Brake Rotor - Front Single

Replacement of a single front brake rotor on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses larger four-piston front calipers, so caliper handling and weight differ from standard Model 3 trims.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake rotor (Model 3 Performance-spec) × 1 — OEM Model 3 Performance front rotor — verify by VIN; Performance uses larger diameter than RWD/LR
• Rotor set screw × 1 — OEM Torx set screw (replace if corroded)

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 low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the 12V (lithium) is typically located under the front trunk floor area — refer to the architecture notes and confirm by VIN 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 'Jack Mode' via the touchscreen (Service menu) before lifting to disable self-leveling logic and prevent unintended drivetrain motion.
7. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts a quarter turn while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified front jack point using a Tesla-approved puck, then support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect before disassembly
   Visually inspect the rotor, pads, caliper, and dust shield. Note pad thickness — if pads are near minimum, plan to replace them as a set with the rotor. Check the flexible brake hose for cracking or swelling.
2. 2

   Retract caliper pistons slightly
   On the Performance front caliper (fixed multi-piston), gently push the pads back from the rotor using a pad spreader or careful pry against the rotor face to create clearance. Do not pry against the piston seals.
   ⚠Brake fluid may rise in the reservoir as pistons retract. Check fluid level and siphon if near MAX to avoid overflow.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket / caliper assembly
   The Performance front uses a fixed caliper bolted directly to the knuckle (no separate sliding bracket like the LR/RWD design). Remove the two caliper-to-knuckle mounting bolts. Support the caliper on a hanger so the brake hose carries no weight. Do not disconnect the hydraulic line.
   ⚠These are large fasteners under high torque — use a breaker bar with proper bit engagement to avoid rounding the head.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove rotor set screw
   Remove the small Torx set screw retaining the rotor to the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil and use a properly sized impact-rated bit to avoid stripping.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor
   Pull the rotor off the hub. If stuck due to corrosion at the hub face, thread two bolts into the threaded jack-off holes (if present) and tighten evenly, or apply penetrating oil at the hub center and tap the rotor hat with a non-metallic mallet. Do NOT strike the rotor with a steel hammer near aluminum suspension components.
   ⚠Front knuckle is aluminum — avoid hammer strikes on suspension components.
6. 6

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mating surface to bare metal. Any rust or debris will cause runout and brake pulsation. A thin film of anti-seize on the hub center (NOT on the friction surface or wheel mounting flange) helps prevent future seizing.
7. 7

   Prepare new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove protective oil coating. Verify the new rotor matches the Performance-spec dimensions — Performance rotors are larger than RWD/LR Model 3 rotors and are not interchangeable.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Slide the new rotor onto the hub, aligning the set-screw hole. Install and tighten the rotor set screw.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Reposition the caliper over the new rotor. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper-to-knuckle bolts (use new bolts if specified by the service manual; these are torque-to-yield in some applications — refer to Tesla Service Manual). Torque to specification.
   ⚠Verify tightening sequence with the Tesla Service Manual before final torque.
   Torque spec

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

    Verify pad seating and pedal feel
    Before reinstalling the wheel, slowly pump the brake pedal until it becomes firm. This re-seats the pistons against the new rotor. Check fluid level in the reservoir and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid if needed (per architecture notes — Model 3 uses DOT 4, not DOT 3).
    ⚠Architecture notes specify DOT 4 for this Tesla. Do not use DOT 3 even if alternate documentation lists it.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before any are torqued.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Lower fully and re-torque lug nuts in star pattern as a final check.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
6. Clear any chassis/ABS faults that may have set during the procedure.

Verification

• With the vehicle still stationary, perform 5–10 firm brake pedal applications to fully seat pads against the new rotor. Pedal should be firm and consistent.
• Check for any brake-related warnings on the center display (ABS, traction control, brake fluid level).
• Perform a low-speed (5–10 mph) brake test in a safe area, listening for scraping or unusual noise.
• Bed in the new rotor per the pad manufacturer's procedure — typically 6–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph followed by a cool-down drive without coming to a complete stop.
• After the first drive, re-torque the wheel lug nuts in star pattern.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — check service history and schedule if overdue.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 mi — a good time to schedule if approaching that interval.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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