Replace the brake caliper bracket on a 2024 Model S Long Range AWD. This involves removing the wheel, caliper, and bracket assembly, then installing the new bracket with proper torque and threadlocker.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake Caliper Bracket (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model S) × 1 — OEM Tesla — verify by VIN at parts catalog
• Caliper Bracket Bolts (replacement recommended if torque-to-yield) × 2 — OEM specification

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 low-voltage battery, located in the front trunk (frunk) under the nose cowl panel. (Note: some 2021+ Plaid variants use a 16V Li-ion under the rear seat — verify 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. Enable Service Mode via the touchscreen if needed to release electronic parking brake on rear caliper service. If service mode is not available, follow the manual EPB release procedure in the Tesla Service Manual.
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle using only Tesla-designated lift points with appropriate jack pads to avoid damaging the battery pack enclosure or rocker pinch welds.
9. Support the vehicle on jack stands rated for the curb weight (~4800 lb).

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove the wheel
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel straight off. Place the wheel under the rocker as a secondary safety measure. Inspect the wheel hub area before proceeding.
2. 2

   Inspect and document caliper orientation
   Photograph the caliper, bracket, brake hose routing, and any wear sensor wiring before disassembly. On rear calipers, locate the EPB actuator wiring — do not pull on it.
   ⚠On rear axles, the electronic parking brake motor is integrated into the caliper. Confirm EPB is fully released before attempting caliper removal.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads (if reusing)
   Remove pad retaining hardware and slide the pads out of the bracket. Mark inboard/outboard if reusing. Inspect pad thickness and rotor condition.
4. 4

   Remove the caliper from the bracket
   Loosen and remove the caliper slide pin bolts (or caliper mounting bolts depending on caliper style). Lift the caliper off the bracket. Suspend the caliper with a hanger or bungee — do NOT let it dangle from the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless replacing the hose.
   ⚠If the brake hose must be disconnected, plan for a full brake bleed afterward and have new copper washers on hand for the banjo fitting.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

   Caliper Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle/hub carrier. These are typically very tight and may require a breaker bar. Note bolt orientation and any shims or alignment hardware.
   ⚠Aluminum knuckle on Model S — do not pry against soft aluminum surfaces. Use proper tools to break bolts free.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean mating surfaces
   Wire-brush the caliper bracket mounting face on the knuckle. Remove old threadlocker residue from the bolt threads (if reusing bolts) or from the knuckle threads using a thread chaser. Clean with brake cleaner and allow to dry.
7. 7

   Install the new caliper bracket
   Position the new bracket on the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Hand-thread both bolts to seat them, then torque to specification. Verify sequence per Tesla Service Manual if a tightening order is specified.
   ⚠Threadlocker must be applied — bracket bolts on aluminum knuckles can back out without it.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Service caliper slide pins
   Inspect slide pins and boots. Clean and apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins. Replace torn boots as needed.
9. 9

   Reinstall pads and caliper
   Install brake pads into the new bracket. Compress the caliper piston as needed (use a proper piston tool — do not pry against the rotor). Position the caliper over the pads and bracket, install the slide pin bolts, and torque to specification.
   ℹ️On rear calipers with EPB, follow the Tesla Service Manual procedure for retracting the EPB actuator — do not force the piston back manually.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall the wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub. Hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall the cowl panel.
3. With the vehicle off, press the brake pedal repeatedly until firm to seat the pads against the rotor.
4. Exit Service Mode if it was enabled.
5. Power on the vehicle and check for brake-related fault messages on the touchscreen.
6. Cycle the electronic parking brake (rear caliper jobs) several times to confirm proper actuation.

Verification

• Confirm no brake warning indicators or ABS/EPB faults on the touchscreen.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area: verify no pulling, grinding, or unusual pedal feel.
• After the first drive, re-check lug nut torque (Tesla recommends re-torque after ~50 miles).
• Inspect the caliper bracket bolts visually after the first drive for any signs of loosening or fluid weep.
• If the brake hose was disconnected at any point, perform a full brake bleed using DOT 3 fluid (verify spec by VIN — newer Model S may use DOT 4) and confirm no air in the system.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — note service date if fluid was opened.

More procedures for this vehicle