Service the front or rear brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Model 3 Long Range AWD — clean, inspect, and re-lubricate the pins to restore smooth caliper float and prevent uneven pad wear. This is a quick maintenance job often performed alongside pad replacement or tire rotation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pin boots/seals (replace if torn or hardened) × 1 — OEM caliper guide pin boot kit for 2024 Model 3

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (high-temp, rubber-safe)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried 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 typically a lithium-ion unit — refer to the architecture notes for exact location on this build (behind the right rear seat back panel on most units; some 2024+ builds relocate it under the floor).
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. Loosen the wheel lug nuts a quarter turn while the vehicle is on the ground.
7. Raise the vehicle on the manufacturer-specified lift points using a Tesla-compatible puck. Support with jack stands.
8. Remove the wheel(s) for the corner(s) being serviced.
9. Visually inspect for any orange HV cabling near your work area — there should be none at the corner brake assemblies, but confirm before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, and pads. Note any torn boots, dried/missing grease, or signs of seized pins (uneven pad wear, caliper cocked on bracket). Photograph the assembly for reference during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using the appropriate hex bit, loosen and remove both caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the caliper bracket. Keep the bolts organized — note that Tesla often pre-applies a thread treatment.
   ⚠Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins with the bolt — never let the caliper drop.
   Torque spec

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

   Lift caliper off bracket
   Carefully slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Suspend the caliper from a suspension component using a bungee cord or mechanic's wire. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the flexible brake hose — this damages the hose internally.
   ⚠️A caliper hanging by its hose can rupture the hose and cause loss of braking — always support it.
4. 4

   Extract slide pins from bracket
   Pull each slide pin out of the caliper bracket bores. Carefully peel back and inspect the rubber boots. Replace any boot that is torn, hardened, or has lost elasticity.
5. 5

   Clean pins and bores
   Wipe old grease, dirt, and corrosion off each slide pin using a clean rag and brake cleaner. Use a non-metallic brush or rag wrapped around a small dowel to clean the inside of the bracket bores. The pin must slide effortlessly into a clean, dry bore.
   ⚠Do not use a wire brush on the pin's polished sliding surface — scoring causes premature seizure.
6. 6

   Inspect pin condition
   Check pins for pitting, scoring, or rust damage. A serviceable pin is smooth and uniformly polished. If pitted or corroded, replace the pin (and boot) — do not reinstall a damaged pin.
7. 7

   Apply silicone brake grease
   Apply a thin, even coat of silicone-based, rubber-safe brake caliper grease to the full sliding length of each pin. Apply a small amount inside the bore as well. Do not over-grease — excess grease will be pushed into the boot and may cause hydraulic lock-up of the pin.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone-based brake grease. Petroleum or lithium greases will destroy the rubber boots.
8. 8

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each pin back into its bracket bore, working the boot into its seating grooves on both the bracket and the pin. The pin should slide smoothly through its full travel under finger pressure with no binding.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Position the caliper back over the pads and bracket, aligning the slide pin bolt holes. Start both bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
10. 10

    Torque slide pin bolts
    Torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification in an alternating pattern. Confirm the caliper sits square on the bracket and the pads are centered on the rotor.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground.
3. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to wake; the touchscreen may briefly show TPMS, ABS, or traction control alerts that should clear after a short drive.

Verification

• Before driving: with the vehicle still stationary, press the brake pedal firmly several times — pedal should be firm and consistent, not spongy.
• Visually confirm the caliper sits square on the bracket and that no grease has been forced out of the boots.
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area: apply brakes from 5–10 mph multiple times, then 25 mph. Listen for dragging, scraping, or pulling to one side.
• After the test drive, carefully feel the wheel/rotor temperature on the serviced corner(s) — it should be similar to the unaffected wheels. A noticeably hotter wheel indicates a sticking caliper.
• Confirm no ABS, traction, or brake warning lights remain on the touchscreen.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — if you are already in the brake system, check the service date and plan accordingly. Also a good time to verify tires are within Tesla's 6,250 mi rotation interval.

More procedures for this vehicle