Replace a single rear brake rotor on a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses larger rear brakes than standard Model 3, but the rotor R&R procedure is conventional once the caliper and bracket are off.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (Model 3 Performance-spec) × 1 — OEM or OE-equivalent rear rotor matching Model 3 Performance dimensions
• Rotor set screw (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM Torx set screw

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 Model 3) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3 Performance, this is typically accessed under a panel in the front trunk or under the rear seat — verify location before cutting power.
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: enter Service Mode on the touchscreen and place the rear EPB into 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent caliper-piston-retract mode). This releases the EPB actuator so the piston can be wound back. After this is done, then disconnect 12V.
7. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the affected rear wheel while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using puck adapters, support on jack stands, and remove the rear wheel.
9. Inspect the area for any orange HV cabling, HV pack edge, or coolant lines before beginning work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, EPB actuator wiring, brake hose, and rotor condition. Confirm no orange cables or coolant lines are in the work area. Photograph the EPB connector routing for reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect EPB connector (if required for clearance)
   If the parking brake harness routing prevents caliper removal, carefully unclip the EPB electrical connector at the caliper. Squeeze the lock tab — do not pry. Confirm Service Mode brake retract was completed before disconnecting.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wire — pull on the connector body only. The pigtail is short and easily damaged.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin (guide) bolts securing the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper — do not let it hang from the brake hose. Hang it from the suspension with a hook or bungee.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the rear knuckle. These are typically very tight and may use threadlocker — use a breaker bar. Set the bracket aside.
   ⚠Do not damage the ABS/wheel speed sensor wiring routed near the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor set screw
   Remove the small Torx set screw retaining the rotor to the hub face. If seized, apply penetrating oil and use a properly seated bit to avoid stripping. Replace the screw if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized due to corrosion, thread two bolts into the rotor's threaded jacking holes (if equipped) and tighten evenly to break it free. If no jacking holes, tap the rotor hat with a dead-blow — never strike the friction surface or the aluminum knuckle.
   ⚠Aluminum and cast components — do not use a steel hammer.
7. 7

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face to remove all rust and debris. A clean, flat hub face is critical to prevent rotor lateral runout and brake pulsation. A light film of anti-seize on the hub face center (NOT on lug studs or friction surfaces) helps prevent future seizure.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Clean any shipping oil from the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake parts cleaner. Slide the rotor onto the hub and secure with the set screw. Torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket onto the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolt threads, install, and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall caliper
    If pads were also replaced or piston was retracted, ensure the EPB piston is fully retracted/wound back per Service Mode procedure. Slide the caliper over the rotor onto the bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins as needed, install slide pin bolts, and torque to specification.
    ⚠Never use copper-based or petroleum grease on slide pins — only silicone-based brake grease compatible with the rubber boots.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect EPB harness
    If disconnected, reconnect the EPB electrical connector and ensure it is fully latched. Reroute the harness exactly as factory — pinched wires here will set faults.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground.
3. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification — refer to Wheel Lug Nuts torque.
4. Fully lower the vehicle.
5. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery.
6. Power the vehicle on. Exit Service Mode / brake service mode via the touchscreen — this re-engages the EPB actuator and re-clamps the piston against the new rotor.
7. With the vehicle stationary and in P, cycle the parking brake on/off several times via the touchscreen or by shifting P↔D to confirm EPB function.
8. Pump the brake pedal multiple times until firm before driving — the piston needs to seat against the new rotor.

Verification

• Confirm no brake-related warnings on the touchscreen (no ABS, EPB, or traction control faults).
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area: gentle stops from 10–15 mph to verify pedal feel and absence of pulsation.
• Bed the new rotor: perform 6–10 moderate stops from approximately 40 mph down to 10 mph, then a cooldown drive without coming to a complete stop, to deposit an even pad transfer layer.
• After the first drive, re-check lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid weeps at the caliper.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — if fluid age is unknown or exceeded, schedule a brake fluid service.
• Tire rotation interval reminder: Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 miles on Model 3 Performance due to high torque and tire wear rates.

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