Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

Replace rear brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast Tri Motor. The Cybertruck uses an electric parking brake integrated into the rear caliper which must be retracted via service mode before the caliper can be opened.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (Cybertruck Cyberbeast OEM-spec) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rear pad set for Cybertruck Cyberbeast — confirm via VIN
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Manufacturer-specified rear rotor for Cybertruck Cyberbeast — confirm via VIN
• Caliper bracket bolts (if single-use per service manual) × 4 — OEM specification — verify reuse policy in Tesla Service Manual
• Caliper slide / guide pin bolts (if single-use) × 4 — OEM specification — verify reuse policy

Fluids

• DOT 3 brake fluid (top-off only if needed) — 0.25 qt
• Silicone caliper slide pin grease (as needed)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake (you will release it via service mode in a later step).
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 low-voltage battery. NOTE: This Cybertruck uses a 48V low-voltage architecture (not 12V). Locate the 48V auxiliary battery per the Tesla Service Manual and disconnect the negative terminal using insulated tools rated for 48V.
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. BEFORE disconnecting the low-voltage battery: enter the vehicle's service menu on the touchscreen and place the EPB in 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent caliper service mode). Confirm the rear EPB actuators have retracted.
7. On the touchscreen, enable 'Jack Mode' to disable air suspension self-leveling.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while the wheels are still on the ground.
9. Chock the front wheels, lift the rear of the vehicle at the OEM-designated jack points using approved pucks, and support on jack stands rated for Cybertruck weight.
10. Now disconnect the 48V low-voltage battery as described above.
11. Remove rear wheels and set aside on a non-marring surface.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect both rear corners for damaged hardware, leaking caliper seals, torn EPB actuator boots, scored rotors, and abnormal pad wear patterns. Photograph routing of EPB cable/connector before disturbing anything. If a leak or torn EPB boot is found, stop and address before proceeding.
2. 2

   Confirm EPB is in service mode
   Verify that the EPB pistons are fully retracted from the service mode command issued during preparation. The piston should rotate freely under light hand pressure with the wind-back tool. If the EPB did not retract, re-enable service mode before disconnecting the 48V battery — you cannot retract the EPB with the LV system de-energized.
   ⚠Forcing a non-retracted EPB piston in with a C-clamp WILL destroy the actuator gearset.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide/guide pin bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper — do not let it hang by the brake hose or EPB harness. Hang it from a suspension component with a wire hook or bungee.
   ⚠Do not stress or kink the EPB electrical harness when supporting the caliper.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads
   Slide the outer and inner pads out of the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and location of any anti-rattle clips or shims. Inspect the abutment clips — replace if corroded or deformed.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. These are typically high-torque fasteners with threadlocker — use a breaker bar. Inspect bolts for thread damage; replace if the service manual specifies single-use.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rotor
   If the rotor is held by a small retaining screw or clip, remove it. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized due to corrosion at the hub face, apply penetrating oil and tap the rotor hat (NOT the friction surface) with a soft-faced mallet. Some rotors have threaded jacking holes — use them if available.
   ⚠Never strike the rotor friction surface or the hub itself. Cybertruck wheel bearings are not user-serviceable and impact damage can require knuckle replacement.
7. 7

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face to bare, flat metal. Any rust or debris will cause rotor runout, brake pulsation, and possible lug torque loss. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize ONLY to the hub center pilot — keep it off the wheel mounting surface and lug studs.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil from both friction surfaces. Install onto the hub and secure with the retaining screw if equipped. Verify the rotor seats flush against the hub face.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads (per torque spec note). Install the bracket onto the knuckle and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Service slide pins and install new pads
    Remove slide pins from the bracket, clean, inspect boots for tears, and re-lubricate with silicone brake grease. Reinstall abutment clips/shims. Install new inner and outer pads into the bracket, ensuring they slide freely in the abutment clips.
11. 11

    Wind back caliper piston
    With the EPB confirmed in service mode, use a brake piston wind-back tool to rotate the rear piston clockwise while applying light inward pressure until fully seated. The rear piston rotates — it does not simply push in.
    ⚠Monitor the brake fluid reservoir — pushing pistons back will raise fluid level. Siphon excess if necessary to prevent overflow.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper
    Place the caliper body over the new pads onto the bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pin bolt threads as specified, then install and torque the caliper slide pin bolts.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat on opposite rear corner
    Perform steps 1-12 on the other rear wheel. Both rear pads and rotors must be replaced as a pair.

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is between MIN and MAX. Top off only with fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container if low.
2. Reinstall rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before lifting any weight onto them.
3. Lower vehicle until tires just touch the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Lower vehicle fully and remove jack stands.
5. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery negative terminal. Torque per OEM specification.
6. Close all doors, allow the vehicle to wake and reinitialize systems (this can take several minutes on Cybertruck due to steer-by-wire and 48V system handshakes).
7. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode and exit Jack Mode. Confirm the EPB cycles (you will hear the rear actuators engage).

Verification

• With foot on brake pedal, pump pedal 5-10 times until firm — pistons must take up pad clearance before the vehicle is moved.
• Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen related to EPB, ABS, ESC, or brake fluid level.
• Cycle the EPB on and off via the touchscreen and confirm both rear actuators engage and release with no fault codes.
• At very low speed (under 5 mph) in a clear area, perform several gentle stops to seat the pads and verify normal pedal feel and no pulling.
• Perform a manufacturer-recommended pad bed-in procedure: a series of moderate stops from approximately 30 mph to 5 mph, followed by a cool-down without holding the brakes.
• Re-check lug nut torque after the first 50 miles in a star pattern.
• Brake fluid service note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If due, perform a full flush with DOT 3 — torque the bleeder screws to specification and verify the bleed sequence in the Tesla Service Manual.
• Inspect rear pads and rotors at every tire rotation (Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 mi on Cybertruck due to weight and instant torque).

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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