Replace both rear brake rotors on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The Performance trim uses larger rear rotors and performance calipers, but the replacement procedure follows standard floating-caliper service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (Performance spec) × 2 — OEM Tesla Model 3 Performance rear rotor — verify by VIN
• Rotor retaining set screw × 2 — OEM-specified, replace if damaged
• Rear brake pads (recommended to replace with rotors) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model 3 Performance rear pad set

Fluids

• DOT 4 brake fluid (Tesla specification — note: vehicle uses DOT 4 despite generic DB entry)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake (you will release it via service mode before piston retraction).
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. Disconnect the 12V (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery — on 2024 Model 3 the LV battery may be located behind the right rear seat back panel or under the floor depending on build; refer to architecture notes.
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 BEFORE disconnecting 12V (Service > Jack Mode), to disable auto-leveling/air systems where applicable and prevent the car from attempting to engage drive systems. (Model 3 uses coil springs, but Jack Mode also affects EPB and stability behavior.)
7. If equipped, use a scan tool to place the rear EPB calipers in service/maintenance mode before any work that requires retracting the rear pistons.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while the wheels are still on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified lift points using approved pucks, and support on jack stands rated for EV weight.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheels
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull both rear wheels. Set wheels face-down on a soft surface to protect the finish.
2. 2

   Place EPB in service mode and retract rear pistons
   Using a compatible scan tool, command the rear electric parking brake calipers into service/maintenance mode. Confirm the EPB actuator has fully retracted before attempting to compress the piston. Without this step the integrated EPB motor can be damaged.
   ⚠Never force the rear piston back with a C-clamp on a Model 3 rear caliper without first retracting the EPB actuator electronically.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide/guide pin bolts and lift caliper off
   Remove the two caliper guide bolts securing the floating caliper body to the bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with a hanger or bungee 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 brake pads
   Slide the inner and outer pads out of the caliper bracket along with any anti-rattle clips. Inspect clips for damage and reuse only if undamaged; otherwise replace.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the rear knuckle. Set the bracket aside on a clean surface; do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Remove the small retaining set screw from the rotor hat. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If corroded in place, lightly tap the rotor hat (not the friction surface) with a dead-blow mallet, or use the threaded jack-off holes if present. Do not strike aluminum hub components with a steel hammer.
   ⚠Aluminum suspension components — use a dead-blow or plastic mallet only.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean hub mating surface
   Wire-brush the hub face to remove rust and scale so the new rotor seats flat. Wipe with brake cleaner. A thin film of anti-seize on the hub center pilot only (NOT on the friction face) prevents future seizing.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Place the rotor on the hub and secure with the set screw.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts (if not pre-applied). Torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Install pads and caliper
    Install pads (new pads recommended any time rotors are replaced) with anti-rattle hardware into the bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins, slide the caliper over the pads, and install the guide pin bolts. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat on opposite side
    Perform steps 3–10 on the other rear corner.
12. 12

    Exit EPB service mode
    Use the scan tool to command the EPB calipers out of service mode. The actuators will cycle and re-clamp the pads. Confirm no fault codes are present.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering.
2. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Torque rear wheel lug nuts to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery.
5. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen once the vehicle is fully on the ground and powered up.
6. With the vehicle running and in P, press the brake pedal firmly several times until it feels solid — this seats the pads against the new rotors. Do NOT move the vehicle until pedal feel is restored.
7. Cycle the EPB on/off several times via the touchscreen and confirm no warnings.

Verification

• Confirm no ABS, EPB, or brake warning lights/messages on the touchscreen.
• Scan for stored DTCs and clear any that resulted from EPB service mode.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area before road use; confirm even braking with no pulling.
• Bed in the new rotors/pads per the pad manufacturer's bed-in procedure (typically a series of moderate then aggressive stops from ~50 mph, avoiding full stops at the end).
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first 50–100 miles.
• While here: if brake fluid is more than 2 years old, schedule a fluid flush — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Also a good time to verify tire rotation interval (every 6,250 mi).

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