Replace the rear brake pads on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. The rear caliper has an integrated electric parking brake (EPB) actuator which must be placed in service mode via the touchscreen before retracting the piston.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (Model 3 rear-spec) × 1 — OEM or equivalent rear pad set for 2024 Model 3 LR AWD
• Caliper hardware/abutment clips (if included with pad set) × 1 — Included with most OEM-equivalent pad kits

Fluids

• DOT 4 brake fluid (top-off only if needed)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake (you will release it via the touchscreen later for service mode).
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 (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery per architecture notes — on 2024 Model 3 this is typically the low-voltage Li-ion unit; refer to the service manual for exact location on your build. NOTE: disconnecting 12V will also disable EPB service mode, so perform EPB Service Mode FIRST, then disconnect 12V if you choose to.
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. On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service > Brakes and enable 'Pad Replacement Mode' (or equivalent EPB service mode). Wait for confirmation that the EPB pistons have retracted/released before working.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using a Tesla-approved puck, and support with jack stands.
9. Remove rear wheels.
10. Open the front trunk and inspect the brake fluid reservoir level — if full, draw a small amount out before retracting pistons to prevent overflow.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect the rear caliper, rotor, pads, and dust boots. Check for fluid leaks at the caliper and at the EPB actuator seal. Confirm the rotor is within service spec (replace if scored, warped, or below minimum thickness stamped on the hat). Note pad wear pattern — uneven wear can indicate seized slide pins.
2. 2

   Confirm EPB is in service mode
   Verify on the touchscreen that EPB Service / Pad Replacement Mode is active. The rear caliper pistons should be released and retracted slightly. If service mode did not engage, do NOT proceed — diagnose the EPB system first.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper guide pin bolts on the back side of the rear caliper. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if required to prevent rotation. Remove both bolts and set aside. Inspect the slide pin boots for tears.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lift caliper off bracket
   Pivot the caliper upward and off the bracket. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or bungee from the suspension — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose or the EPB wiring harness. Do not disconnect the EPB connector unless the caliper must come fully off.
5. 5

   Remove old pads and hardware
   Slide the outer and inner pads out of the caliper bracket. Remove and discard the old abutment clips/anti-rattle hardware. Note pad orientation — the wear sensor (if equipped) and any directional indicators on the pads must be matched to the new set.
6. 6

   Clean caliper bracket and slides
   Clean the abutment surfaces of the caliper bracket with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Pull the slide pins out, wipe clean, inspect the boots, and re-lubricate the pins with silicone brake grease. Reinsert into the bracket and confirm they slide freely.
7. 7

   Retract the rear caliper piston
   Even with EPB in service mode, the hydraulic piston still needs to be retracted to fit new pads. Use a rear-caliper-compatible wind-back tool if the piston requires rotation; otherwise apply gentle, even pressure with a piston compressor. Watch the brake fluid reservoir — siphon off fluid if it rises too high. Stop if you feel hard resistance: re-verify EPB service mode is active.
8. 8

   Install new hardware and pads
   Install the new abutment clips into the caliper bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pad backing plate ears where they contact the clips (NOT to the friction surface). Slide the new inner and outer pads into place, ensuring full seating against the clips.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper over new pads
   Pivot the caliper down over the new pads. Confirm the slide pins align with the holes in the caliper. The caliper should seat flush against the bracket with no binding.
10. 10

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts (not the threads). Apply a small amount of medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads if the OEM bolts are not pre-coated with patch-lock. Install both slide pin bolts and torque to the verified specification.
    ⚠Verify tightening sequence with the Tesla Service Manual — improper sequence can cause caliper bind.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat on opposite rear wheel
    Perform steps 1–10 on the other rear wheel. Both rear pads must be replaced together as a pair, even if only one side appeared worn.
12. 12

    Exit EPB service mode
    On the touchscreen, exit Pad Replacement Mode. The EPB will re-extend the actuator pistons against the new pads. Listen for the actuator cycle and confirm no fault messages appear.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
2. Lower vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified specification (Wheel Lug Nuts).
4. Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid if it was drawn down.
5. Reconnect the low-voltage battery if it was disconnected.
6. Wake the vehicle and allow systems to fully boot. Clear any EPB or ABS warnings if present.

Verification

• With the vehicle stationary and brake pedal depressed, confirm a firm pedal — pump 3–5 times to seat the pistons against the new pads if pedal feels soft on the first press.
• Check the touchscreen for any ABS, EPB, or brake-related warnings — none should be present.
• Engage and release the parking brake via the touchscreen and confirm normal actuator sound and operation.
• Perform a low-speed bed-in procedure per the pad manufacturer's instructions (typically 6–10 moderate stops from ~30 mph, allowing cool-down between). Avoid hard stops for the first ~200 miles.
• After the first short drive, re-check lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid leaks at the caliper.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years — log this service date and check fluid moisture content if it has been over 2 years.

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