Brake Bleed - All Four

Complete brake fluid bleed on all four corners of a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. This is a routine 2-year service item per Tesla's published maintenance recommendations, regardless of mileage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if damaged) × 4 — OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid (Tesla specification — note: database default lists DOT 3, but Model 3 uses DOT 4 per architecture notes; verify with current Tesla service documentation) — 1 qt

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 12V (or 16V/48V on applicable models) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel; some 2024+ units use a lithium 12V under the floor — confirm location before disconnecting.
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 Tow/Service Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting the 12V if possible — this prevents the air suspension (N/A on Model 3) and ride-height systems from cycling and reduces the chance of the car attempting to wake during service.
7. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle using only Tesla-approved jack points on the rocker rails with appropriate puck adapters. Support on four jack stands.
9. Remove all four wheels.
10. Inspect each bleeder screw for corrosion before starting — seized bleeders are common and snapping one mid-job will require caliper replacement.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare brake fluid reservoir
   Open the front trunk (frunk) and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver's side firewall area. Note the current fluid level and color — dark/brown fluid confirms service is overdue. Using a clean turkey baster or syringe, evacuate as much old fluid from the reservoir as possible without going below the MIN line internally where it could expose the ports. Refill to MAX with fresh DOT 4.
   ⚠Do not spill fluid on the frunk liner or surrounding aluminum/painted body panels.
2. 2

   Connect power bleeder to reservoir
   Install the power bleeder cap adapter on the brake fluid reservoir. Pressurize to the bleeder manufacturer's recommended pressure (typically 10-15 psi). Verify no leaks at the cap before proceeding. Alternatively, if using a vacuum bleeder at each caliper, keep the reservoir manually topped off throughout the entire procedure — never let it drop below MIN.
   ⚠️Allowing air into the master cylinder/iBooster on a Tesla may require dealer-level diagnostic equipment to fully bleed. Monitor reservoir level constantly.
3. 3

   Determine bleed sequence
   Follow the manufacturer-specified bleed sequence. The traditional sequence (furthest from master cylinder first) is right rear, left rear, right front, left front. VERIFY THIS SEQUENCE WITH THE TESLA SERVICE MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE before proceeding, as Tesla's iBooster/ABS architecture may require a different order.
   ⚠Incorrect bleed sequence on an iBooster-equipped vehicle can leave trapped air in the ABS module.
4. 4

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Remove the dust cap from the right rear bleeder screw. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder, with the other end submerged in a catch bottle containing a small amount of fresh fluid. Place a box wrench on the bleeder. Open the bleeder approximately 1/4 to 1/2 turn and let fluid flow until it runs clear, bubble-free, and matches the color of fresh fluid (typically 200-300 ml per corner). Close the bleeder.
   ⚠Bleeder screws are made of relatively soft steel and corrode easily. Use a properly fitting line wrench or 6-point box wrench — never an open-end wrench or 12-point socket.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Torque right rear bleeder screw
   Torque the bleeder screw to specification. Do not overtighten — the bleeder seat is conical and can crack the caliper. Wipe away any residual fluid with brake cleaner and a lint-free towel. Reinstall the dust cap.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Repeat the bleed procedure on the left rear caliper. Continue monitoring reservoir level — top off the power bleeder or reservoir as needed. Watch for the fluid color transition from old (amber/dark) to new (clear/light yellow).
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to the right front caliper and repeat the bleed procedure. Front calipers on the Model 3 Long Range typically have larger pistons and may require slightly more fluid volume to fully purge.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Bleed left front caliper
   Bleed the left front (closest to master cylinder) last. Confirm clean, clear, bubble-free flow before closing. Torque the bleeder to spec.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Depressurize and remove power bleeder
   Slowly depressurize the power bleeder per its manufacturer instructions before removing the cap adapter from the reservoir. Adjust the reservoir fluid level to between MIN and MAX with fresh DOT 4. Reinstall the OEM reservoir cap securely.
   ⚠Removing a pressurized bleeder cap will spray brake fluid — eye protection and depressurization are mandatory.
10. 10

    ABS module bleed (if required)
    If the brake pedal feels spongy after manual bleeding, the ABS/iBooster module may require an active bleed cycle. This typically requires Tesla Toolbox software to command the ABS module to cycle its valves. If this is needed and you do not have Toolbox access, stop and refer the vehicle to a Tesla-certified technician — DO NOT release the vehicle with a spongy pedal.
    ⚠️A spongy or sinking pedal indicates trapped air. Do not drive the vehicle until pedal feel is firm and consistent.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels, hand-tightening lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque all lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Close the frunk and any opened panels.
6. Wake the vehicle and allow all systems to fully boot before testing the brakes.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake and 12V reconnected, press the brake pedal multiple times. Pedal must feel firm and consistent — no sponginess, no sinking.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake system, ABS, traction control, or stability control warning messages. Clear any transient codes that resulted from the 12V disconnect.
• Inspect each bleeder screw and the reservoir cap for leaks.
• Confirm reservoir level is between MIN and MAX.
• Perform a low-speed brake test (5-10 mph in a safe area) before any road test. Verify even, straight-line stopping with no pulling.
• Perform a moderate-speed road test. Confirm regenerative braking blends smoothly with friction braking and that ABS does not falsely activate.
• Log the service date — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Set a reminder for the next interval.
• Verify wheel lug nut torque again after 50-100 miles of driving.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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