Replace the rear brake pads on a 2024 Model S Plaid. The rear caliper uses an electric parking brake (EPB) actuator that must be placed in service mode via the touchscreen before the caliper piston can be retracted.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (OEM or OE-equivalent, Plaid-spec) × 1 — Tesla Model S Plaid rear pad set — verify by VIN
• Pad anti-rattle/abutment clips (if supplied with pad kit) × 1 — Included with most OE pad kits

Fluids

• DOT 3 / DOT 4 brake fluid (verify correct spec by VIN — top off only if needed)

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. Before disconnecting 12V power: on the touchscreen, navigate to Service > Brakes and enable 'Brake Service Mode' (or 'Pad Replacement Mode') to retract the EPB pistons. Wait for the screen to confirm the EPB is in service mode.
4. Disconnect the low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model S Plaid this is typically a 16V Li-ion unit located under the rear seat or under the frunk nose cowl — verify location before opening, and follow Tesla's documented disconnect sequence.
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle using Tesla-approved jack points and puck adapters. Support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
9. Remove both rear wheels and set them face-up on a clean surface to protect the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect both rear calipers, rotors, pads, and the EPB wiring harness. Confirm the EPB harness connector at each caliper is intact. Note pad thickness — Tesla service guidance generally recommends replacement at ~3 mm friction material remaining. Inspect rotor surface for scoring, lipping, and minimum thickness stamped on the rotor hat.
2. 2

   Verify EPB is in service mode
   Confirm the parking brake calipers are released and in service mode (set in preparation). If the screen does not confirm service mode, do NOT proceed — attempting to compress the piston with the EPB engaged will destroy the actuator gearset.
   ⚠️Never force the rear caliper piston back with a C-clamp on an EPB caliper. The piston must be retracted through the actuator (service mode) or with an EPB-compatible piston tool.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide/guide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper guide pin bolts on the inboard side of the rear caliper. Hold the guide pin with a wrench (if accessible) and remove both bolts. Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support the caliper
   Hang the caliper from a suspension component using wire or a bungee. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the EPB harness or the flexible brake hose — both can be damaged and the EPB harness is expensive to replace.
   ⚠Do not disconnect the EPB electrical connector unless necessary; if you must, note orientation and avoid pulling on the wires.
5. 5

   Remove old pads and abutment clips
   Slide the outboard and inboard pads out of the caliper bracket. Remove the stainless abutment/anti-rattle clips from the bracket ears. Note orientation of any wear sensor or shim — Plaid rear pads may include a backing shim that must be transferred or replaced with the new kit's shim.
6. 6

   Clean caliper bracket and slides
   Wipe the bracket abutment surfaces clean with brake cleaner. Inspect the guide pin boots for tears; replace if damaged. Pull each guide pin out, wipe clean, and re-lubricate with silicone brake caliper grease before reinstalling. Verify each pin slides freely.
7. 7

   Retract caliper piston
   With EPB in service mode, gently retract the piston using an EPB-compatible piston tool (rotate-and-press, if required by piston style) or by hand pressure if the actuator has fully retracted. Monitor brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir in the frunk — the level will rise as pistons retract; siphon out excess if it approaches the MAX line.
   ⚠Brake fluid will damage paint and aluminum body finish on contact. Wipe spills immediately.
8. 8

   Install new pads
   Install fresh abutment clips on the bracket. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake caliper grease to the pad backing tabs where they contact the clips (NOT on friction surface). Seat the new inboard and outboard pads into the bracket, ensuring any wear-indicator tab is on the correct (typically trailing) side per pad kit instructions.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper body
   Slide the caliper body back over the new pads onto the bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the guide pin shanks if not already lubed. Hand-thread both guide pin bolts, then torque to spec.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat on opposite side
    Perform steps 3–9 on the other rear caliper. Always replace rear pads as an axle set.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount each rear wheel, hand-thread all lug nuts, then snug in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
    ⚠Do not use an impact gun for final torque on forged wheels — overtightening can warp rotors and damage wheel hubs.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the low-voltage battery following Tesla's documented sequence.
2. Close frunk / rear seat access used for battery disconnect.
3. Power on the vehicle. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode — the system will cycle the EPB actuators and re-clamp the rear pads. Listen/feel for normal motor cycling at both rear calipers.
4. With the vehicle in P and your foot off the pedal, press the brake pedal firmly several times until it becomes firm. This seats the pistons against the new pads.
5. Re-check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir; top off to MAX with the correct DOT spec (verify DOT 3 vs DOT 4 by VIN) if needed.
6. Apply and release the parking brake 2–3 times via the touchscreen/stalk to verify EPB engages and releases on both rear calipers.

Verification

• On a clear, low-traffic area, perform a low-speed bedding-in procedure per the new pad manufacturer's instructions (typically several moderate stops from ~30 mph, then one harder stop, allowing cooldown).
• Confirm no brake warning, ABS, or EPB fault icons are displayed on the instrument cluster.
• After a short drive, recheck rear wheels for unusual heat (a stuck caliper will run noticeably hotter than the opposite side) and re-check lug nut torque.
• Inspect for fluid leaks at the caliper and bleeder screw.
• Service reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — if it has been 2+ years, plan a full flush. Also note Tesla's 6,250-mile tire rotation interval; this is a convenient time to rotate if due.

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