Brake Hose - Rear

Replacement of a rear brake hose on a 2024 Model 3 Long Range AWD. The hose connects the hard line at the body bracket to the rear caliper; this job requires brake bleeding afterward.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake hose (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model 3 LR AWD) × 1 — Tesla OEM rear brake hose — verify side-specific (LH/RH)
• Copper sealing washers for banjo fitting × 2 — Match OEM banjo bolt size — typically 2 per hose

Fluids

• DOT 4 brake fluid (per Tesla Model 3 specification — do NOT use DOT 3 despite legacy database entries) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the 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 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the 12V is located behind the right rear seat back panel (some 2024+ builds use a lithium 12V under the floor — verify before disconnecting).
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If 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 Service Mode through the touchscreen if available, or otherwise place the vehicle in Tow/Transport configuration before lifting (this prevents the vehicle from attempting to apply the electronic parking brake during service).
7. Loosen the rear lug nuts on the affected side while the wheel is still on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified rear jacking point using a Tesla-approved puck adapter, and support on jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
10. Place a drain pan beneath the work area to catch brake fluid.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and clean fittings
   Wipe the banjo fitting at the caliper and the hard-line-to-hose junction at the body bracket clean with a lint-free rag and brake cleaner. Inspect for corrosion before applying wrenches; corroded fittings should be soaked with penetrant before disassembly to avoid rounding.
2. 2

   Minimize fluid loss
   Top off the brake fluid reservoir, then either clamp the flexible hose with a brake-line-safe hose clamp upstream of the work area, or be prepared to cap the hard line immediately after disconnection to limit reservoir drain-down.
   ⚠Do not let the master cylinder run dry — it complicates bleeding significantly on Model 3 and may require a scan tool procedure for the iBooster/ABS module.
3. 3

   Disconnect the hard line at the body bracket
   Using a line/flare wrench, hold the brake hose hex on the hose end and loosen the hard-line tube nut. Separate the fitting and immediately cap or plug the hard line to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Use a line wrench only — open-end wrenches will round the soft tube nut.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Release the hose from the chassis bracket
   Remove the retaining clip securing the hose end to the body-side bracket, then withdraw the hose end from the bracket. Set the clip aside for reuse if undamaged; replace if deformed.
5. 5

   Remove intermediate hose bracket (if equipped)
   If the rear brake hose is secured to a mid-span bracket on the suspension or subframe, remove the small fastener retaining it. Note routing for reinstallation — incorrect routing can cause hose chafing during suspension travel.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect banjo bolt at caliper
   Position a drain pan under the caliper. Remove the banjo bolt from the rear caliper inlet. Discard both copper sealing washers — they must not be reused. Allow residual fluid to drain.
   ⚠Always replace banjo copper washers. Reusing washers will cause a slow leak that may not appear until after road testing.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old hose
   Withdraw the old hose from the vehicle, noting orientation, twist, and any clocking features at the caliper end. Compare side-by-side with the replacement hose to confirm correct length and end fittings before installation.

Reassembly

1. Position the new hose at the caliper with NEW copper washers on each side of the banjo fitting. Start the banjo bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading.
2. Torque the banjo bolt to the Brake Hose Banjo Bolt specification. Ensure the hose is clocked so it does not contact suspension components through full travel.
3. Seat the upper hose end into the body-side bracket and install the retaining clip fully.
4. Start the hard-line tube nut into the hose fitting BY HAND for several turns before applying a wrench, to avoid cross-threading the soft tube nut. Torque to the Line Fittings specification using a line wrench.
5. Reinstall the intermediate hose bracket fastener (if applicable) and torque to the Brake Hose Bracket specification.
6. Verify the hose has no twists, no contact with the tire, control arms, or driveshaft, and that it does not become taut at full droop.
7. Bleed the rear brake circuit on the affected side using a vacuum or pressure bleeder. Continue until clean, bubble-free fluid emerges. Torque the bleeder screw to the Bleeder Screw specification. Note: full flush procedures on Model 3 may require Toolbox/Service Mode to cycle the iBooster — if you cannot achieve a firm pedal, stop and have the system bled by a Tesla-certified technician.
8. Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with DOT 4.
9. Reinstall the rear wheel. Torque the lug nuts to the Wheel Lug Nuts specification in a star pattern.
10. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
11. Reconnect the 12V battery and close out Service Mode.

Verification

• With the vehicle running and brake system pressurized, inspect both the banjo at the caliper and the hard-line junction for any seepage. Wipe clean and re-check after several brake applications.
• Pump the brake pedal — it should be firm within 2-3 strokes. A spongy pedal indicates remaining air; re-bleed.
• Check for ABS, traction control, or brake system warnings on the touchscreen. Any warning related to the iBooster or ABS module after a brake fluid service typically requires a Tesla scan tool to clear and may indicate incomplete bleeding.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area, then a moderate-speed test, confirming straight, even braking with no pulling.
• Re-inspect all fittings after the road test for any weeping fluid.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this service date so the next interval is tracked.

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