Replace the electric parking brake (EPB) actuator on a 2024 Model S Plaid. The EPB actuators are integrated into the rear calipers — the actuator motor unbolts from the back of the caliper. This job requires placing the EPB into service/maintenance mode via the touchscreen before disconnecting power.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake actuator (EPB motor) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model S 2024 rear EPB actuator — verify by VIN
• Actuator-to-caliper seal/O-ring (if supplied separately) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified seal kit

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 lithium on this Plaid, located under the rear seat — verify by VIN; some 2024 Plaid units retain front-trunk 12V) low-voltage battery only AFTER completing the EPB Service Mode steps below.
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 low-voltage power: enter the vehicle touchscreen and place the parking brake into Service Mode (Service menu → Brakes → Parking Brake Service / Maintenance). This retracts the actuator and releases tension. Confirm onscreen that the EPB has cycled to the service position.
7. Activate Jack Mode (Service → Suspension → Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling.
8. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the Tesla-specified jack pad locations using puck adapters; support on rated jack stands. Chock the front wheels.
10. Remove rear wheels.
11. Now disconnect the low-voltage battery per architecture notes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect the EPB actuator
   The EPB actuator is the electric motor module bolted to the inboard/rear face of each rear brake caliper. Identify which side(s) require replacement. Photograph the wiring routing and connector orientation for reassembly reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect the EPB actuator electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the actuator's wiring harness connector and unplug it. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or moisture intrusion. Tuck the harness aside so it is not strained during actuator removal.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wiring — release the lock tab fully before unplugging or you will damage the connector.
3. 3

   Remove the actuator retaining fasteners
   The actuator is typically secured to the caliper body with two fasteners (commonly Torx or hex). Loosen evenly and remove. Note any shims, seals, or alignment features as the actuator is withdrawn.
4. 4

   Withdraw the old actuator
   Pull the actuator straight back from the caliper. It should separate easily if Service Mode was entered correctly. If it resists, STOP — do not pry. Reconfirm the EPB is in Service Mode. Forcing removal can shear the internal spindle drive and damage the caliper piston.
   ⚠️If the actuator will not release, the EPB is still under load. Do not pry — re-enter Service Mode or consult a Tesla technician.
5. 5

   Inspect caliper interface and spindle
   Inspect the caliper's actuator-side bore, spindle drive engagement, and any sealing surface. Clean with brake parts cleaner. Replace the actuator-to-caliper seal/O-ring if supplied with the new actuator. Verify the spindle inside the caliper is not damaged or corroded.
6. 6

   Install the new actuator
   Align the new actuator's drive coupling to the caliper spindle and seat fully by hand. The actuator should sit flush against the caliper without forcing. If it will not seat, rotate the drive coupling slightly to allow the splines to engage — do not use bolt force to pull it in.
   ⚠Never draw the actuator into place by tightening the mounting fasteners — this will crack the housing.
7. 7

   Torque the actuator mounting fasteners
   Install the actuator mounting bolts and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to the manufacturer-specified torque. For Tesla EPB actuator mounting bolts on Model S, use the verified mounting bolt spec from the parts data: 27 Nm (20 lb-ft). If the new actuator's instruction sheet specifies otherwise, follow the OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the actuator harness
   A small dab of dielectric grease on the connector seal is acceptable. Plug the connector in until the lock tab clicks. Verify strain relief and reroute the harness exactly as photographed in step 1.
9. 9

   Repeat on the opposite side if applicable
   If both rear actuators are being replaced, repeat steps 1–8 on the other side. Tesla generally recommends replacing EPB actuators in pairs for balanced clamping force, though it is not strictly required.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before any are torqued.
2. Lower the vehicle so the tires just contact the ground, then torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft).
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the low-voltage battery.
5. Power on the vehicle. Expect EPB and brake-system warning indicators to be present at this stage — this is normal.
6. On the touchscreen, navigate to Service → Brakes → Parking Brake Service and exit Service Mode / run the calibration routine. The actuator(s) will cycle audibly. Wait for confirmation that calibration is complete.
7. Exit Jack Mode in the suspension menu and allow the air suspension to self-level.
8. Clear any residual EPB fault codes via the service menu if available.

Verification

• Confirm no EPB, ABS, or brake warning indicators remain on the instrument cluster after calibration.
• With the vehicle stationary and in P, manually engage and release the parking brake from the touchscreen several times. Listen for clean, symmetrical actuator cycling on both rear corners.
• Perform a low-speed roll test (under 5 mph) in a safe area and apply the EPB via the cluster button — verify the vehicle stops promptly and squarely without pulling.
• Re-check that the rear wheels spin freely with the EPB released (raise rear briefly if uncertain).
• Road test at low speed and verify no brake drag, no warning lights, and no abnormal noise from the rear corners.
• Note: While the wheels are off, this is also an ideal opportunity to verify brake fluid condition. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage (DOT 3 per the verified fluid spec for this VIN — confirm before service).

More procedures for this vehicle