristics with no-compromise comfort levels. It's a two-in-one solution from KONI that doesn't require the installation of sophisticated electronics, cables or sensors. Firmness for sporty driving on even road surfaces. Smoothness for a comfortable ride on uneven road surfaces. KONI's patented Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology actively controls the damping level on the basis of the vehicle's body and suspension movement frequency. Special Active shocks are a smart suspension system that adjusts automatically and in a fraction of a second to road conditions and driving style. **How It Works** In standard shock absorbers the main damping characteristic is defined by the oil flow going through the piston assembly (1). Combining it with the FSD feature (2), KONI added a special valve that controls an oil flow parallel to the one going through the piston rod (3). This parallel oil flow is closed by the FSD feature, giving a rise in damping force almost linear to the time that the piston is moving in one direction. Put simply, the FSD feature is a hydraulic amplifier that delays the buildup of pressure. In some ways an extra tuning option has been created in order to get the best possible combination of handling and comfort. Since it is an integrated part of the hydraulic valve system inside the damper, no additional cables, sensors or any other electronic devices are needed to operate a KONI Special Active damper. Read more in [Damper Dynamics ](https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=139). Fitment Note: Special Active dampers may not be compatible with lowering spring kits on some vehicles. If your vehicle has lowering springs, please contact a sales specialist before purchasing to confirm the fitment. Benefits * Excellent road holding and handing * Improved grip * Great stability * Optimum comfort level * Excellent body control * Added comfort for low profile tire applications * Maximized driving pleasure * No electronics, sensors or other components needed * Economical, effective solution

Desperate-Net-3509 2026-02-11 12:02

Does the 2026 standard European model Y have that upgrade too?

digjam 2026-02-11 12:50

This... exactly what I did and felt performance was much harder than premium. But.......I'm coming from 2018 M3 and I didn't notice a world of change. I felt the shocks were a bit muffled if u know what I mean. But could still feel the bumps like M3. Compare that to air suspension in other car it's night and day of course. I measured road noise in my "messed up windshield install" M3 and both premium awd and performance and I didn't notice any difference in numbers for whatever reason. Agreed it's not scientific but it's not significant either. What am I missing. M3: 81db @70 mph for 30 secs 58@ ambient /30 seconds My AWD: 77db @70mph for 30 sec 74db@20mph/90 secs 56db@ambient @30 seconds

FredPolk 2026-02-11 16:09

Can you post the parts breakdown you ordered?

s1lentharbinger 2026-02-11 18:00

I have the '24MyP and the suspension is nonexistent on anything outside a smooth highway. Everything else is bone (and body panel) rattling. Mind sharing more details on what you got, all in cost, etc.? Very interested to learn more

s1lentharbinger 2026-02-11 18:05

I'm not questioning your judgement here, more variables than can be reasonably examined and there's also personal bias in these types of reviews, but I would argue my '24 MYP is the worst suspension I've ever driven with, ever. It was nice at first, not overly noticeable, now it's all I notice. On interstate highways it's butter. Anything else, good luck. I've reduced tire psi to high 30's to try and compensate but doesn't help much. I wish my experience was more akin to yours. I have the 21's,maybe it needs the 19's idk

s1lentharbinger 2026-02-11 18:07

Details on parts you bought? Brand/model if applicable? Very curious

Gasser11432 2026-02-11 18:59

I have a 23 Y LR. I agree with you. Mine was from Austin factory, supposedly a comfort suspension and 19” wheels. Its crap. I had a 26 RWD Model Y as a rental and it was far superior in ride quality. It still wasn’t Lexus like, but I would say “acceptable plus”.

eSUP80 2026-02-11 20:36

I’d love to know how that works out

BDnets 2026-02-11 22:42

Did the 2023 have the “comfort suspension”?

NMSky301 2026-02-12 00:56

I grabbed a long range VIN and went on Tesla EPC and logged in, then put the VIN in. There’s a couple options for the suspension, but there’s a green dot next to the parts that come stock on the vehicle. Parts cost me right around a grand including tax. Used a reputable mobile guy in the area who came out to my house and did it for 350. I’m probably going to get an alignment soon so that’ll be another 150-200 on top as well.

s1lentharbinger 2026-02-12 01:23

Ah ok so you went with oem parts then. Not a bad idea, I will look into that. Thank you!

s1lentharbinger 2026-02-12 04:10

Many are simply curious for more info because at the price point of these cars it's not unrealistic to expect something more refined. Even though I disagree with your assessment, you sound like a world class clown.

Macademicz 2026-02-12 04:29

Don’t bother, get Mountain Pass Comfort Suspension. It’s considerably better than stock.

Flesentinee 2026-02-12 06:17

I drive a Juniper and got a pre-Juniper loaner. Amazing difference.

uselessinfodude 2026-02-13 04:27

I dunno... I have a Lexus... I think I prefer the suspension on my 25 M3. Huge improvement vs my 23 M3.

analyticsboi 2026-02-13 04:43

Wait are you saying m3 25 suspension is better than your lexus?

uselessinfodude 2026-02-13 04:49

I wouldn't say it's a huge difference, but for my taste yes I like the M3 slightly better. You also have to factor in the M3 is basically new with under 10k miles and the Lexus is a 2022 with almost 50k miles.

analyticsboi 2026-02-13 05:36

I didnt factor that in because i just met you now for the first time in my life, but thats eye opening

djbase667 2026-02-13 06:53

Got a late Berlin built MY24 model y legacy rwd with hw4 and I really can´t complain about the suspension! Better than any previous car I owned... It´s like riding the juniper... but with a more direct steering... Can´t complain about the built quality either! Feels really solid, no creaks no nothing!

colindgrant 2026-02-13 16:16

It’s possible I didn’t drive the 21s long enough to notice in the way you have. Only about ~1000mi on the 21” Uberturbines. I drive a lot of gravel roads, so they weren’t a good fit for me. Plus the 19” Gemini set saves 60+ lbs rolling mass! So maybe that is a solution for you.

mistashmee 2026-02-17 03:38

Did you have to order the parts thru a service center?

NMSky301 2026-02-17 03:54

Nah, EPC Tesla. Just grab a juniper VIN and there’s a green dot next to the stock parts on the vehicle.

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