brakes
Brake Fluid Flush
for 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
11
Steps
10
Complete brake fluid flush on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD, replacing all old fluid in the system with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid at all four calipers. Tesla recommends this service every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Warnings
ℹ️Tesla's published brake fluid service interval is every 2 years regardless of mileage. Vehicle data note lists DOT 3, but Tesla Model 3 service documentation specifies DOT 4 — use DOT 4 only.
⚠Brake fluid is hygroscopic and damages paint. Do not spill on body panels — the Model 3 uses mixed steel/aluminum panels and fluid will etch finishes quickly. Rinse spills immediately with water.
⚠Do not allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the flush — air ingestion will require a full ABS module bleed which on Tesla typically requires Toolbox software at a service center.
⚠️Even though this is a non-HV job, the orange HV cabling runs under the vehicle. Never strike, pierce, or pry against any orange cable when working under the car.
⚠Model 3 jacking points are specific — use Tesla-approved jack pucks at the designated body points only. Lifting elsewhere can damage the battery pack enclosure.
Tools required
Pressure brake bleeder or vacuum bleederEssential
Clear bleeder hose and catch bottleEssential
Box-end wrench for bleeder screw (typically 10mm)Essential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Torque wrench (50-150 Nm range)Essential
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Tesla-approved jack pad pucks (4)Essential
21mm socket for lug nutsEssential
Turkey baster or fluid extraction syringe
Lint-free shop towels
Nitrile gloves and safety glasses
Parts
- Master cylinder reservoir cap O-ring (inspect, replace if damaged) × 1 — manufacturer-specified seal
Fluids
- DOT 4 Brake Fluid (sealed, unopened container) — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place the vehicle in P, and engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
- Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
- Disconnect the 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery — on 2024 Model 3, locate per architecture notes (behind right rear seat back panel, or under-floor Li-ion unit on later 2024 builds). Disable the low-voltage system per Tesla's documented procedure before disconnecting.
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage 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.
- Confirm you have a fresh, sealed container of DOT 4 brake fluid. Do not use previously opened fluid — it absorbs moisture from the air.
- Loosen (but do not remove) all four wheel lug nuts before lifting.
- Lift the vehicle using only Tesla-designated jack points with approved pucks; support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
- Remove all four wheels to access the calipers.
Procedure
- 1Inspect and clean the master cylinder reservoirOpen the frunk and locate the brake master cylinder reservoir on the driver side of the firewall area. Wipe the cap and surrounding area thoroughly with a lint-free cloth before removing the cap to prevent contamination ingress.⚠Any debris that enters the reservoir can damage ABS module solenoids — clean the cap area before opening.
- 2Extract old fluid from the reservoirRemove the reservoir cap. Use a clean turkey baster or fluid extraction syringe to remove as much of the old, dark fluid from the reservoir as possible without exposing the internal screen/pickup. Dispose of waste fluid in an approved container.
- 3Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 4Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh, sealed DOT 4 brake fluid. Throughout the flush, monitor the level continuously and top up after each caliper is bled — never let the reservoir drop below MIN.⚠If the reservoir runs dry, air enters the ABS unit and a Tesla service bleed procedure may be required.
- 4Identify bleed sequenceFollow the manufacturer-specified bleed sequence. The conventional order on most Tesla Model 3 procedures starts at the caliper farthest from the master cylinder and works toward the closest — typically right rear, left rear, right front, left front. Verify the exact sequence in the Tesla Service Manual before proceeding.ℹ️Sequence verification is critical — incorrect order can leave trapped air in the ABS hydraulic block.
- 5Bleed the first caliper (per sequence)Locate the bleeder screw on the caliper and remove the dust cap. Attach a clear hose and route into a catch bottle with a small amount of fresh fluid to prevent air siphoning. Using a pressure bleeder at the reservoir (or two-person pedal method), open the bleeder screw and allow fluid to flow until clean, bubble-free, light-amber fluid runs continuously. Close the bleeder.⚠Do not over-torque the bleeder screw — the threads are easily stripped and the screw can snap.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 6Torque bleeder screw and replace dust capTorque the bleeder screw to the verified specification. Wipe any residual fluid from the caliper, then reinstall the dust cap. Top off the master cylinder reservoir before moving to the next caliper.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 7Bleed remaining three calipers in sequenceRepeat the bleed and torque procedure at each remaining caliper in the verified sequence. After each caliper, top up the reservoir with fresh DOT 4. Continue at each corner until the fluid running out is clean and free of air bubbles.⚠Verify the master cylinder reservoir level between each corner — do not assume it is still adequate.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 8Final reservoir level setAfter all four corners are bled, set the master cylinder reservoir fluid level precisely between MIN and MAX. Wipe the rim and cap sealing surface clean. Inspect the cap O-ring/diaphragm and replace if cracked or distorted.
- 9Reinstall master cylinder capReinstall the master cylinder reservoir cap and tighten to the verified specification (hand tight). Do not overtighten — the cap is plastic and the seal is the diaphragm, not compression on the threads.Torque specMaster Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
- 10Pedal feel check (vehicle still on stands)With the 12V system still disconnected and the vehicle on stands, press the brake pedal firmly several times by hand from the driver's seat. The pedal should feel firm and consistent — not spongy. A spongy pedal indicates trapped air; re-bleed the suspect corner.
Reassembly
- Reinstall all four wheels onto the hubs.
- Hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering the vehicle.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
- Reconnect the 12V/low-voltage battery following the proper Tesla reconnect procedure.
- Close the frunk.
Verification
- With the vehicle powered on, press the brake pedal firmly — pedal should be firm with normal travel and no sponginess.
- Check the touchscreen for any brake system, ABS, or stability control warnings/alerts. Any warning indicates a system fault that must be diagnosed before driving.
- Inspect each caliper bleeder screw and the master cylinder reservoir for any sign of weeping fluid.
- Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe, empty area: apply brakes from 5–10 mph and confirm normal stopping behavior with no pull, no ABS chatter, and no warnings.
- Gradually increase test speed only after the low-speed test is satisfactory.
- Record the service date and mileage. Tesla's published recommendation is to flush brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — set a reminder for the next service.
- Note: While here, also consider Tesla's other 2-year/interval items: cabin air filter (every 2 years) and tire rotation (every 6,250 mi).