Replace the front brake pads on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast Tri Motor. The Cybertruck uses large performance front calipers; pad replacement is straightforward but requires Service Mode to retract the electric parking brake-equipped caliper pistons safely if the rear is also being serviced — front pistons retract conventionally.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (Cybertruck-specific, includes hardware/shims) × 1 — Tesla OEM Cybertruck front pad set — verify against VIN
• Caliper hardware/abutment clips (if not included with pads) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified brake hardware kit

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if needed) — 0.25 qt
• Silicone brake caliper grease (for slide pins and pad contact points)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
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 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla service documentation for Cybertruck. Note: Cybertruck's low-voltage architecture is 48V, not 12V — connectors and disconnect procedures differ from S/3/X/Y.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage (800V on Cybertruck) 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 low-voltage power, enter Service Mode via the touchscreen and activate Jack Mode to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen front lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground (just break torque).
8. Lift the front of the vehicle using Tesla-approved jack pad adapters at the designated front lift points. Support with rated jack stands.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on a non-marring surface to protect the wheel finish.
10. Inspect rotor surface, caliper, and dust boots before disassembly — note any damage or fluid leakage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare brake fluid reservoir
   Open the front trunk and locate the brake fluid reservoir. Remove the cap and use a fluid extractor to remove approximately 1/3 of the fluid to prevent overflow when pistons are compressed. Inspect fluid color — if dark/contaminated, plan a full brake fluid flush (Tesla's 2-year interval).
   ⚠DOT 3 brake fluid damages paint and stainless steel finishes — wipe spills immediately.
2. 2

   Position caliper for pad access
   Locate the front caliper. Identify the caliper slide/guide pin bolts (typically two, accessed from the inboard side of the caliper). Hold the slide pin with a wrench while loosening the slide bolts. Remove the bolts and lift the caliper body off the bracket, leaving the bracket attached to the knuckle.
   ⚠Support the caliper with a bungee or wire from the suspension — do not let it hang by the brake hose.
3. 3

   Remove old pads and inspect hardware
   Slide the outer and inner pads out of the caliper bracket. Note orientation, wear sensor location (if equipped), and shim placement. Inspect abutment clips/anti-rattle hardware for corrosion or fatigue — replace if included with new pad kit.
4. 4

   Clean caliper bracket and slide pins
   Remove the slide pins from the bracket bores. Wipe old grease, clean the pins and bores with brake cleaner, inspect dust boots for tears, and apply fresh silicone brake caliper grease to the pins before reinserting. Clean the pad abutment surfaces on the bracket with a wire brush.
   ⚠Do not use petroleum-based grease on slide pins — it will swell rubber boots.
5. 5

   Compress caliper pistons
   Using a brake piston compression tool or large C-clamp with the old outer pad as a buffer, slowly compress each caliper piston back into its bore. Watch the master cylinder reservoir level to ensure it does not overflow.
   ⚠Compress pistons evenly and slowly. Front Cybertruck calipers are multi-piston — compress all pistons in parallel to avoid cocking them in their bores.
6. 6

   Install new pads
   Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad backing plate contact points (NOT the friction surface). Install new abutment clips if provided. Seat new pads into the caliper bracket with the friction material facing the rotor. Ensure wear indicator (if equipped) is positioned per pad set instructions.
   ⚠Keep grease, oil, and fingerprints off the pad friction surface and rotor face.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper body
   Lift the caliper body back over the new pads onto the bracket. Reinstall the slide bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Torque to specification while holding the slide pin steady with a wrench.
8. 8

   Inspect rotor and clean
   Spray rotor face with brake cleaner to remove any grease or fingerprints transferred during the procedure. Inspect rotor for grooves, scoring, or excessive lip — measure thickness against minimum spec stamped on the rotor hat if uncertain.
9. 9

   Top off brake fluid
   Check brake fluid level in the reservoir; top off with fresh DOT 3 to the MAX line if needed. Reinstall reservoir cap securely.
10. 10

    Repeat on opposite front wheel
    Perform the same procedure on the other front brake. Always replace pads as an axle set — never pad one side only.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery.
5. Power on the vehicle and exit Jack Mode / Service Mode via the touchscreen — allow air suspension to re-level.

Verification

• With the vehicle powered on and in P, pump the brake pedal firmly 5-10 times until pedal feel is firm — pads must seat against the rotor before driving.
• Verify no brake warning lights, ABS faults, or stability control errors on the touchscreen.
• Check brake fluid level once more after pedal pump.
• Perform a low-speed (under 10 mph) brake test in a safe area before normal driving — verify pedal firmness and even braking with no pulling.
• Bed in new pads per pad manufacturer's procedure (typically series of moderate stops from 30-40 mph, avoiding full stops while hot).
• Inspect both front wheels for any fluid leaks after the first drive.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this date if fluid was not replaced.
• Re-torque lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving (standard practice on heavy vehicles).

More procedures for this vehicle