Replace the electric parking brake (EPB) actuator on a 2024 Model 3 Performance rear caliper. The EPB motor mounts to the rear caliper body and must be retracted electronically before mechanical removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake actuator (motor-on-caliper unit) × 1 — Tesla Model 3 Performance rear EPB actuator — refer to VIN-specific parts catalog
• EPB actuator-to-caliper O-ring/gasket (if supplied separately) × 1 — OEM-supplied with actuator kit

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 Performance, the low-voltage battery is typically located under the rear seat or in the front trunk area depending on build — refer to architecture notes and verify location for your specific VIN.
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: Use the touchscreen Service Mode (or scan tool) to place the EPB into 'Service / Open' position so the actuator spindle is fully retracted. This is mandatory.
7. Chock the front wheels. Loosen the rear lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Raise the rear of the vehicle using only Tesla-approved lift points and pucks. Support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the side(s) being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm EPB Service Mode was applied
   Verify that the EPB actuator was commanded to the open/service position before 12V disconnect. The spindle inside the caliper piston must be fully retracted. If you skipped this and the 12V is already disconnected, reconnect 12V and perform service mode retraction first — do not attempt mechanical removal of a tensioned actuator.
   ⚠️Skipping the service-mode retraction is the single most common cause of EPB actuator damage and personal injury during this job.
2. 2

   Inspect work area and locate the actuator
   With the rear wheel removed, locate the parking brake actuator — it is the small electric motor housing bolted to the inboard/rear face of the rear brake caliper, with a sealed electrical connector exiting it. Photograph routing of the harness and any retainers for reassembly reference.
3. 3

   Disconnect the EPB electrical connector
   Release the connector lock tab and unplug the EPB harness from the actuator. Inspect the connector for corrosion or moisture intrusion. Move the harness aside and secure it so it is not loaded during actuator removal.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wires — grip the connector body only. The pigtail is short and easily damaged.
4. 4

   (Optional) Support the caliper if removal is required for access
   On most rear calipers the EPB actuator can be removed without unbolting the caliper itself. If access is restricted, support the caliper with a hanger before removing the caliper slide pin bolts so that no load is placed on the flexible brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless absolutely necessary.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose. If the hose is disturbed and the hydraulic system is opened, a full bleed using DOT 4 (manufacturer-specified — note: the DB lists DOT 3 but Tesla architecture for this vehicle calls for DOT 4; verify against the door jamb / reservoir cap label) will be required.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the actuator retaining fasteners
   The EPB motor is secured to the caliper body by (typically) two or three Torx fasteners. Loosen them in a cross pattern in small increments. The actuator may be lightly preloaded against an internal seal — keep it square to the caliper as the last fastener is removed.
6. 6

   Separate the actuator from the caliper
   Pull the actuator straight back from the caliper body. Do not pry against the caliper casting. Inspect the O-ring/gasket sealing surface and the spindle drive engagement on the caliper side. Wipe clean with a lint-free rag — do not use solvent on the seal area.
   ⚠If the spindle inside the caliper rotates or springs back when the actuator is removed, the actuator was NOT in service mode. Stop, reinstall the old unit, and re-run the service-mode retraction.
7. 7

   Prepare the new actuator
   Compare the new actuator side-by-side to the removed unit: connector orientation, mounting boss pattern, and drive coupling profile must match. Confirm the new unit's spindle is in the fully retracted/service position (it will be from the factory). Install the new O-ring/gasket if supplied.
8. 8

   Install the new actuator
   Align the actuator drive coupling with the caliper spindle and seat the actuator squarely against the caliper. Hand-thread all retaining fasteners before torquing. Tighten in a cross pattern to the manufacturer-specified value — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for the exact spec for the EPB actuator fasteners (not listed in the verified torque table provided).
   ⚠Do not substitute the listed Caliper Bolts or Slide Pin torques for the EPB actuator fasteners. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
9. 9

   Reconnect the EPB electrical connector
   Plug the harness into the new actuator until the lock tab clicks fully home. Verify the harness is routed in its original path with no contact against rotating or hot components.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper if it was removed
    If the caliper was removed for access, clean and lightly grease the slide pins with silicone brake grease. Reinstall the caliper and torque the slide pin bolts to spec.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel. Snug the lug nuts by hand in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Power up the vehicle (do not drive yet). Allow systems to fully boot.
6. Using Service Mode (or scan tool), command the EPB to perform a calibration / close-open cycle. Confirm no fault codes are stored.
7. Apply and release the parking brake several times via the touchscreen / shifter and listen for proper actuator operation on both rear corners.

Verification

• Confirm no EPB-related warnings on the touchscreen instrument cluster after a full power cycle.
• With the vehicle in P on a slight incline, release service mode and confirm the EPB holds the vehicle. Then release P and confirm the actuator releases freely with no drag.
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area; confirm no rear brake drag, no warning chimes, and no ABS/EPB lamps illuminated.
• Re-check rear wheel lug torque after approximately 50 miles.
• While servicing the rear brakes, note the date — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If due, schedule a fluid service.
• If any pulsation, uneven hold, or fault recurs, scan for EPB DTCs and verify actuator calibration; do not return the vehicle to service with active EPB faults.

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