Brake Pads - Front

Replace the front brake pads on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD. The Cybertruck uses large front calipers paired with the 48V low-voltage architecture; standard brake pad service does not require HV work but Service Mode should be used to retract any electronic actuation and disable regen creep.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set — OEM Cybertruck front pads × 1 — Tesla Cybertruck front brake pad kit (OEM specification)
• Pad clips/anti-rattle hardware (if supplied with pad kit) × 1 — Included with OEM pad kit

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if needed)

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's documented Cybertruck procedure (NOT a standard 12V battery — connectors and location differ from S/3/X/Y).
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. Enable Jack Mode and Service Mode via the touchscreen before disconnecting low-voltage power, so air suspension is locked and brake system is in service state.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points and support on properly rated jack stands.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on a non-marring surface (the Cybertruck wheel finish scratches easily).
10. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap briefly to relieve pressure, then re-cover with a clean lint-free cloth (do not leave open to atmosphere). Be ready to siphon a small amount if it is near MAX, since pushing pistons back will raise the level.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper, rotor, and hardware
   Visually inspect the front caliper, rotor surface, dust boots, and slide pin boots for damage, leaks, or excessive corrosion. Measure rotor thickness and compare against the minimum spec stamped on the rotor hat. If rotor is below spec or scored, replace rotors as well — do not install new pads on a worn rotor.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide/guide pin bolts
   Locate the caliper guide pin bolts (typically two, accessed from the inboard side of the caliper). Hold the slide pin with a wrench if required to prevent rotation, and remove the bolts. Retain hardware for inspection — replace if corroded or damaged.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lift caliper off and support it
   Carefully pivot or slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Support the caliper with a wire hook or bungee cord from a suspension component. DO NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose — this will damage the hose and potentially the internal liner.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang from the flexible brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Slide the inner and outer pads out of the caliper bracket. Note orientation (wear sensor location if equipped, inner vs outer). Remove the anti-rattle clips/abutment shims from the bracket and discard if replacements are supplied in the new pad kit.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean caliper bracket and slide pins
   Pull each slide pin out of the bracket, wipe clean, and inspect the rubber boots for tears. Clean the pin bores with brake cleaner. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to each slide pin and reinsert, working the boot to seat properly with no trapped air. Clean the pad abutment surfaces on the bracket with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Compress caliper piston(s)
   With Service Mode active and the reservoir cap loose, use a piston compression tool to slowly press the piston(s) fully back into the caliper bore. Watch the brake fluid reservoir level — siphon excess if necessary to prevent overflow. If a piston binds or will not retract, STOP and diagnose before continuing.
   ⚠Brake fluid will damage paint and the Cybertruck's stainless finish if left to dry. Wipe spills immediately with clean water.
7. 7

   Install new pad hardware and pads
   Install new abutment clips/anti-rattle hardware into the caliper bracket (dry — do not grease the pad backing plate contact surfaces unless the pad kit explicitly includes shim grease). Apply a thin layer of brake-specific anti-squeal grease only to the pad backing plate ears where they contact the clips, per pad manufacturer instructions. Slide new inner and outer pads into position, ensuring correct orientation.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper over new pads
   Lower the caliper body back over the new pads onto the bracket. Verify the slide pins align freely. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper guide pin bolt threads as specified, then thread bolts in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque caliper guide pin bolts
   Torque the caliper slide/guide pin bolts to the verified specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify final seating of the boot at each pin.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat on opposite front wheel
    Repeat steps 1–9 on the other front corner. Always service brakes in pairs (both front pads replaced together) to maintain even braking.
11. 11

    Verify brake fluid level and cap reservoir
    With both calipers reassembled and pistons seated, check the brake fluid reservoir. Top off with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container only if below MAX. Securely reinstall the reservoir cap.
    ℹ️If brake fluid is dark or older than 2 years, perform a full brake fluid flush per Tesla's 2-year interval.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying any torque.
2. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified specification.
4. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla procedure.
5. Exit Service Mode and Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
6. With the vehicle stationary and in P, pump the brake pedal firmly multiple times until it becomes firm — this seats the pistons against the new pads. Do NOT attempt to drive until pedal is firm.
7. Verify brake fluid level one more time after pedal pump-up; top off if needed.

Verification

• Pedal feel: brake pedal must be firm and high after 3–5 pumps; a soft or sinking pedal indicates air in the system or a leak — do not drive.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake-related alerts or ABS/EBB warnings after exiting Service Mode.
• Perform a low-speed (5–10 mph) brake test in a safe area before road use; listen for grinding, dragging, or pulling.
• Bed-in the new pads per the pad manufacturer's procedure (typically a series of moderate stops from ~35 mph). Note: regenerative braking on the Cybertruck reduces friction-brake usage, so proper bed-in is important to deposit transfer film evenly.
• After the first ~50 miles, recheck wheel lug nut torque in a star pattern.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this service date.

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