Complete brake fluid flush on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance, replacing all hydraulic brake fluid with fresh DOT 4. Tesla recommends this service every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Sealed bottles of fresh DOT 4 brake fluid × 2 — DOT 4 specification (Tesla specifies DOT 4 for Model 3)

Fluids

• DOT 4 brake fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key 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 (or low-voltage) battery. On the 2024 Model 3 Performance, the low-voltage battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the rear cargo area floor — verify location before proceeding. Follow Tesla's documented disconnect procedure.
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 you have at least 1 liter (approx. 1 quart) of fresh, sealed DOT 4 brake fluid.
7. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Raise the vehicle using Tesla-approved jack pad pucks at the documented lift points to avoid crushing the rocker/battery enclosure. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight.
9. Remove all four wheels to gain access to each caliper bleeder.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare the master cylinder reservoir
   Open the front trunk (frunk) and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder/iBooster assembly. Clean any dirt from around the cap before opening to prevent contamination. Remove the cap and inspect fluid color — old fluid is typically dark amber to brown. Use a clean fluid extractor or turkey baster to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir, taking care not to draw the level below the MIN mark long enough to introduce air into the master cylinder.
   ⚠Do not let the reservoir run dry. If air enters the master cylinder/iBooster, a Tesla Toolbox-assisted bleed may be required.
2. 2

   Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 4
   Top up the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Leave the cap loose (or fitted to a pressure bleeder adapter if using one). Throughout the flush, monitor the reservoir level frequently and refill as needed — never let it drop below MIN.
3. 3

   Identify bleed sequence
   Use the bleed sequence specified by the Tesla Service Manual for the Model 3. The conventional sequence (farthest from master cylinder to closest) is right rear, left rear, right front, left front — but verify the manufacturer-specified sequence before starting. Position your catch bottle and clear hose at the first caliper.
   ⚠Verify bleed sequence with Tesla service documentation — incorrect sequence can leave air pockets.
4. 4

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Locate the bleeder screw on the right rear caliper. Remove the dust cap, fit the box-end wrench over the bleeder, then attach the clear hose with the other end submerged in a small amount of fresh fluid in the catch bottle. Open the bleeder approximately 1/4 to 1/2 turn. With a pressure bleeder, allow fluid to flow until the discharge runs clear and bubble-free (typically 200-300 ml per corner). With a two-person pump-and-hold method, have an assistant slowly press and hold the brake pedal while you open the bleeder; close the bleeder before the pedal is released. Repeat until clean fluid flows. Close the bleeder.
   ⚠Tighten bleeder screws gently — over-torquing can crack the caliper or strip the threads.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to the left rear caliper. Top off the reservoir before continuing. Repeat the same bleed procedure as the previous corner until fluid runs clear and free of bubbles. Close the bleeder and reinstall the dust cap.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front caliper
   Top off the reservoir. Move to the right front caliper. The Model 3 Performance uses high-performance front calipers — locate the bleeder screw(s); some performance calipers have two bleeders, in which case follow the manufacturer-specified order (typically inner/lower first, then outer/upper). Bleed until fluid runs clear, then close the bleeder(s) and reinstall dust cap(s).
   ℹ️If the Performance front caliper has multiple bleeders, follow the OEM-specified bleed order for that caliper.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front caliper
   Top off the reservoir. Move to the left front caliper and repeat the bleed procedure. This is the corner closest to the master cylinder and should be last in the sequence. Bleed until fluid runs clear, then close the bleeder and reinstall the dust cap.
   Torque spec

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

   Final reservoir adjustment
   Adjust fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line. Wipe the reservoir, cap, and surrounding area clean of any spilled fluid. Reinstall the master cylinder cap.
   Torque spec

   Master Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Pedal feel check (vehicle still on stands)
   Reconnect the low-voltage battery temporarily if needed to power the iBooster, then with the vehicle still safely supported, press the brake pedal several times. The pedal should feel firm with no excessive travel or sponginess. If the pedal feels soft, repeat the bleed procedure — there is likely residual air. If pedal remains soft after re-bleeding, an ABS/iBooster service bleed using Tesla Toolbox may be required.
   ⚠A spongy pedal indicates trapped air. Do not return the vehicle to service until the pedal is firm.

Reassembly

1. Confirm all four bleeder screws are closed and dust caps reinstalled.
2. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to seat them, then snug evenly.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
5. Reconnect the low-voltage battery if it was disconnected.
6. Clean any spilled brake fluid from body panels with water — the Model 3 has aluminum panels that are sensitive to brake fluid.

Verification

• Power on the vehicle and confirm no brake-related warnings or ABS/Stability Control faults appear on the touchscreen.
• With the vehicle stationary, press the brake pedal firmly — it should be solid and not sink under sustained pressure.
• At very low speed in a safe area, perform a gentle stop to confirm normal brake response.
• Test progressively firmer stops at increasing speeds in a safe location to verify pedal feel and ABS function.
• Recheck reservoir level after the test drive and top up to MAX if needed.
• Inspect each caliper bleeder area for any seepage.
• Log the service date and odometer reading — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Set a reminder for the next interval.

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