Complete brake fluid bleed on all four corners of a 2024 Model S Long Range AWD. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage; this procedure flushes old DOT-spec fluid from all four calipers.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if degraded) × 4 — OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (verify by VIN — some 2024 builds may specify DOT 4; confirm reservoir cap marking) — 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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V (or 16V on Plaid-equipped models) low-voltage battery under the nose cowl panel per architecture notes. Wait an additional 2 minutes after disconnect.
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. Verify the brake fluid specification printed on the master cylinder reservoir cap (DOT 3 or DOT 4) before opening any new fluid container.
7. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the four manufacturer-designated lift points using approved jack pad pucks; support on jack stands rated for the Model S curb weight.
9. Remove all four wheels and set aside on the soft side to protect the finish.
10. Have a helper available if performing a two-person pedal bleed; otherwise prepare a one-person pressure or vacuum bleeder.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare the master cylinder reservoir
   Locate the brake fluid reservoir in the frunk area. Clean around the cap before opening to prevent debris ingress. Use a clean syringe or turkey baster to extract the old, dark fluid from the reservoir down to the MIN line. Refill to MAX with fresh fluid matching the reservoir cap specification.
   ⚠Do not allow the reservoir to drop below MIN at any point during bleeding, or air will enter the iBooster.
2. 2

   Connect pressure bleeder (recommended method)
   Attach a pressure bleeder to the master cylinder reservoir per the bleeder manufacturer's instructions. Pressurize to approximately 15 psi (do not exceed bleeder or vehicle manufacturer's maximum). Pressure bleeding is preferred on iBooster-equipped vehicles to avoid pulling air past internal seals. If using vacuum or two-person pedal bleed, monitor reservoir level constantly.
3. 3

   Determine bleed sequence
   Bleed in the sequence specified by the Tesla Service Manual for this VIN. The conventional furthest-to-nearest sequence (RR → LR → RF → LF) is a common default, but the iBooster system may have a manufacturer-specified order. Verify before proceeding.
   ⚠Verify bleed sequence with the Service Manual — incorrect sequence on iBooster systems can leave trapped air.
4. 4

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Locate the bleeder screw on the right rear caliper. Remove the dust cap. Fit a clear hose over the bleeder, route to a catch bottle with a small amount of fresh fluid in the bottom (hose tip submerged). Crack the bleeder open with a box-end wrench. Allow fluid to flow until clean, bubble-free fluid is observed (typically 250–500 ml per corner with pressure bleeder). Close the bleeder.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Repeat the bleeding process at the left rear caliper. Continue until fluid runs clean and clear with no bubbles. Verify reservoir level remains above MIN throughout.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to the right front caliper. Repeat the bleeding procedure. Front calipers on the Model S typically purge faster due to shorter line length. Watch for clear, bubble-free flow.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Bleed left front caliper
   Bleed the left front caliper last (or per the service manual sequence). Confirm clean fluid output and close the bleeder snugly but do not overtighten — the bleeder is a hollow brass screw that strips and snaps easily.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Depressurize and remove pressure bleeder
   Relieve pressure from the bleeder per its instructions before disconnecting from the reservoir. Remove the bleeder adapter. Top off the reservoir to MAX with fresh fluid and reinstall the cap securely.
9. 9

   iBooster service mode bleed (if required)
   On Model S with iBooster, full bleeding of the booster internal chambers requires Tesla Toolbox to command the booster pump through a service routine. If the pedal feels firm and high after the manual bleed, this step may not be needed. If pedal is soft or sinking, STOP — the vehicle requires Toolbox-equipped service to complete the bleed safely.
   ⚠️Do not attempt to road test with a soft brake pedal. Have the vehicle towed or trailered to a Tesla-certified facility for Toolbox-assisted bleeding.
10. 10

    Wipe down and inspect
    Wipe each bleeder and caliper area with a damp cloth to remove any fluid residue. Inspect for active drips. Reinstall bleeder dust caps.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to seat the wheel flat against the hub.
2. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern — see Wheel Lug Nuts torque spec.
3. Lower the vehicle fully off jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery in the frunk. Reinstall the cowl panel.
5. Close the frunk.

Verification

• With the vehicle powered on (foot off brake), the brake pedal should feel firm and high. There should be no warning messages on the touchscreen related to the brake system, ABS, or stability control.
• Press and hold the brake pedal firmly for 30 seconds — it should not slowly sink to the floor. Sinking indicates a leak or remaining air.
• Walk around the vehicle and inspect each caliper bleeder for weeping or drips.
• Confirm reservoir is at MAX with the cap secure.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe, empty area: from 5 mph, apply brakes firmly. Pedal should be firm and stopping should be linear with no pulling.
• If pedal is soft, low, or sinks: do NOT drive. Re-bleed or have Tesla service complete an iBooster bleed via Toolbox.
• Log the service date and odometer reading. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — schedule the next service accordingly.
• Test brake fluid moisture content with a refractometer or test strips at the next annual inspection to confirm fluid is still within spec.

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