Replacement of both front brake rotors on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor. The Cybertruck uses large-diameter front rotors with fixed or floating calipers depending on build; this procedure covers rotor swap only, not pad replacement (though pad inspection is included).

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake rotors (Cybertruck-specific, OEM or OEM-equivalent matched pair) × 2 — Tesla Cybertruck front rotor — verify against VIN at parts counter
• Rotor set screws (replace if damaged on removal) × 2 — OEM rotor retaining set screw
• Brake pad hardware/clips (inspect, replace if worn) × 1 — OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 (Cybertruck uses 48V LV architecture, not 12V). Refer to the Tesla Service Manual for the 48V LV disconnect location and procedure on Cybertruck.
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. Place the vehicle in Transport / Jack Mode via the touchscreen so the air suspension does not attempt to self-level once raised. Refer to the Owner's Manual for the current menu path.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground (1/4 turn).
8. Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack rated for Cybertruck weight at the manufacturer-specified front lift points. Support on rated jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on the stainless-friendly surface (avoid placing wheels against the body).

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake assembly before disassembly
   Photograph the caliper, bracket, and any wear sensor or pad-wear wiring routing on both sides for reference. Note pad thickness, rotor wear lip, and any unusual wear patterns. Cybertruck front brakes are larger than other Tesla models — confirm replacement rotor diameter and thickness match OEM spec before proceeding.
2. 2

   Compress caliper piston(s)
   If the caliper is a floating design, gently compress the piston back into the bore using a C-clamp or piston tool against an old pad to seat evenly. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap first and monitor level — fluid will rise. Do NOT force fluid back through ABS hard lines aggressively. If the caliper is a fixed multi-piston design, skip piston compression and simply remove the pads after caliper removal.
   ⚠Do not pry against the rotor surface or caliper body in a way that twists the brake hose.
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts (floating caliper) or the caliper-to-knuckle bolts (fixed caliper). Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee — DO NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Set aside without disconnecting the hydraulic line.
   ⚠If the brake hose appears strained at any point, reposition the caliper hanger immediately.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake pads (if equipped with floating caliper)
   Remove pads and any anti-rattle clips/shims. Inspect for uneven wear, glazing, or contamination. If pads are at or near minimum thickness, plan to replace them along with the rotors — do not reinstall worn pads on new rotors.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket from knuckle
   Remove the front caliper bracket bolts from the steering knuckle. These are high-torque fasteners and likely use thread locker from the factory — a breaker bar will be required. Discard old thread locker residue from the bolts and clean the threads in the knuckle.
   ⚠These bolts are critical fasteners. Inspect for stretch or damage; replace if questionable.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Remove the rotor retaining set screw (small Torx or hex on the rotor hat). If seized, use an impact driver to break it loose without stripping. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If corroded to the hub, apply penetrating oil to the hub-rotor interface and tap the rotor hat (NOT the friction surface) with a dead-blow mallet, or thread bolts into the rotor's puller-screw holes if equipped.
   ⚠Do not strike the stainless body or suspension components with a hammer. Work only on the rotor itself.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mating surface to remove all rust and scale. The new rotor MUST sit flat against a clean hub — any debris will cause runout, pedal pulsation, and uneven pad wear. Optionally apply a very light film of anti-seize to the hub center pilot only (NOT to the rotor friction face or stud holes).
   ⚠Keep all anti-seize, grease, and oil away from rotor friction surfaces and pad faces.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake parts cleaner to remove shipping oil. Place rotor on hub, aligning the set-screw hole, and install the set screw.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply a drop of medium-strength (blue) thread locker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install the bracket to the knuckle and torque to specification. Verify even seating.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall pads and caliper
    Reinstall pads (new if pad life is questionable) with hardware/clips correctly oriented. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins (floating caliper only) — never to pad friction faces. Slide caliper over rotor and install caliper/slide pin bolts with thread locker as specified.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite front wheel
    Perform steps 1–10 on the other front wheel. Always replace front rotors as a pair to maintain even braking.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying any torque.
2. Lower vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Verify brake fluid reservoir is between MIN and MAX. Top off with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid if low. Reinstall reservoir cap.
4. Reconnect the 48V low-voltage battery per Tesla Service Manual procedure.
5. Exit Jack Mode / Transport Mode. Allow air suspension to re-level.

Verification

• BEFORE driving: with vehicle in P and parking brake released, press the brake pedal firmly several times until pedal becomes firm. The first 2-3 presses will feel soft as the caliper pistons take up clearance against the new rotors. Do NOT skip this step — first pedal press while moving will go to the floor if you do.
• Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen (ABS, brake, suspension faults).
• Bed-in the new rotors per the rotor manufacturer's procedure: typically a series of moderate stops from ~60→15 mph followed by a cool-down period, avoiding hard stops or holding the pedal at a stop while rotors are hot. Cybertruck's regen will reduce friction-brake usage during normal driving — bedding-in must be done deliberately.
• Test drive at low speed first, listening for scraping, pulsation, or pull. Then verify normal braking at higher speeds.
• After test drive, re-check lug nut torque in star pattern and inspect for any fluid weeping at the caliper.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years. If fluid is older than that, schedule a full bleed at the bleeder screws to specification.

More procedures for this vehicle