Service the rear (or front) brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Model 3 Performance — clean, inspect, and re-lubricate the pins with silicone brake grease to restore smooth caliper float and even pad wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pin boots (if torn or degraded) × 2 — OEM-spec rubber boots for Model 3 caliper

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (high-temp, rubber-safe)

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/48V on applicable models) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically a lithium unit — access per architecture notes (behind right rear seat back panel or under floor depending on build).
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. In the touchscreen (before disconnecting 12V), enable Service Mode → Jack Mode to disable auto-leveling/air... note: Model 3 is coil-sprung so air suspension calibration is N/A, but Service Mode will inhibit drive-away.
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using rubber pucks; support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel to expose the caliper.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper and boots
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, and bracket. Note any torn boots, leaking fluid, or seized pins. If a boot is torn, plan to replace it.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using the appropriate hex bit, remove both caliper slide pin bolts from the rear of the caliper. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins. Do NOT disconnect the brake hose.
   ⚠Do not let the caliper hang by the flexible brake hose — support it with a bungee or wire.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lift caliper off bracket
   Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Suspend it from the suspension with a bungee cord. Leave brake pads in the bracket for now.
4. 4

   Extract slide pins from bracket
   Pull each slide pin out of the caliper bracket bores. Inspect the pins for scoring, corrosion, or galling. Inspect the rubber boots for tears or hardening.
   ℹ️If pins show scoring or the bores are corroded, replace the affected hardware — slide pins must move freely for even pad wear.
5. 5

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Wipe pins clean with a rag and brake cleaner. Use a clean rag wrapped on a small dowel or a nylon brush to clean the bracket bores. Do not use abrasive media that could enlarge the bore.
6. 6

   Inspect and reseat boots
   Inspect rubber slide pin boots. Replace any that are torn, cracked, or no longer sealing. Reseat boots fully into their grooves on the bracket.
7. 7

   Lubricate slide pins
   Apply a thin, even film of silicone brake grease to the shaft of each slide pin. Do not pack the bore full of grease — hydraulic lock will prevent the caliper from floating. A thin coat on the pin is sufficient.
   ⚠Use only silicone/synthetic brake-rated grease. Petroleum greases will swell and destroy the boots.
8. 8

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each lubricated pin back into its bore, working the boot back over the pin so it seats in both grooves without trapping air. Verify each pin slides freely by hand.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Confirm pads are seated in the bracket with anti-rattle clips intact. Slide the caliper body back over the pads onto the bracket. Hand-thread both slide pin bolts to avoid cross-threading.
10. 10

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if needed to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel; hand-thread all lug nuts to avoid cross-threading the aluminum hub face.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery.
5. Exit Service Mode if it was entered.

Verification

• With the vehicle still safely supported or on the ground with wheel chocks, press the brake pedal several times until firm — confirms pads have seated against the rotor (caliper pistons were not retracted, but verify pedal feel is normal).
• Drive at low speed in a safe area and apply the brakes gently several times to confirm even, quiet braking with no pulling.
• After a short drive, recheck the wheel for unusual heat (a sticking pin will cause that corner to run hotter than the others).
• Inspect for any new noise, vibration, or pull during the first few stops.
• Service interval reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — if this slide pin service was triggered by uneven pad wear, also consider testing brake fluid moisture content while you're in the brake system.

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