brakes
Brake Caliper - Rear
for 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
13
Steps
12
✓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.
Replacement of a rear brake caliper on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD. The Cybertruck uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes at the rear, but the 48V architecture and air suspension require specific precautions during lifting and disconnection.
Warnings
⚠️Cybertruck uses a 48V low-voltage architecture, NOT 12V. Connectors, fuses, and accessories differ from other Teslas. Confirm you are working on the 48V LV system, not orange HV cables.
⚠️Steer-by-wire vehicle: do not move the yoke while LV power is connected with wheels off the ground unless service manual instructs. There is no mechanical steering linkage.
⚠Air suspension: disable suspension service mode via the touchscreen before lifting. The vehicle can change ride height unexpectedly and crush a technician.
⚠Brake fluid is hygroscopic and damages paint and the stainless exoskeleton finish. Wipe spills immediately with water.
⚠Stainless steel exoskeleton — do not strike body panels with a hammer or pry against them. Use only Tesla-approved jack points.
ℹ️Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If fluid is older, perform a full flush after this job.
Tools required
Torque wrench (10–150 Nm range)Essential
Metric socket setEssential
Metric hex/Torx bit setEssential
Line wrench (flare-nut wrench) setEssential
Brake caliper hanger or bungeeEssential
Brake fluid catch bottle and clear bleeder hoseEssential
Brake bleeder wrenchEssential
Brake cleaner
Floor jack rated for Cybertruck curb weightEssential
Jack stands rated for Cybertruck curb weightEssential
Tesla-approved jack pad adaptersEssential
Threadlocker (medium strength, blue)Essential
Shop vacuum or syringe for reservoir fluid
Parts
- Rear brake caliper assembly (Cybertruck-specific, left or right as applicable) × 1 — OEM Tesla Cybertruck rear caliper — verify side
- Copper crush washers for banjo fitting × 2 — OEM specification — new washers required
- Brake pads (inspect; replace if worn or contaminated) × 1 — OEM Cybertruck rear pad set
- Caliper mounting bolts (if single-use per service manual) × 2 — Verify reuse policy in Tesla Service Manual
Fluids
- DOT 3 Brake Fluid (Tesla-spec) — 1 qt
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 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Service Manual procedure for Cybertruck (note: this is a 48V system, not 12V — connectors and disconnect procedure differ from S/3/X/Y).
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal on the 800V pack.
- 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.
- Enter Service Mode / Jack Mode on the touchscreen to lock air suspension at a fixed ride height before lifting.
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
- Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using approved pad adapters; support on rated jack stands.
- Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
- Place a drip pan under the caliper and have a brake fluid catch bottle ready.
Procedure
- 1Inspect and documentInspect the caliper, hose, bracket, rotor, and pads. Photograph routing of the brake hose, any clips, and the parking brake (if equipped on the rear caliper) electrical/cable connection for reference during reassembly.
- 2Reduce reservoir fluid levelOpen the brake fluid reservoir under the front trunk area and draw out fluid down to the MIN line using a clean syringe or vacuum. This prevents overflow when the caliper is disconnected. Do not let the reservoir run dry.⚠Brake fluid will damage paint and finishes. Cover surrounding areas.
- 3Disconnect parking brake actuator (if applicable)The Cybertruck rear caliper integrates the electric parking brake. Disconnect the EPB electrical connector at the caliper. If the EPB must be retracted electronically before service, follow the Tesla Service Manual procedure — refer to Tesla Service Manual for the correct service-mode sequence.⚠Do not pry the EPB connector with metal tools — release the locking tab by hand.
- 4Disconnect the brake hosePlace a catch bottle under the caliper. Loosen the banjo bolt at the caliper. Remove the banjo bolt and discard the two copper crush washers. Cap or plug the hose immediately to limit fluid loss and contamination.⚠Do not let the hose hang by its fitting — support it.
- 5Remove caliper mounting boltsSupport the caliper. Remove the two caliper mounting bolts that secure the caliper assembly to the bracket (or to the knuckle, depending on configuration). If the bracket is also being replaced, remove the caliper bracket bolts from the knuckle.Torque specCaliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
- 6Remove the caliperLift the caliper off the rotor. If reusing pads, note their orientation. Inspect the rotor and pads for damage or contamination from brake fluid; replace pads if contaminated.
- 7Prepare the new caliperCompare the new caliper to the old one for correct part, side, and EPB orientation. Transfer pads if reusing, or install new pads. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper mounting bolt threads as specified.
- 8Install the new caliperPosition the caliper over the rotor and pads. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification. If the bracket was removed, install bracket bolts with threadlocker and torque first.Torque specCaliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect the brake hose with new copper washersInstall the banjo fitting using TWO new copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo eye). Hand-thread the banjo bolt, then torque to specification. Ensure the hose is not twisted and routes as photographed.⚠Reusing copper washers can cause a slow brake fluid leak — always replace.
- 10Reconnect EPB connectorReconnect the electric parking brake connector at the caliper, ensuring the locking tab is fully seated.
- 11Bleed the caliperTop off the reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Bleed the rear caliper using the manufacturer-specified bleed sequence — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Open the bleeder, expel air until clean fluid runs without bubbles, then close. Torque the bleeder screw carefully — do not overtighten. Keep reservoir above MIN throughout.⚠Cybertruck may require a service-tool-assisted bleed for the iBooster/electronic brake module. If pedal feel remains soft after manual bleed, a Tesla-certified bleed cycle is required.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 12Top off reservoir and inspectFill the reservoir to MAX with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Inspect the banjo fitting and bleeder for leaks under pedal pressure. Wipe any spilled fluid with water immediately.
Reassembly
- Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
- Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Service Manual procedure.
- Exit Service/Jack Mode on the touchscreen and allow air suspension to return to normal ride height.
- Cycle the brake pedal multiple times until firm before moving the vehicle.
- Cycle the electric parking brake several times via the touchscreen / shifter to set EPB pad position.
Verification
- With the vehicle stationary, press the brake pedal — it should be firm and not sink under steady pressure.
- Inspect the banjo fitting, bleeder, and hose junction for any seepage after several pedal applications.
- Check the touchscreen for any ABS, EPB, traction control, or brake-system warnings; clear codes via Tesla service tooling if needed.
- Test the electric parking brake engagement and release.
- Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area, then a moderate-speed stop, listening for pulling, dragging, or noise.
- Recheck reservoir level after the test drive and top off if needed.
- Reminder: Tesla recommends complete brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log the date and consider a full flush if the existing fluid is near or past that interval.
- Torque lug nuts again after approximately 50–100 miles of driving.