Rebuild the rear brake calipers on a 2024 Model 3 Performance by removing the calipers, replacing seals/pistons/dust boots with a rebuild kit, and reinstalling. The Performance trim uses larger rear calipers than standard Model 3 — confirm caliper part number before ordering rebuild kit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper rebuild kit (piston seals, dust boots, bleeder cap) — Model 3 Performance specific × 2 — Manufacturer-specified rebuild kit for 2024 Model 3 Performance rear caliper
• Caliper pistons (if scored or corroded — inspect before ordering) × 2 — OEM-spec replacement pistons matching caliper bore
• Caliper slide pin boots × 4 — OEM-spec slide pin boots
• Silicone brake caliper grease × 1 — Synthetic silicone caliper grease, brake-fluid-compatible
• Medium-strength threadlocker (blue) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent
• Copper/nylon crush washers for banjo fitting (if equipped) × 4 — OEM-spec sealing washers

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid (Tesla-specified — do NOT use DOT 3 despite some legacy references) — 1 qt

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 Li-ion low-voltage) battery. On 2024 Model 3, the LV battery is located behind the right rear seat back panel on most builds; some 2024+ units have a Li-ion unit under the floor — verify before removing trim. Disconnect the negative terminal first.
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 the 12V: on the touchscreen, navigate to Service Mode (or Controls > Service) and enable 'Brake Service Mode' / 'Wheel Service Mode' to retract the electric parking brake calipers. Confirm the EPB is fully released.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle using only the factory jack points with Tesla-spec pucks. Support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Remove rear wheels.
10. Inspect rotors, pads, and hoses before disassembly — replace any component outside spec.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect EPB actuator electrical connector
   Locate the electric parking brake motor connector on the rear of each caliper. Release the locking tab and unplug it. Confirm Brake Service Mode was enabled before the 12V was disconnected; otherwise the piston will not be fully retracted and disassembly may damage the EPB gear train.
   ⚠Do not pry or force the EPB connector — the locking tab is plastic and brittle in cold weather.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hydraulic line
   Place a drain pan beneath the caliper. Using a flare-nut/line wrench, loosen the brake line fitting at the caliper. If a banjo bolt is used, retain the crush washers for replacement. Cap the line immediately to minimize fluid loss and air ingress, or clamp the flexible hose with a brake hose pinch-off tool.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove caliper assembly from bracket
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts (or caliper-to-bracket bolts depending on hardware on this build). Slide the caliper off the rotor. Do not let it hang by the brake line — support with a wire hook.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove caliper bracket (optional, for full rebuild access)
   If replacing slide pin boots or refurbishing the bracket, remove the two bracket-to-knuckle bolts. These are torqued high and use threadlocker — heat may be required. Inspect threads upon removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Extract the brake pads, anti-rattle clips, and pad retention hardware from the bracket. Note orientation — inboard and outboard pads may differ. Inspect pads; replace if below 3 mm friction material.
6. 6

   Extract caliper piston
   With the caliper off the vehicle and brake line removed, use low-pressure compressed air (≤30 psi) directed into the fluid inlet to push the piston out. Place a wood block in the caliper to catch the piston. Keep fingers clear — the piston can eject with force. For EPB calipers, the piston unscrews via the EPB mechanism; if unsure, follow the rebuild kit manufacturer's specific procedure for screw-in EPB pistons.
   ⚠️Pinch hazard: never place fingers between piston and caliper body during extraction.
7. 7

   Remove and inspect dust boot and piston seal
   Carefully pry the dust boot from the caliper bore using a non-metallic pick. Remove the square-cut piston seal from the bore groove. Inspect the bore for pitting, scoring, or corrosion — any significant defect means the caliper must be replaced, not rebuilt. Inspect the piston for plating wear, scoring, or corrosion.
   ⚠Do not use a steel pick directly against the seal groove — gouges in the bore will cause leaks.
8. 8

   Clean caliper components
   Clean the caliper body, bore, and reusable hardware with non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner. Blow dry with compressed air. Do not use petroleum solvents — they damage rubber components.
9. 9

   Install new piston seal and dust boot
   Lubricate the new square-cut piston seal with clean DOT 4 brake fluid (or the assembly lube provided in the rebuild kit). Seat the seal in its groove without twisting. Install the new dust boot's outer lip into the caliper groove first.
10. 10

    Install piston
    Lubricate the piston with clean DOT 4 brake fluid. Carefully feed the piston through the dust boot and into the bore, keeping it square. Press fully home. For EPB screw-in pistons, thread the piston onto the EPB spindle per the rebuild kit instructions, keeping the alignment notches indexed correctly relative to the inboard pad.
    ⚠Cocking the piston during installation will cut the new seal and cause leaks.
11. 11

    Service slide pins and bracket
    Remove slide pins from the bracket, clean, inspect for corrosion, and apply silicone brake grease. Install new slide pin boots. Reinstall pins; do not over-grease (hydraulic lock).
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper bracket (if removed)
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to bracket bolt threads. Install bracket to the rear knuckle and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install pads and caliper
    Install pad hardware/clips, then pads (correct inboard/outboard orientation). Slide caliper over the rotor. Apply threadlocker to caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect brake line and EPB connector
    Install new crush washers if banjo-style fitting; otherwise inspect flare. Thread the line by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque with a line wrench. Reconnect the EPB electrical connector — confirm the locking tab clicks.
    Torque spec

    Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Bleed the brake system
    Reconnect the 12V battery. Top off the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 4. Bleed each rear caliper at the bleeder screw using vacuum or pressure bleeder until clean, bubble-free fluid emerges. Tesla recommends a full 4-corner bleed any time the hydraulic system is opened. Torque bleeder screws and cap. Note: a complete fluid exchange and ABS/iBooster bleed sequence may require scan-tool actuation — if pedal feel is poor after manual bleed, additional bleeding through the iBooster module is required.
    ⚠Never let the master cylinder reservoir run dry during bleeding — air ingestion into the iBooster requires Tesla-specific bleed procedures to remove.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the EPB connectors at both rear calipers if not already done.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative). Reinstall trim panel if removed.
3. Reinstall rear wheels. Snug lugs by hand, lower vehicle, then torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
4. Sit in the driver's seat, allow the vehicle to wake, and press the brake pedal firmly several times to seat the pads against the rotors before moving. Pedal must become firm.
5. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode / Wheel Service Mode. The EPB will re-calibrate — listen for the actuators cycling.
6. Apply and release the parking brake several times via the touchscreen to verify EPB function.
7. Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4.

Verification

• Confirm no brake fluid leakage at the caliper bleeder, line fitting, or piston dust boot after pumping the pedal 20+ times.
• Verify firm, consistent pedal travel — a soft or sinking pedal indicates trapped air or seal failure.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake-related alerts: 'Service Brake System,' 'Parking Brake Fault,' or ABS warnings. Clear codes via Service Mode if needed.
• Test EPB engagement and release on the touchscreen — actuator should cycle smoothly with no grinding.
• Perform a low-speed roll test in a safe area: confirm vehicle stops straight with no pulling, pulsation, or dragging. Listen for unusual noise from the rear.
• After 50-100 miles, re-check caliper bolts and line fittings for leaks and verify pad bedding.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years — log this service date so the next interval is known.
• While rear wheels are off, this is a good opportunity to rotate tires (Tesla recommends every 6,250 mi) if not done recently.

More procedures for this vehicle