Brake Pads and Rotors - Front

Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. This is a routine wear-item service; no HV systems are involved, but the vehicle's regenerative braking means rotors may show less wear than pad wear suggests — inspect both carefully.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (OEM or OEM-equivalent for Model S) × 1 — manufacturer-specified front pad set for 2024 Model S LR AWD — verify by VIN/wheel size (19/21/22")
• Front brake rotors × 2 — manufacturer-specified front rotors for 2024 Model S LR AWD — verify by VIN/wheel size
• Caliper bracket bolts (if reuse not permitted by service manual) × 4 — OEM specification — many Tesla bracket bolts are torque-to-yield/single-use; verify before reuse

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (verify by VIN — newer builds may specify DOT 4) — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place the vehicle in P, and engage the parking brake.
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 12V low-voltage battery, located in the front trunk (frunk) under the nose cowl panel. Follow Tesla's published 12V disconnect procedure to avoid triggering body control faults.
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. Disable Sentry Mode, Summon Standby, and Cabin Overheat Protection via the Tesla app so the vehicle does not wake during service.
7. Place the vehicle in 'Jack Mode' (Service > Jack Mode in the touchscreen) before disconnecting 12V — this disables air suspension self-leveling on Performance/Plaid trims. (Standard LR uses coil springs, but enabling Jack Mode is still good practice.)
8. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
9. Lift the vehicle using only Tesla-designated lift points with proper puck adapters. Support on jack stands rated for EV curb weight.
10. Remove front wheels and set them aside on the painted face to avoid scratching.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and document
   Photograph each caliper assembly before disassembly. Measure existing pad thickness and rotor thickness/runout. Note any uneven wear that could indicate a sticking slide pin or seized piston — both common items to address during pad service.
2. 2

   Open brake fluid reservoir cap
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap in the frunk to allow fluid displacement when retracting pistons. Remove some fluid if reservoir is at MAX, since pushing pistons back will raise the level. Cover surrounding paint — brake fluid damages aluminum body paint.
   ⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to Tesla aluminum body panels. Wipe spills immediately with water.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide/guide bolts
   Remove the caliper slide bolts to free the caliper body from the bracket. Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee — DO NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads
   Lift out the old pads and any anti-rattle clips/shims. Note the orientation of wear sensor wiring if equipped, and the position of inner vs outer pad (they may differ).
5. 5

   Compress caliper piston
   Use a piston compression tool to slowly retract the caliper piston into its bore. Watch the brake fluid reservoir level as you do this. Inspect the piston dust boot for tears — replace caliper or rebuild if compromised.
   ⚠Do not pry against the rotor with metal tools — gouging the rotor face will require rotor replacement.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the caliper bracket bolts to free the bracket from the steering knuckle. Set bracket aside on a clean surface. Inspect bracket for cracks and clean the slide pin bores.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old rotor
   Remove any rotor retaining clip/screw if fitted. Pull rotor off the hub. If seized due to corrosion between rotor hat and hub, apply penetrating oil and tap the rotor face evenly with a soft mallet — never strike the hub or knuckle.
   ⚠Aluminum suspension components can be damaged by hammer strikes. Tap only the steel rotor face.
8. 8

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mating surface until bare metal is visible. Any rust or debris between hub and new rotor will cause runout and brake pulsation. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center only — keep it off the wheel mounting face and rotor friction surface.
9. 9

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Install rotor onto hub and secure with retaining clip if applicable. Spin to verify it sits flat with no wobble.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Apply blue threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts (or use new bolts if specified). Reinstall the bracket to the knuckle and torque to specification.
    ⚠Tesla front bracket bolts may be single-use torque-to-yield. Verify with the Tesla Service Manual before reusing.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Lubricate slide pins and install new pads
    Clean the slide pins, inspect boots for damage, and re-grease with silicone brake grease. Install new anti-rattle clips/shims as supplied with the pad kit. Seat the new pads in the bracket. Apply a thin layer of brake grease only to the pad backing plate contact points — never on the friction surface.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper and torque slide bolts
    Lower the caliper body over the new pads and rotor. Install the slide bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite front wheel
    Repeat steps 3 through 12 for the other front corner. Always service brakes in axle pairs.
14. 14

    Top off brake fluid and seat pads
    Top up the reservoir to MAX with the correct DOT-spec fluid (verify DOT 3 vs DOT 4 by VIN for this 2024 build). Reinstall reservoir cap. With wheels installed and vehicle on the ground, pump the brake pedal firmly multiple times until it becomes solid — this seats the pistons against the new pads. Do not move the vehicle until pedal is firm.
    ⚠️Failing to pump the pedal before driving will result in NO BRAKES on the first pedal application.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before lifting torque wrench.
2. Lower vehicle to ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall the nose cowl panel.
5. Close frunk and verify it latches fully.
6. Re-enable Sentry Mode and any other features disabled before service in the Tesla app.
7. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen if it was enabled.

Verification

• With vehicle stationary, press the brake pedal — it should be firm within 1-2 pumps. A spongy pedal indicates air in the system or a piston not fully seated.
• Check the touchscreen for any new alerts (ABS, brake system, EPB faults). Clear any service messages.
• Verify the electronic parking brake engages and releases normally — listen for the rear caliper motors cycling.
• Drive at low speed (5-10 mph) in an empty area and apply brakes firmly several times to confirm function before normal driving.
• Bed in the new pads/rotors per the pad manufacturer's procedure — typically 8-10 moderate stops from 35 mph to 5 mph without coming to a complete stop, then a cool-down period. Note: regenerative braking will reduce friction-brake use, which can lengthen bed-in time on a Tesla.
• Re-check lug nut torque after 50-100 miles.
• Service reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If fluid is older than 2 years, schedule a brake fluid flush.

More procedures for this vehicle