Replacement of the electronic parking brake (EPB) motor on the rear caliper of a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The EPB motor is integrated into the rear caliper assembly and requires service-mode retraction via the touchscreen before mechanical removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic parking brake motor/actuator (rear caliper) × 1 — Tesla Model 3 Performance rear EPB actuator — refer to VIN-specific catalog
• EPB motor mounting bolts (if specified single-use) × 3 — OEM specification
• EPB actuator O-ring/seal (if supplied separately) × 1 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place the vehicle in P, and engage the parking brake (it will be released electronically in a later step).
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 low-voltage battery per the architecture notes for this vehicle (2024 Model 3 may use a lithium 12V/LV unit — locate per service documentation 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. BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery: enter the touchscreen Service Mode and use the Brakes menu to place the EPB into 'Service / Open' (caliper piston retracted) position. This is mandatory — skipping this step risks damaging the new actuator.
7. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Raise the rear of the vehicle at the designated lift points and support on jack stands. Remove the affected rear wheel(s).

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm EPB is in Service Mode
   Verify on the touchscreen (before LV battery disconnect) that the EPB has been commanded to the open/service position. The caliper piston should be fully retracted. Only after confirming this, disconnect the 12V/LV battery as outlined in preparation.
   ⚠️If Service Mode retraction fails or is skipped, the EPB spindle remains under spring load. Do not attempt mechanical removal in this state.
2. 2

   Inspect work area and locate EPB actuator
   With the rear wheel removed, locate the EPB motor mounted to the outboard/rear face of the rear brake caliper. Identify its electrical connector and the mounting bolts (typically Torx-head) securing the motor housing to the caliper body.
3. 3

   Disconnect EPB electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the EPB motor connector and unplug it. Inspect the connector for corrosion or pin damage. Move the harness aside and secure it so it is not strained during motor removal.
   ⚠Do not pry on the connector body with metal tools — broken locking tabs are a common cause of repeat failures.
4. 4

   (Optional) Support caliper
   If access to the EPB motor bolts is restricted, you may unbolt and suspend the caliper using a hanger to gain working room. If the caliper must be removed, do so at the caliper bracket bolts and avoid stressing the flexible brake hose. If the hose is disconnected, the system will require bleeding afterward.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

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

   Remove EPB motor mounting bolts
   Using the correct Torx bit, evenly loosen the EPB motor mounting bolts in a cross pattern to relieve any residual spring load gradually. Fully remove the bolts and set them aside. Note the orientation of the motor for reinstallation.
   ⚠If the motor pops outward forcefully when the last bolt is removed, the EPB was NOT in service position. Stop and re-evaluate before continuing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove EPB motor from caliper
   Carefully pull the EPB motor straight off the caliper body. The motor's drive shaft engages an internal spindle in the caliper — withdraw it without prying or tilting to avoid damaging the gear interface or the caliper seal/O-ring.
7. 7

   Inspect spindle and seal interface
   Inspect the caliper-side spindle/drive coupling for damage, corrosion, or contamination. Inspect and remove the old O-ring/seal if it remained on the caliper. Clean the mating surface with a lint-free cloth — do not use solvents that could damage the seal land.
8. 8

   Install new EPB motor
   Fit the new O-ring/seal (if supplied) to the new actuator. Align the motor's drive coupling with the caliper spindle and seat the motor squarely against the caliper. Do not force — if it does not seat with hand pressure, recheck spindle alignment and rotation.
   ⚠Do not use the mounting bolts to draw the motor into place — this can shear the drive coupling or pinch the seal.
9. 9

   Torque EPB motor mounting bolts
   Install the mounting bolts (apply medium-strength threadlocker if specified by the new part instructions) and tighten in a cross pattern to the verified specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect EPB harness
    Reconnect the electrical connector until the lock fully clicks. Ensure the harness is routed in its original clips and is clear of suspension travel and the rotating brake disc.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper (if removed) and wheel
    If the caliper was removed in step 4, reinstall it with threadlocker on the caliper bolts and torque to spec. Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and torque the lugs to spec in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery, observing correct polarity and any Tesla-specified reconnect procedure.
2. Close all doors and allow the vehicle to fully wake. Expect EPB and ABS warning indicators on initial power-up.
3. Re-enter Service Mode on the touchscreen and run the EPB calibration / 'close from open' routine to seat the new actuator and pads against the rotor.
4. Cycle the parking brake several times via the touchscreen and confirm normal apply/release operation with no fault codes.
5. Exit Service Mode and verify all dash warnings have cleared.

Verification

• No EPB, ABS, or stability-control warnings present on the instrument cluster after a full power cycle.
• Audible and tactile confirmation that the EPB motor cycles cleanly when applied/released from the touchscreen — no grinding, no delayed engagement.
• Perform a low-speed roll test (5–10 mph in a safe area) and apply the parking brake from the touchscreen — vehicle should come to a controlled stop, then release smoothly when commanded.
• Check for fluid leaks at the caliper if the caliper or hydraulic line was disturbed; if the brake hydraulic system was opened, bleed the system per service manual procedure (Bleeder Screw torque from verified spec) and reconfirm pedal feel.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — note the service date and inspect fluid condition while you are in the brake system.

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