Service the front or rear brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD: clean, inspect, and re-lubricate the pins with silicone brake grease to restore smooth caliper float and prevent uneven pad wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Slide pin boots / dust seals (replace if torn or hardened) × 2 — OEM caliper guide pin boot kit — match by VIN
• Slide pin bolts (re-use only if undamaged; replace if threadlocker patch is worn) × 2 — OEM caliper slide pin bolt

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (high-temp, rubber-safe)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
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 low-voltage battery (located under the nose cowl panel in the front trunk). Note: 2024 Model S typically uses a 16V Li-ion low-voltage battery — 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. If equipped with air suspension, enable Jack Mode via the touchscreen before lifting.
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts ~1/2 turn while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using approved pucks, and support on jack stands. Never work under the vehicle supported only by a jack.
9. Remove the wheel and set it aside (lay it flat to avoid scratching the finish).

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the caliper assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, and bracket. Look for torn or hardened rubber boots, dried/missing grease, corrosion on the pins, or evidence of caliper binding (uneven pad wear). Note which side(s) need service.
2. 2

   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts
   Using the appropriate socket/hex bit, loosen and remove both caliper slide pin bolts (upper and lower) that secure the caliper body to the caliper bracket. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins. Do NOT remove the larger caliper bracket-to-knuckle bolts at this stage.
3. 3

   Lift caliper off bracket and support it
   Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Suspend the caliper from the suspension spring or strut using a bungee cord or hook — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose, which can damage the hose or its crimp.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang from the brake hose.
4. 4

   Extract and inspect the slide pins
   Pull each slide pin out of the bracket bore. Inspect for scoring, pitting, corrosion, or a worn surface finish. Inspect the rubber boots for tears, hardening, or contamination. Replace any pin or boot that is not in like-new condition.
5. 5

   Clean the slide pins and bracket bores
   Wipe pins and bores clean with a lint-free rag and brake parts cleaner. For light corrosion, use a brass brush — do not use a steel brush or abrasive that will remove the protective coating or oversize the bore. Ensure bores are dry and free of debris before re-lubrication.
   ⚠Do not get brake cleaner on rubber boots or brake hoses; it will degrade them.
6. 6

   Lubricate the slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature silicone brake caliper grease to each slide pin. Do not use lithium chassis grease, anti-seize, or copper paste — these will swell or destroy the rubber boots. Pack a small amount of grease into the boot, but leave room for air displacement so the boot is not pressurized when the pin seats.
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins into bracket
   Insert each lubricated pin fully into its bracket bore. Verify the boot seats properly into both grooves (pin groove and bracket groove). The pin should slide smoothly through full travel by hand with no binding.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper onto bracket
   Verify brake pads are properly seated in the bracket with anti-rattle clips engaged. Place the caliper body back over the pads and align with the slide pins. Install the slide pin bolts and run them down by hand to avoid cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque the slide pin bolts
   Torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Confirm the caliper floats freely on the pins after torquing (you should be able to push the caliper body laterally a small amount by hand).
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall the wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub. Run lug nuts down by hand, then snug in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
    ⚠Tesla alloy wheels are easily damaged — do not use an impact gun for final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle fully to the ground and remove jack stands.
2. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery in the frunk and reinstall the cowl panel.
3. If air suspension is equipped, exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
4. With the vehicle on the ground and ignition on (foot on brake to wake the car), pump the brake pedal several times until firm before driving — this seats the pads against the rotor.
5. Verify no warning messages on the touchscreen (ABS, traction control, parking brake).

Verification

• Confirm a firm brake pedal at the first press — no sponginess or excessive travel.
• Drive at low speed (5–10 mph) in a safe area and apply brakes gently several times to confirm even, straight stopping with no pulling, dragging, or unusual noise.
• After a short drive, carefully feel each wheel hub — a hot wheel relative to the others indicates a dragging caliper (slide pin binding) and requires re-inspection.
• Inspect the slide pin boots after the test drive to confirm they are seated and not pinched.
• Re-torque lug nuts after ~50 miles, per Tesla's published recommendation.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — check the service history and schedule a flush if due.

More procedures for this vehicle