Replacement of a single rear brake rotor on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. The rear caliper uses a sliding-pin design with an integrated electric parking brake (EPB) that must be placed in service mode via the touchscreen before the caliper can be retracted.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model 3 LR AWD) × 1 — OEM or OE-equivalent rear rotor — verify diameter/thickness against vehicle
• Rotor retaining set screw (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM set screw

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake (you will release it via Service Mode shortly).
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. Before disconnecting 12V: from the touchscreen, enter Service Mode and activate Brake Service Mode / Pad Replacement Mode for the rear axle. This retracts and disables the EPB so the caliper piston can be compressed.
4. Exit Service Mode safely per on-screen prompts, then disconnect the 12V (or 16V Li-ion on applicable 2024 builds) low-voltage battery. See architecture notes for location (behind right rear seat back panel, or under-floor on Li-ion-equipped 2024 units).
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Raise the rear of the vehicle using approved Tesla jack points with a proper puck, and support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
9. Remove the rear wheel and set aside on its sidewall to protect the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the rear corner
   Visually inspect the caliper, EPB motor connector, brake hose, dust shield, and ABS/wheel-speed sensor wiring. Confirm the EPB is in service mode (caliper piston should retract under hand pressure). If the piston will not retract, return to the touchscreen and re-enter Brake Service Mode — do NOT force the piston.
   ⚠Do not pry against the EPB motor housing or its wiring harness.
2. 2

   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts
   Loosen and remove the two caliper slide pin (guide pin) bolts at the rear of the caliper body. Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with a hanger or bungee — do not let it hang by the brake hose or the EPB harness.
   ⚠Do not disconnect the EPB electrical connector unless necessary; if disconnected, you will likely need a scan tool/Service Mode to recalibrate.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the brake pads
   Slide the inboard and outboard brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Note the orientation, anti-rattle clips, and shim positions for reinstallation. Inspect pads for remaining material; if near the wear limit, plan to replace as a set.
4. 4

   Remove the caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the rear knuckle. Pull the bracket straight off and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the rotor set screw
   Remove the small retaining set screw from the rotor hat. If seized, apply penetrating oil and use a properly fitting bit — these strip easily. Replace the screw if the head is damaged.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the rotor
   Pull the rotor off the hub. If corroded to the hub, thread two bolts into the rotor's threaded service holes (if equipped) and tighten evenly to break it free. If no service holes, tap the rotor hat (NOT the friction surface) with a dead-blow. Do not strike the hub or knuckle.
   ⚠Aluminum knuckle — do not strike with a steel hammer. Tap only on the rotor hat.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect the hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mating surface to bare, clean metal. Any rust or debris will cause rotor runout and pulsation. Wipe with brake cleaner. Apply a very light film of anti-seize to the hub center bore only — never on the rotor friction surface or wheel mounting face.
   ℹ️Excessive anti-seize on the wheel mating surface can affect lug torque retention.
8. 8

   Install the new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Slide the rotor onto the hub and secure with the set screw.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall the caliper bracket
   Inspect the caliper bracket bolts; if reusing, clean threads and apply medium-strength threadlocker. Install the bracket onto the knuckle and torque to spec.
   Torque spec

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

    Install brake pads and caliper
    Reinstall the pads, anti-rattle clips, and shims into the bracket in their original orientation. With the EPB still in service mode, confirm the caliper piston is fully retracted (hand pressure only — do not use a C-clamp on EPB calipers without service mode active). Slide the caliper over the new rotor and pads.
    ⚠Forcing the EPB piston without Service Mode active will damage the parking brake actuator.
11. 11

    Torque the caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins (not the bolt threads). Install the slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before any torquing.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Reconnect the 12V/Li-ion low-voltage battery and reinstall any trim removed for access.
4. Wake the vehicle, return to the touchscreen, and exit Brake Service Mode. Follow on-screen prompts to recalibrate / re-engage the EPB.
5. With the vehicle stationary and in Park, press the brake pedal firmly several times until it is high and firm — this seats the pads against the new rotor.
6. Cycle the EPB (apply/release) several times via the touchscreen or shifter and confirm no warnings on the instrument cluster.

Verification

• Confirm no ABS, EPB, or 'Brake System' alerts are displayed on the touchscreen after a key-cycle.
• Perform a low-speed (5–10 mph) rolling brake test in a safe area; the pedal should be firm with no pulsation, pulling, or grinding.
• Bed-in the new rotor per the rotor manufacturer's procedure (typically 6–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph to ~5 mph without coming to a complete stop, followed by a cool-down). On Tesla, reduce regen during bed-in by selecting low regen if available, or coast between stops to ensure friction braking is doing the work.
• After the first short drive, re-check wheel lug nut torque.
• While the wheel is off, this is a good time to note Tesla's brake-fluid service interval (every 2 years regardless of mileage) — check the fluid date and plan accordingly.
• Inspect the rotor for even pad transfer (uniform light gray surface) after bed-in; uneven deposits indicate improper bedding.

More procedures for this vehicle