Complete brake fluid bleed at all four calipers on a 2024 Model 3 Performance to refresh hydraulic fluid and remove air. Tesla recommends brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if damaged) × 4 — OEM caliper bleeder caps

Fluids

• DOT 4 brake fluid (per Tesla architecture spec for Model 3) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 16V on applicable 2024+ units) low-voltage battery. On Model 3, the 12V/Li-ion battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the rear floor on later 2024 builds — refer to architecture notes.
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. Confirm correct brake fluid specification by reading the master cylinder reservoir cap. Use only fresh, sealed brake fluid from an unopened container.
7. Place fender covers and absorbent towels around the master cylinder reservoir and at each caliper to catch drips.
8. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground, then raise the vehicle on all four jack stands at the manufacturer-specified jack points using puck adapters.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove all four wheels
   With the vehicle securely supported on jack stands, remove the lug nuts and pull each wheel. Set wheels face-down on a clean surface to protect the finish. Inspect each caliper bleeder screw and clean the area around it with a shop towel before proceeding.
2. 2

   Inspect and prepare bleeder screws
   Remove the rubber dust cap from each bleeder screw (one per caliper). Check that each bleeder will break loose with a properly fitting line wrench — do NOT round the hex. If a bleeder is seized, stop and address it before draining the reservoir. Replace the dust caps loosely until you bleed that corner.
   ⚠A snapped bleeder screw on a Model 3 caliper means caliper replacement — proceed carefully with penetrating oil and heat-cycle if needed.
3. 3

   Evacuate and refill the master cylinder reservoir
   Open the front trunk (frunk) and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder/iBooster assembly. Use a clean syringe or turkey baster to remove old fluid from the reservoir until only a small amount covers the screen. Refill with fresh brake fluid of the specification listed on the cap to the MAX line. Do not let the reservoir run dry at any point during the procedure.
   ⚠️Spilled brake fluid on the frunk plastics and adjacent painted surfaces will etch finish. Flush immediately with water.
4. 4

   Connect pressure bleeder (preferred) or stage two-person bleed
   If using a pressure bleeder, install the appropriate master cylinder cap adapter and pressurize the reservoir to the bleeder manufacturer's specification (typically 10-15 psi). If performing a manual two-person bleed, station an assistant in the driver's seat to operate the brake pedal on command. Confirm the vehicle is in service mode or fully powered off per your method.
5. 5

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Begin at the corner farthest from the master cylinder — the right rear. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder, route the other end into a catch bottle with a small amount of fresh fluid covering the tube tip. Open the bleeder approximately 1/2 turn. With pressure bleeder: allow fluid to flow until clear, bubble-free fluid emerges (typically 250-500 ml). With manual method: have assistant slowly depress and hold the pedal, then close the bleeder before they release. Repeat until clean fluid runs. Close the bleeder.
   ⚠Verify bleed sequence against the current Tesla Service Manual — sequence may differ on iBooster-equipped vehicles.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to the left rear caliper and repeat the same procedure. Check the master cylinder reservoir level and top off as needed before proceeding to ensure it never drops below the MIN line.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to the right front caliper and repeat. The Performance front caliper has a single bleeder screw per caliper body — verify location before opening. Continue until fluid runs clean and bubble-free.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Bleed left front caliper
   Finish at the left front caliper (closest to the master cylinder on LHD vehicles). Repeat the bleed procedure until fluid is clear and free of air. Close the bleeder to specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final reservoir top-off and pressure release
   Release pressure from the pressure bleeder (if used) per the manufacturer's instructions before disconnecting. Remove the adapter. Top the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh fluid and reinstall the OEM cap. Wipe down all areas where fluid may have splashed.
10. 10

    ABS/iBooster service bleed (if applicable)
    If the reservoir was allowed to run dry, if pedal feel is spongy, or if the brake system was opened beyond the bleeders, a scan-tool-driven ABS/iBooster service bleed is required to purge trapped air from the modulator. Refer to Tesla Service Manual procedure. If you do not have access to this routine, stop and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
    ⚠Skipping the ABS service bleed when required will result in a soft pedal that cannot be corrected by manual bleeding alone.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rubber dust caps on all four bleeder screws.
2. Reinstall each wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering.
3. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery and secure the access panel.
5. Close the frunk and verify the brake fluid reservoir cap is fully seated.

Verification

• With the vehicle still stationary and powered on, press the brake pedal firmly several times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent — not spongy or sinking.
• Check the master cylinder reservoir level once more after pumping the pedal; top off to MAX if needed.
• Inspect each bleeder screw, caliper, and the reservoir area for leaks.
• Drive the vehicle at low speed (under 15 mph) in a safe, open area and apply the brakes firmly to confirm normal stopping behavior. Tesla regenerative braking will mask hydraulic issues at higher speeds — low-speed friction-only braking is the best test.
• Verify no ABS, traction control, or brake warning indicators appear on the center display. If any appear, a scan-tool ABS service bleed is likely required.
• Record the service date and mileage. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — schedule the next service accordingly.
• Confirm final torques: bleeder screws to spec; lug nuts re-torqued in star pattern after a short drive.

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