Replace the rear brake pads on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses larger rear calipers than standard Model 3 — pads are model-specific and the parking brake is electronic, requiring service mode to retract the rear caliper pistons.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set — Model 3 Performance specific × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model 3 Performance rear pad set; do not substitute standard Model 3/Long Range pads
• Caliper slide pin boots (inspect; replace if torn) × 1 — OEM as-needed
• Anti-rattle clips / pad retainer hardware (if supplied with pad kit) × 1 — Included in OEM pad kit

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (slide pins and pad abutment ears)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake — note: you will release it via Service Mode shortly.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Before disconnecting 12V: enter Service Mode on the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Service Mode) and use the brake caliper service function to retract the rear EPB pistons. Exit Service Mode when complete.
4. Disconnect the low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3 Performance, the 12V (Li-ion) is typically located under the rear seat or under the floor — refer to architecture notes and Tesla Service Manual for your specific build.
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle ONLY at the factory-designated lift points using rubber pucks. Support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Remove both rear wheels and set them aside on the rotor-face side to protect finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm EPB pistons are retracted
   Verify the rear caliper pistons are fully retracted from the prior Service Mode step. The pistons should sit flush or recessed in the caliper bore. If they did not retract, re-enter Service Mode (reconnect 12V temporarily if needed) and run the procedure again — do NOT mechanically force the rear pistons in.
   ⚠️Forcing rear pistons with a C-clamp will destroy the EPB actuator gear train. Confirm electronic retraction completed successfully.
2. 2

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect the rear caliper, slide pin boots, dust shield, rotor surface, and brake hose. Note any tears in the rubber boots, leaking fluid at the caliper, or scoring/lipping on the rotor. The Performance trim uses a larger rear rotor — measure thickness against manufacturer minimum stamped on the rotor hat if reusing.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using the appropriate hex bit, loosen and remove the upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts holding the caliper body to the bracket. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins. Retain bolts for inspection — replace if threads show damage or thread locker is heavily contaminated.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lift caliper off bracket and support it
   Slide the caliper body off the rotor and bracket. Support it with a wire/bungee from the suspension upright — DO NOT let the caliper hang from the brake hose or the EPB wiring harness. Take care not to stress or unplug the EPB connector unless absolutely necessary.
   ⚠Damaging the EPB harness or connector will disable the parking brake and trigger DTCs requiring dealer reset.
5. 5

   Remove worn brake pads and hardware
   Pull the inboard and outboard pads from the caliper bracket. Remove any anti-rattle clips or pad retainer springs and note their orientation (photograph if helpful). Clean the bracket abutment ears with brake cleaner and a wire brush — do not gouge the metal.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect slide pins
   Pull each slide pin from the bracket, wipe off old grease, and inspect for pitting or rust. Inspect the rubber boots for tears. Re-grease pins with silicone brake grease and reinsert, ensuring boots seat properly without folds.
7. 7

   Inspect rotor
   Inspect the rear rotor for scoring, heat checking, edge lipping, and runout. If replacing rotors, this is the time. Otherwise, deglaze the friction surface with sandpaper or a brake hone and clean with brake cleaner. Do not touch friction surfaces with bare hands afterward.
8. 8

   Install new pads
   Install fresh anti-rattle clips/shims supplied with the pad kit onto the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pad backing-plate ears (NOT the friction surface) and install inboard and outboard pads into the bracket. Confirm the wear-indicator tab (if present) is on the correct side per manufacturer instructions.
   ⚠Confirm pads are Performance-spec — standard Model 3 rear pads are dimensionally different and will not work correctly on Performance calipers.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper over new pads
   Confirm the pistons are still fully retracted. Slip the caliper body over the new pads and onto the bracket. The pads should sit flush against the rotor without forcing. If the caliper will not seat, re-verify piston retraction — do NOT pry.
10. 10

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply silicone brake grease to slide pin shafts (not the bolt threads). Install slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Verify the caliper floats freely on the slides after torquing.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite rear corner
    Perform steps 2 through 10 on the other rear wheel. Always service rear brakes as a pair to maintain even braking.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount each rear wheel, hand-thread all lug nuts, and snug in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and final-torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
2. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to wake. Expect EPB and ABS warning lights initially.
3. With foot firmly on the brake pedal, press the pedal 5-10 times until it feels firm — this advances the pistons against the new pads. Do NOT skip this; the first press will go to the floor.
4. Re-enter Service Mode and run the EPB calibration / 'exit caliper service' routine to re-engage the parking brake actuators. Confirm no DTCs related to brakes or EPB.
5. Cycle the parking brake on/off via the touchscreen several times. Listen for both rear actuators clamping and releasing.
6. Check brake fluid level in the reservoir; top up with DOT 4 if needed (note: Tesla Model 3 spec is DOT 4 — disregard generic DOT 3 references).
7. Bed in the new pads: perform the manufacturer's recommended bed-in procedure (typically a series of moderate stops from ~35 mph followed by gentle driving to cool — do not come to a complete stop while the pads are hot).

Verification

• Confirm no brake, ABS, or EPB warning indicators on the instrument cluster after a full drive cycle.
• At low speed in a safe area, perform a moderate stop and confirm even, straight braking with no pulling.
• Engage and release the parking brake on a slight incline — vehicle should hold and release cleanly with audible actuator operation from both rear corners.
• After a short test drive, re-check rear wheel lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid leaks at the calipers.
• Document the service date and mileage. Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — schedule a flush if overdue.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 mi; if not done at this service, schedule it soon.

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