Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

Replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. This is a standard friction brake service — no high-voltage systems are touched, but Tesla's regenerative braking means rear brakes often have low wear and high corrosion, so rotor condition should be assessed carefully.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (OEM or equivalent for Model S 2021+) × 1 — Tesla Model S 2021+ rear pad set — verify by VIN
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Tesla Model S 2021+ rear rotor — verify size (standard vs Plaid) by VIN
• Caliper bracket bolts (if specified single-use) × 4 — Manufacturer-specified — reuse only if service manual permits

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if needed; verify spec by VIN — newer builds may specify DOT 4)

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 under the frunk nose cowl panel (or 16V Li-ion under the rear seat on applicable Plaid builds — verify by 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: on the touchscreen, navigate to Service Mode (or the Brake Service / Transport Mode menu) and place the Electronic Parking Brake into service/caliper-replacement mode. The EPB cannot be retracted manually on this vehicle.
7. After EPB is in service mode, then disconnect 12V per the safety preamble.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle using only Tesla-designated jack points with rubber pucks; support on jack stands rated for EV curb weight.
10. Remove both rear wheels.
11. Inspect brake fluid reservoir level in the frunk — if full, siphon a small amount to prevent overflow when retracting pistons.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect both rear calipers, rotors, pads, dust shields, and flexible hoses. Note pad thickness, rotor scoring/corrosion, and any leaks. Confirm the EPB actuator wiring connector is intact on each caliper.
2. 2

   Disconnect EPB actuator connector
   Locate the EPB motor connector on the back of the rear caliper. Release the locking tab and unplug it. With the EPB in service mode and 12V disconnected, this prevents accidental actuation.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wiring — release the lock tab first to avoid breaking the connector.
3. 3

   Retract caliper piston
   Using a rear EPB-compatible wind-back tool, rotate and press the piston back into the caliper bore. The Tesla rear piston has internal threads for the EPB screw and must be wound clockwise (verify rotation direction with the tool manufacturer) while pressing in. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir for overflow.
   ⚠Forcing the piston without rotation will destroy the EPB drive screw.
4. 4

   Remove caliper slide/guide bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide bolts holding the caliper body to the bracket. Lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a hook or strap from the suspension — do not let it hang from the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old brake pads
   Slide the inboard and outboard pads out of the caliper bracket. Note any anti-rattle clips or shims and their orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. Set the bracket aside on a clean surface.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor
   Remove any rotor retaining clip or screw if present. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil to the hub center and tap the rotor face evenly with a dead-blow mallet — never strike the hub or the aluminum knuckle with a steel hammer.
   ⚠Aluminum suspension components — do not strike with steel hammers.
8. 8

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face to bare metal to ensure the new rotor seats flat. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center only — keep it off the friction surface and lug studs.
9. 9

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Mount the rotor on the hub and secure it with one or two lug nuts finger-tight to hold it flush during caliper bracket installation.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install the bracket onto the knuckle and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Install new pads
    Install anti-rattle clips/shims into the bracket as originally configured. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad backing plate contact points and slide rails — never on the friction surface. Insert new pads into the bracket.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper
    Inspect slide pin boots for damage; replace if torn. Lubricate the slide pins with silicone brake grease. Set the caliper over the new pads and rotor, then install the slide bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect EPB actuator
    Plug the EPB motor connector back in until the lock tab clicks. Verify the connector is fully seated and the wiring is routed clear of the rotor and suspension travel.
14. 14

    Repeat on opposite rear wheel
    Perform steps 1–13 on the other rear corner.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to avoid cross-threading the aluminum hub area.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V (or 16V) low-voltage battery.
5. Power on the vehicle. On the touchscreen, exit EPB service mode and follow the prompts to recalibrate / re-engage the Electronic Parking Brake. The system will cycle the EPB actuators to seat the pads against the rotor.
6. Check brake fluid reservoir level in the frunk and top off with the VIN-correct DOT specification if low.
7. With the vehicle stationary, press the brake pedal firmly several times until it feels solid — this seats the pads against the rotors.
8. Cycle the EPB on/off via the touchscreen and confirm no fault messages appear.

Verification

• Confirm no brake-related alerts on the instrument cluster or center display (no 'Service Brake System', no EPB faults).
• At low speed in an empty area, perform several light stops to verify normal pedal feel and no pull to either side.
• Test the EPB by engaging it on a slight incline and confirming the vehicle holds.
• Perform a manufacturer-recommended pad bed-in: a series of moderate stops from ~30 mph (e.g., 8–10 stops) without coming to a complete stop, then allow the brakes to cool. Note: Tesla's regenerative braking will reduce friction brake use, so deliberate bed-in is important.
• After the first drive, re-check lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid leaks at the caliper.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends rear brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage — verify next due date and log it.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 mi — consider rotating now since wheels are off.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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