Replace the front brake pads on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses larger upper-spec front calipers, so verify pad shape and friction material before installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set — Model 3 Performance specific × 1 — Tesla OEM Model 3 Performance front pad set or equivalent friction-matched aftermarket
• Caliper slide pin boots (if torn) × 1 — as-needed, OEM specification
• Pad anti-rattle / abutment clips (if supplied with pad set) × 1 — included with most OEM-spec pad kits

Fluids

• Silicone brake grease (caliper slide pins / pad ears)
• DOT 4 brake fluid (top-off only if reservoir level rises during piston retraction — do NOT use DOT 3 despite legacy listings; Tesla specifies DOT 4 for Model 3)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
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. Disconnect the 12V (or 16V on applicable 2024 builds) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically accessed under the front trunk floor / frunk area — refer to the in-vehicle service mode location for your specific build before disconnecting.
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 the vehicle in 'Service Mode' via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V if possible — this disables auto-wake, parking brake auto-apply, and suspension functions. Then disconnect 12V.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jack points using a rubber puck; support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on the painted face to protect the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper, rotor, and hose
   Visually inspect the front caliper assembly for fluid weeping at the piston seal and banjo/line fitting, check the flexible brake hose for cracks or bulging, and inspect the rotor for scoring, edge lip, or heat checking. Measure rotor thickness if available; replace rotor if below the minimum stamped on the rotor hat.
2. 2

   Pre-compress the caliper piston slightly
   Before removing slide bolts, use a piston compressor or large C-clamp through the old outer pad to push the piston back into the bore approximately 1-2 mm. This frees the pads from the rotor and makes caliper removal easier. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap and watch the level — if near MAX, siphon a small amount out to prevent overflow as the piston retracts.
   ⚠Do not force the piston back rapidly — this can push contaminated fluid back through the ABS/iBooster module and damage internal seals.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts from the rear of the caliper body. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins. Slide the caliper body off the bracket and support it with a wire hook from the suspension — DO NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old pads and inspect hardware
   Remove the inner and outer pads from the caliper bracket. Remove the abutment/anti-rattle clips. Clean the bracket abutment surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and a wire brush — corrosion here causes pad sticking and uneven wear. Inspect slide pins: pull each pin out, wipe clean, and inspect the rubber boot for tears. Replace boots if damaged.
5. 5

   (Optional) Remove caliper bracket if servicing rotor
   If replacing the rotor, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are high-torque fasteners and typically have factory thread locker — they may require shock from an impact or a breaker bar. Clean threads thoroughly before reinstalling and apply fresh medium-strength thread locker.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are CRITICAL fasteners. Verify final torque sequence against the current Tesla Service Manual for your build.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lubricate slide pins and reinstall hardware
   Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts and to the inside of the slide pin boots. Reinsert pins into the bracket and verify they slide freely with no binding. Install new (or cleaned) abutment clips into the bracket ears, ensuring they are seated correctly and not bent.
7. 7

   Fully retract the caliper piston
   Using a piston compressor tool, slowly press the piston fully back into its bore. Keep an eye on the brake fluid reservoir level. Verify the piston bore wiper seal is not torn and is seated correctly.
   ⚠Performance front calipers may have multi-piston configuration — retract each piston evenly to avoid cocking one in its bore.
8. 8

   Install new pads
   Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the pad ear contact points and the back of each pad's backing plate where it contacts the piston/caliper fingers. Do NOT get grease on the friction surface or rotor. Install the inner pad (with retention clip into piston, if equipped) and the outer pad into the bracket abutment clips.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper body
   Slide the caliper body over the new pads and onto the slide pins. Hand-thread both slide pin bolts before torquing either. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt shoulder where it enters the boot. Torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat on opposite front wheel
    Perform steps 1-9 on the other front wheel. Always service brakes in pairs (both front pads at the same time).

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX — top off ONLY with DOT 4 brake fluid (Model 3 specification; ignore any legacy DOT 3 reference).
2. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lugs first, snug in a star pattern, lower vehicle, then final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. With the vehicle on the ground and 12V reconnected, reconnect the low-voltage battery and exit Service Mode.
4. Press the brake pedal repeatedly (8-15 times) until the pedal becomes firm — this re-seats the pistons against the new pads. Do this BEFORE moving the vehicle.
5. Re-check brake fluid level after pumping the pedal; top off if necessary.
6. Clear any 'Service Mode' or brake-related alerts from the touchscreen.

Verification

• With the vehicle off and key away, confirm no brake-related alerts on the center display upon wake.
• Pedal must feel firm with normal travel — a soft or sinking pedal indicates air in the system or a hydraulic fault; do not drive.
• Perform a low-speed (5-10 mph) brake test in a safe area before road use; confirm the vehicle stops straight with no pull, grinding, or scraping.
• Bed-in the new pads per the pad manufacturer's procedure. Note: regenerative braking on the Model 3 Performance reduces friction-brake usage, so deliberately use the friction brakes during bed-in by lowering regen aggressiveness or using firm stops in 'Roll' creep mode.
• After 50-100 miles, re-verify lug nut torque (star pattern) — torque values can settle.
• While brake system is fresh in mind: confirm brake fluid service date. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log today's date if fluid was topped off, and schedule a full flush if fluid is older than 2 years.

More procedures for this vehicle