Complete brake fluid bleed on all four corners of a 2024 Model S Plaid using DOT 4 brake fluid (verify by VIN—newer Model S typically uses DOT 4, not DOT 3). Tesla recommends brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if damaged) × 4 — OEM or equivalent rubber caps

Fluids

• Brake fluid — verify DOT 3 or DOT 4 by VIN/reservoir cap before service. 2024 Model S typically uses DOT 4 low-viscosity fluid — 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. Disconnect the 12V (or 16V lithium on Plaid models so equipped) low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model S Plaid, the low-voltage battery is located in the front trunk under the nose cowl panel, OR under the rear seat for the 16V lithium variant — verify which your vehicle has before service.
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 brake fluid specification on the master cylinder reservoir cap (DOT 3 or DOT 4). Purchase fresh, sealed fluid of the correct spec.
7. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts approximately 1/2 turn while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle using Tesla-approved jack pad pucks at the four reinforced jack points (forward of rear wheels and behind front wheels). Support on jack stands rated for at least 5,000 lbs each — the Plaid is a heavy vehicle.
9. Remove all four wheels and set them aside on their sidewalls to protect the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect calipers and bleeder screws
   Visually inspect each caliper and bleeder screw at all four corners. Remove the rubber dust cap from each bleeder. Clean the bleeder screw heads with a wire brush and a shot of brake cleaner so they break loose without rounding. The Plaid uses oversized performance calipers — verify yours are not seized before removing the reservoir cap.
   ⚠If a bleeder screw is seized, stop and apply penetrant — do not over-torque or you will snap it off inside the caliper, requiring caliper replacement.
2. 2

   Evacuate old fluid from master cylinder reservoir
   Open the frunk and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver's side firewall area. Clean around the cap before opening. Use a clean turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove as much old, dark fluid from the reservoir as possible without exposing the inlet ports. Refill with fresh fluid of the correct DOT specification to the MAX line.
   ⚠Never reuse extracted fluid. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air the moment a sealed bottle is opened.
3. 3

   Connect pressure or vacuum bleeder
   If using a pressure bleeder, attach the appropriate adapter cap to the master cylinder reservoir and pressurize to the manufacturer-specified pressure (typically 10-15 psi — refer to your bleeder's instructions). If using a vacuum bleeder or two-person manual method, ensure the reservoir is topped off and monitored throughout.
4. 4

   Bleed sequence — verify with service manual
   Begin bleeding at the corner farthest from the master cylinder. The conventional sequence is: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. However, some Tesla iBooster-equipped vehicles specify a different sequence. ⚠️ VERIFY THE BLEED SEQUENCE WITH THE TESLA SERVICE MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC VIN before proceeding.
   ⚠Wrong sequence can leave air trapped in the ABS/HCU and require a software-driven bleed at a Tesla service center.
5. 5

   Bleed first corner
   Attach a clear bleed hose to the bleeder screw and route the other end into a catch bottle with some fresh fluid in the bottom (to prevent air siphon-back). Crack the bleeder screw open approximately 1/2 turn. Allow fluid to flow until you see clean, bubble-free, fresh-colored fluid coming through the hose for at least 10-15 seconds. Close the bleeder screw.
   ⚠Bleeder screw torque is only 10 Nm — overtightening will crack the caliper boss.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed remaining three corners
   Repeat the bleeding procedure at each remaining corner in the verified sequence. Check the master cylinder reservoir level after each corner and top up with fresh fluid as needed. Never let the reservoir drop below the MIN line. Each corner typically requires 100-200 ml of fluid for a full flush.
   ⚠️If the reservoir runs dry and air enters the ABS/iBooster, you will need Tesla service software to recover. Do not let this happen.
   Torque spec

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

   Final reservoir top-off and pressure release
   Release pressure from the bleeder tool slowly. Remove the adapter cap. Top off the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh fluid. Reinstall the OEM reservoir cap. Wipe down the reservoir and surrounding aluminum body areas with a damp cloth to remove any fluid residue.
8. 8

   Reinstall bleeder dust caps
   Inspect each bleeder dust cap for cracking or damage. Reinstall on each bleeder screw. These caps prevent corrosion of the bleeder threads — replace any that are damaged.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to seat the wheel against the hub.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground (still partially supported).
3. Torque all wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. ⚠️ VERIFY STAR PATTERN SEQUENCE.
4. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
5. Reconnect the 12V/16V low-voltage battery.
6. Close the frunk and ensure the reservoir cap is fully seated.

Verification

• With the vehicle still parked and the brake pedal cold, press the brake pedal firmly several times. The pedal should feel firm and consistent — not spongy. A spongy pedal indicates air remaining in the system and requires re-bleeding.
• Power on the vehicle and check the touchscreen for any brake system warnings, ABS warnings, or iBooster faults. Any warning means the bleed was incomplete or air entered the ABS module.
• With the vehicle in P and parking brake engaged, slowly drive forward in a safe, empty area at low speed (under 10 mph) and gently apply the brakes. Confirm normal pedal feel and braking response before any normal driving.
• Check under each caliper for fluid leaks at the bleeder screws after a brief test drive.
• Verify the master cylinder reservoir is at the MAX line after the test drive.
• Record the service date — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Set a reminder for the next service.
• Re-check lug nut torque after approximately 50 miles of driving — a Tesla service best practice given the vehicle's weight and torque output.

More procedures for this vehicle