Replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) motor on the rear caliper of a 2024 Model S Plaid. The EPB motors are integrated into the rear calipers and require placing the system into service mode before removal to retract the actuator.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic Parking Brake Motor/Actuator (rear) × 1 — Tesla-spec EPB actuator for Model S Plaid 2024 rear caliper — verify by VIN
• EPB motor mounting bolts (if not reusable) × 3 — OEM specification
• EPB motor O-ring/seal (if supplied separately) × 1 — OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 on Plaid) low-voltage battery. On this 2024 Plaid, verify whether the LV battery is in the frunk under the nose cowl panel or the 16V lithium unit under the rear seat — disconnect at the appropriate location.
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 the LV battery: use a diagnostic scan tool to place the EPB into service/maintenance mode so the actuator screw retracts fully. Without this step, the motor cannot be safely removed.
7. Confirm which rear caliper (left or right) requires the motor replacement based on diagnostic fault codes.
8. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground, then raise the rear of the vehicle on the manufacturer-specified jacking points using Tesla-approved pucks. Support on jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify EPB is in service mode
   Confirm via the diagnostic tool that the EPB actuator on the affected caliper has retracted fully and is in service/maintenance mode. The dash should display an EPB service indicator. Do not proceed if the actuator has not been commanded to retract — the internal screw will be under load.
   ⚠️Skipping service mode can damage the caliper piston seal and cause the new motor to fail immediately upon installation.
2. 2

   Locate and inspect the EPB motor
   The EPB motor is bolted to the rear of the rear brake caliper body. Inspect the harness routing, connector, and the three motor mounting fasteners. Photograph the harness clip locations for reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect the EPB motor electrical connector
   Release the connector locking tab and carefully separate the EPB motor connector. Inspect for corrosion or moisture intrusion — a corroded connector is often the root cause of motor failure and may require pigtail repair using the manufacturer-specified harness repair kit.
   ⚠Do not yank on the wires. Bent or broken pins inside the connector are not field-repairable on Tesla harnesses.
4. 4

   Remove EPB motor mounting bolts
   Remove the fasteners securing the EPB motor to the caliper body (typically three bolts arranged around the motor housing). Support the motor as the last bolt is removed so it does not fall.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate the motor from the caliper
   Pull the motor straight back from the caliper. The drive coupling/spindle should disengage cleanly. Inspect the coupling and the caliper bore for debris, corrosion, or water ingress. Clean with a lint-free cloth — do not use solvents that could attack the seal.
   ⚠If the motor is stuck, do not pry against the aluminum caliper ear. Gently rock the motor to free it.
6. 6

   Inspect the caliper actuator interface
   Verify the spindle/screw inside the caliper is in the fully retracted position. Inspect the seal/O-ring surface for damage. If the caliper bore shows corrosion or the piston does not retract, the caliper itself must be replaced — a new motor will not resolve the fault.
7. 7

   Install the new EPB motor
   Fit the new O-ring/seal (if supplied) onto the new motor. Align the drive coupling with the caliper spindle and seat the motor flush against the caliper without forcing it. The motor should drop into place with light hand pressure when correctly aligned.
8. 8

   Torque EPB motor mounting bolts
   Install the three mounting bolts hand-tight in a cross pattern, then torque to specification. Use new bolts if the originals show thread damage or were torque-to-yield (verify per service manual).
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Seat the EPB motor connector until the locking tab clicks. Verify the harness is routed away from the rotor, exhaust of the cooling air path, and any moving suspension components. Re-secure all harness clips.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the low-voltage (12V or 16V) battery.
5. Allow the vehicle to wake and complete its boot sequence (this can take 1-2 minutes on Model S Plaid).
6. Using the diagnostic tool, exit EPB service mode and command the EPB to perform a calibration/initialization cycle. The actuator will extend and retract — listen for smooth motor operation with no grinding.
7. Clear any stored EPB or ABS/ESC fault codes.

Verification

• On the touchscreen, verify no EPB, ABS, or traction control warning lamps are illuminated.
• With the vehicle stationary on level ground, engage and release the parking brake several times via the touchscreen/stalk. Listen for consistent, equal-sounding motor actuation on both rear corners.
• Perform a low-speed roll test in a safe area: apply the EPB while moving slowly (under 5 mph) and confirm the vehicle decelerates evenly without pulling to one side.
• Inspect the caliper area after the test drive for any fluid leakage or harness interference.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — if the brake fluid has not been serviced recently, recommend it to the customer while the wheels are off.
• Tire rotation reminder: Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 miles on Model S Plaid due to instant torque wear — confirm tread depth and rotation interval while wheels are removed.

More procedures for this vehicle