Replace the brake caliper mounting bracket on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. This job requires removing the caliper assembly to access the bracket bolts, and on Performance models the front uses larger performance brakes with higher torque specs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (manufacturer-specified, axle-specific) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model 3 Performance caliper bracket — front or rear as applicable
• Caliper bracket bolts (if single-use per OEM spec) × 2 — OEM specification — verify reuse policy in service manual

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid (only if hydraulic line is opened) — 0.25 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 Li-ion low-voltage) battery. On 2024 Model 3, the LV battery is typically located under the rear seat or under the floor — refer to architecture notes and service manual to confirm location on your specific build.
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. Place vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Service menu) before lifting to disable suspension self-leveling logic and prevent low-voltage wake events.
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jack points only and support on jack stands.
9. Remove the wheel to expose the caliper assembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and document
   Visually inspect the caliper, bracket, pads, and rotor before disassembly. Note pad thickness and rotor condition. Photograph cable/hose routing for reference during reassembly.
2. 2

   Relieve caliper piston pressure (if replacing pads)
   If the pads will be reused or replaced, retract the caliper piston using a piston compression tool. On Model 3 Performance front (4-piston fixed) calipers, retraction is not applicable — only the sliding rear caliper pistons require retraction.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads (sliding caliper / rear)
   For the rear sliding caliper: remove the caliper slide pin bolts and lift the caliper body off the bracket. Support the caliper with a hanger — do not let it hang from the brake hose. Remove the pads from the bracket.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove caliper assembly (front fixed caliper)
   For the Performance front fixed caliper: if the bracket is integral to the caliper on this trim, the entire caliper-bracket assembly is removed as one unit. If the hose must be disconnected to remove the assembly, cap the line immediately to minimize fluid loss and air ingress. Use new copper washers on reassembly.
   ⚠Verify whether your specific Performance front caliper is a separate caliper-on-bracket design or an integrated monobloc. Procedure differs — consult the Tesla Service Manual.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   The bracket is secured to the steering knuckle (front) or rear upright by two large bolts on the inboard face. Use a breaker bar — these are torqued high and may have factory thread locker. Hold the knuckle steady and break each bolt loose.
   ⚠These bolts are typically installed with thread locker. Do not heat the knuckle aggressively — wheel speed sensor and harness routing are nearby.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old bracket and clean mating surface
   Remove the bracket from the knuckle. Wire-brush the knuckle mounting face and bolt holes. Inspect threads for damage — chase with a thread chaser if needed (do not use a cutting tap on aluminum knuckles, if applicable).
7. 7

   Install new bracket
   Position the new manufacturer-specified bracket onto the knuckle. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the bolts (or use new bolts if pre-coated/single-use per OEM). Hand-thread both bolts before torquing to avoid cross-threading.
8. 8

   Torque bracket bolts
   Torque the caliper bracket bolts to the verified specification. For Model 3 Performance front: 120 Nm (88 lb-ft). For rear bracket bolts: 102 Nm (75 lb-ft). Tighten in two stages (half torque, then full) and confirm both bolts seat fully.
   ⚠VERIFY SEQUENCE AND FINAL SPEC WITH TESLA SERVICE MANUAL for your specific axle and trim.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall pads and caliper
   Reinstall pads into the new bracket with appropriate anti-rattle clips. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pin contact surfaces (sliding caliper only). Reposition caliper over the pads.
10. 10

    Torque caliper hardware
    Torque slide pin bolts (rear sliding caliper) to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). For front fixed caliper bolts to bracket/knuckle, torque to 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) with thread locker applied.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect and bleed brake hose (if disconnected)
    If the banjo fitting was opened, install with NEW copper washers on both sides of the banjo bolt and torque to 41 Nm (30 lb-ft). Bleed the affected corner using a pressure bleeder or two-person method. Bleeder screw torque is 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) — do not overtighten.
    ⚠Use only DOT 4 brake fluid as specified by Tesla for Model 3. Do not mix with DOT 3 or DOT 5.
    Torque spec

    Brake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle so the tire contacts the ground but is not fully loaded.
3. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
4. Lower vehicle fully.
5. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery.
6. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
7. With the vehicle OFF, pump the brake pedal 5–10 times until firm to seat the pads against the rotor before driving.

Verification

• Confirm a firm, high brake pedal before moving the vehicle — a soft pedal indicates air in the system.
• Check for brake fluid leaks at the banjo fitting and bleeder screw if either was opened.
• Perform a low-speed roll test (5–10 mph) in a safe area and confirm brakes engage evenly with no pull.
• Drive at moderate speed and verify no ABS, traction control, or brake warning lights appear on the instrument cluster/touchscreen.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 50 miles of driving.
• If brake fluid was replaced or system was opened, log the date — Tesla recommends full brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.
• After 100–200 miles, recheck caliper bracket bolt torque to confirm no loosening.

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