Brake Bleed - All Four

Complete brake fluid flush and bleed at all four corners on a 2024 Model X Long Range. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage; this also restores firm pedal feel after caliper service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if missing/damaged) × 4 — OEM or generic rubber caliper bleeder caps

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (sealed, fresh container) — 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 low-voltage battery in the frunk (similar location to Model S). Remove the frunk liner/access panel as required, then disconnect the negative terminal.
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 12V: enter the touchscreen Service menu and enable Jack Mode to lock the air suspension at its current ride height. Confirm the suspension does not self-level.
7. Be aware of the falcon-wing rear doors — keep them closed during the lift. Do not raise the vehicle in a bay with low overhead clearance, as the doors may need to open for cabin access.
8. Verify you have a fresh, sealed bottle of DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not use fluid from a previously opened container.
9. Inspect brake pads, rotors, and flexible brake lines while the wheels are off. Note any leaks at the calipers or hardlines before bleeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift the vehicle and remove all four wheels
   With Jack Mode active and 12V disconnected, lift the Model X at the manufacturer-specified jack points using a hub-centric puck to protect the battery pack. Support on four jack stands rated for the vehicle's curb weight (~5,400 lb). Loosen and remove all 21mm lug nuts and set wheels aside.
   ⚠️Never get under the vehicle supported only by a jack. The Model X HV pack is floor-mounted — do not place stands or pucks on the battery shell.
2. 2

   Inspect and prepare bleeder screws
   At each of the four calipers, remove the rubber dust cap from the bleeder screw. Wire-brush any corrosion. Pre-fit the 11mm wrench and confirm the screw will break free without rounding — if seized, penetrating oil and gentle heat are preferable to forcing it. A snapped bleeder requires caliper replacement.
   ⚠The front Brembo-style calipers on Model X have two bleeders on some configurations — bleed both if present, inboard first then outboard, on each front caliper.
3. 3

   Evacuate and refill the master cylinder reservoir
   Open the frunk and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the firewall side. Use a clean turkey baster or syringe to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir without drawing it dry. Refill to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3.
   ⚠Do not allow debris to enter the reservoir. Wipe the cap and surrounding area before opening.
4. 4

   Connect pressure or vacuum bleeder
   If using a pressure bleeder, attach the Tesla-compatible reservoir cap adapter and pressurize to the manufacturer-specified pressure (typically 15–20 psi — refer to the Tesla Service Manual). If using vacuum or two-person pedal bleeding, ensure the reservoir is topped off and monitored continuously.
5. 5

   Bleed right rear caliper (farthest from master cylinder)
   Attach a clear hose with check valve to the RR bleeder screw, route into a catch bottle. Crack the bleeder, allow fluid to flow until it runs clean and clear with no air bubbles. Close the bleeder. Verify reservoir level after each corner and top off as needed. Torque the bleeder screw to spec.
   ⚠Do not overtighten the bleeder screw — 10 Nm only. Overtightening will distort the seat and cause future leaks.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Repeat the bleeding procedure at the LR caliper. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Close and torque the bleeder. Re-check reservoir level.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front caliper
   Repeat at the RF caliper. If the caliper has both inboard and outboard bleeders, bleed inboard first, then outboard. Close and torque each bleeder.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Bleed left front caliper
   Repeat at the LF caliper (closest to master cylinder, bled last). Bleed inboard then outboard if dual-bleeder. Close and torque each bleeder.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final reservoir adjustment
   Disconnect the pressure bleeder. Adjust fluid level in the reservoir to the MAX line — do not overfill, as the reservoir must accommodate fluid expansion and pad-wear displacement. Reinstall the reservoir cap fully seated.
10. 10

    Reinstall bleeder dust caps and clean calipers
    Press a clean rubber dust cap onto each bleeder screw. Spray brake parts cleaner around any fluid drips on the calipers, knuckles, or rotors and wipe dry. Confirm no fluid contacted painted surfaces or wheel-mount areas.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts, then lower the vehicle until tires lightly contact the ground.
2. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Lower fully, remove jack stands, and reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the frunk. Reinstall the frunk liner.
4. Close the frunk. Re-enter the vehicle and exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen — confirm the air suspension returns to normal ride height.
5. Allow the vehicle to fully wake and complete any system self-checks before driving.

Verification

• With the vehicle stationary and powered on, press the brake pedal firmly several times. Pedal should be firm and high — not spongy or sinking. A soft pedal indicates trapped air; re-bleed.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake system, ABS, ESC, or iBooster fault messages. Any warning requires diagnosis before driving.
• Inspect each bleeder screw and the reservoir cap for weeping fluid after the first brake application.
• Perform a low-speed (5–10 mph) brake test in a safe area. Confirm even, straight stops with no pull and no ABS activation.
• Perform a moderate-speed (25–35 mph) stop and verify firm pedal and normal regen blending. Recheck for leaks after the test drive.
• Record the service date — Tesla's recommended brake fluid replacement interval on Model X is every 2 years regardless of mileage. Note the next due date in your service log.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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