Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses larger front rotors and red-painted fixed/floating calipers; this job requires disabling regen-related parking brake service mode through the touchscreen before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (Model 3 Performance specification) × 1 — OEM or equivalent for 2024 Model 3 Performance front
• Front brake rotors (Model 3 Performance specification) × 2 — OEM or equivalent for 2024 Model 3 Performance front
• Caliper slide pin boots/hardware kit (if included with pads) × 1 — as supplied with pad kit

Fluids

• Silicone brake grease (caliper slide pins / pad abutment)

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 2024+ Li-ion equipped) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the LV battery is accessed via the front trunk/under-hood area or the right rear seat panel depending on build — confirm location before opening trim.
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. Before disconnecting 12V: on the touchscreen, go to Service menu and enable 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent jack/transport mode) to lock out parking brake actuation while pads are removed.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts (21mm) while wheels are still on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle using the four factory-designated jack points with rubber pucks; support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove front wheels and inspect rotor and pad wear before disassembly to confirm parts ordered match what is installed.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and photograph caliper assembly
   Photograph the caliper, brake hose routing, wear sensor wiring (if equipped), and any shims or anti-rattle clips before disassembly. Note orientation of pads and any pad wear indicators.
2. 2

   Compress caliper piston(s)
   With the old outer pad still in place as a buffer, use a piston compression tool to gently retract the caliper piston(s) into their bores. Watch the master cylinder reservoir level — fluid will rise. Remove fluid with a clean syringe if the reservoir is near full to prevent overflow.
   ⚠Do not force pistons if they bind — inspect for corrosion or seized caliper before continuing.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide/guide bolts
   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper with a hanger from the suspension — do NOT let it dangle from the brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake pads
   Slide the old pads out of the bracket. Note the location of any anti-rattle clips, shims, and pad-retention hardware. Clean the bracket abutment surfaces with a wire brush.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket from knuckle
   Unbolt the caliper bracket from the steering knuckle. These are large, high-torque bolts — use a breaker bar. Set the bracket aside on the suspension or a stand; keep brake hose unstressed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor
   If equipped, remove the small rotor retention screw (often Torx). The rotor should slide off the hub. If rusted to the hub, apply penetrating oil at the hub center and tap the rotor face evenly with a dead-blow — do NOT strike the hub or knuckle (aluminum components).
   ⚠Model 3 front knuckle and many suspension components are aluminum — never strike with a steel hammer.
7. 7

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mating surface to bare metal. Any rust or debris between hub and rotor causes runout and pedal pulsation. Apply a thin film of anti-seize to the hub center only — keep off the rotor friction surface.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Slide rotor onto hub, reinstall the rotor retention screw if originally fitted. Spin to confirm no contact or warping.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply blue threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install and torque to the manufacturer-specified front caliper bracket value.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new pads and hardware
    Install any new anti-rattle clips/shims supplied with the pad kit into the bracket. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad backing-plate contact points and bracket abutments — never on the friction surface. Slide pads into bracket.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper
    Inspect slide pin boots for tears; replace if damaged. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins. Reposition caliper over the new pads, install slide pin bolts, and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat on opposite side
    Perform steps 1–11 on the other front wheel. Always service brakes in pairs across an axle.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels; hand-thread lug nuts to seat the wheel.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Top off brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with the manufacturer-specified DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to reservoir cap and Tesla Service Manual — verify spec against the cap; the database entry should be cross-checked as Model 3 typically uses DOT 4).
4. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery.
5. Power on the vehicle (do not drive). With foot firmly on the brake, pump the pedal 8–10 times until firm to seat the pads against the rotors.
6. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode / Transport Mode so the parking brake and ABS resume normal operation.
7. Confirm no brake warning messages on the instrument cluster / center display.

Verification

• With vehicle stationary, confirm a firm brake pedal that does not sink under steady pressure.
• Roll the vehicle slowly in an empty area and apply brakes lightly — listen for scraping or uneven pull.
• Perform a manufacturer-appropriate pad bed-in procedure: a series of moderate stops from ~50 to 10 mph, followed by gentler stops, allowing the brakes to cool. Avoid full stops while pads are hot during bed-in.
• After a short test drive, recheck wheel lug torque and inspect for fluid leaks at the caliper.
• Recheck brake fluid level once cold; top up if needed.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log the current date and schedule the next fluid service accordingly.
• Tesla also recommends tire rotation every ~6,250 miles; if mileage is near that interval, perform rotation while wheels are off.

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