brakes
Brake Caliper Slide Pins
for 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast Tri Motor AWD · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
10
Steps
8
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Inspect, clean, and lubricate (or replace) the brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast. Proper slide pin function prevents uneven pad wear and caliper bind — critical given the Cybertruck's ~6,800 lb curb weight and high regen/braking forces.
Warnings
⚠️This Cybertruck uses a 48V low-voltage architecture — NOT 12V. Use only 48V-rated tools/fuses/jumpers if working near LV electrical. Do NOT cross-connect to a 12V source.
⚠️Steer-by-wire: there is no mechanical link between the yoke and the wheels. Do not assume the wheels are locked because the yoke is. Always chock wheels and use jack stands.
⚠Air suspension: vehicle ride height can change unexpectedly. Place vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen before lifting to disable suspension self-leveling.
⚠Stainless steel exoskeleton — do not strike body panels with hammers or pry tools. Scratches and dents on stainless are not repairable like painted steel.
⚠Use only silicone-based, rubber-safe brake grease on slide pins. Petroleum greases will swell and destroy the rubber boots, causing seizure.
ℹ️If brake fluid is more than 2 years old, Tesla recommends a full brake fluid flush — consider performing it during this service.
Tools required
Torque wrench (5–150 Nm range)Essential
Metric socket setEssential
Metric hex/Allen socket setEssential
Floor jack rated for 7,000+ lb vehicleEssential
Jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential
Tesla-approved jack pad adapters (puck)Essential
Wire brush / nylon brush
Brake parts cleaner
Lint-free shop towels
Bungee cord or caliper hanger
Parts
- Caliper slide pin boots (inspect; replace if torn) × 1 — OEM Tesla Cybertruck caliper guide pin boot kit
- Caliper slide pins (replace if scored, corroded, or seized) × 1 — OEM Tesla Cybertruck caliper slide pin set
Fluids
- Silicone brake caliper grease (high-temp, rubber-safe)
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
- 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.
- Disconnect the low-voltage battery. NOTE: Cybertruck uses a 48V LV system (not 12V) — locate and disconnect per Tesla Service Manual; use 48V-appropriate procedures.
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage (800V on Cybertruck) and lethal.
- 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.
- Enable Jack Mode (Controls → Service → Jack Mode) BEFORE disconnecting LV power, so air suspension is locked at service height.
- Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground.
- Loosen wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
- Lift the vehicle using Tesla-specified jack pad locations and support on rated jack stands.
- Remove the wheel to access the caliper.
Procedure
- 1Inspect caliper and slide pin bootsWith the wheel removed, visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, and pad wear. Note any torn boots, leaking grease, or uneven pad wear — these indicate the slide pins are seized or contaminated and must be replaced, not just lubricated.
- 2Remove caliper slide pin boltsUsing the appropriate hex/Allen socket, remove the upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the caliper bracket. Support the caliper as the second bolt comes free — do not let it hang by the flexible brake hose.⚠Never allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose — internal damage to the hose can cause delayed brake failure.
- 3Suspend the caliperUse a bungee cord or caliper hanger to support the caliper from the suspension upright or control arm. Keep the brake hose unkinked and routed naturally.
- 4Extract slide pins from caliper bracketPull each slide pin straight out of its bore in the caliper bracket. Carefully peel back the rubber boot at the bracket end without tearing it. If a pin is seized, do not pry on the boot — work the pin gently with twisting motion.
- 5Clean pins and boresWipe old grease off the slide pins with a lint-free towel. Clean the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket using brake parts cleaner and a nylon brush. Inspect pins for scoring, corrosion pitting, or galling — replace if any is found. Inspect rubber boots for tears, dry rot, or hardening — replace if compromised.⚠Do not use a wire wheel or sandpaper on the slide pin shafts — this destroys the precision fit and accelerates wear.
- 6Apply silicone brake greaseApply a thin, even film of silicone brake caliper grease to the full length of each slide pin shaft. Pack a small amount of grease into the inside of each rubber boot. Do NOT overfill — excess grease creates hydraulic lock and prevents the pin from seating fully.
- 7Reinstall slide pinsInsert each slide pin into its bore in the caliper bracket. Seat the rubber boot lip fully into the groove on both ends. Verify the pin slides freely in and out of the bore — there should be no binding or stiction.
- 8Reinstall caliper and torque slide pin boltsPosition the caliper over the brake pads and align with the slide pins. Thread both slide pin bolts in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification.Torque specCaliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall the wheel; hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering.
- Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
- Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Service Manual procedure.
- Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen — air suspension will resume normal operation.
- Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until firm to seat the pads against the rotor.
Verification
- With the vehicle stationary, press the brake pedal firmly — pedal should be firm and not sink.
- Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen related to brake system, ABS, or stability control.
- Drive at low speed (under 15 mph) in a safe area and perform several light brake applications. Listen for clunking, dragging, or pulling — any of these indicate a slide pin not seated correctly or a caliper bracket bolt loose.
- After a short drive, recheck wheel temperature by hand near (not on) the rotor — a significantly hotter wheel than its counterpart suggests caliper bind from a seized slide pin.
- Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — note the date if not already done.
- Reminder: Cybertruck wheels should be re-torqued after 50–100 miles of driving and tires rotated approximately every 6,250 mi.