brakes
Brake Bleed - All Four
for 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
10
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
⚠️Model X has falcon-wing rear doors and standard air suspension. Before lifting, place the vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen to disable automatic ride-height changes. The suspension can move on its own and crush a limb if Jack Mode is not enabled.
⚠️DOT 3 brake fluid is hygroscopic and corrosive — it will damage paint and aluminum body panels on contact. Cover painted surfaces and clean spills immediately with water.
⚠Do not mix DOT 3 with DOT 5 (silicone) fluid. Use only fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container — opened bottles absorb moisture and lower the boiling point.
⚠Never let the brake fluid reservoir run dry during bleeding. Air introduced at the iBooster/master cylinder is significantly harder to purge than at the calipers and may require Tesla Toolbox to actuate the booster.
⚠The Model X uses an aluminum body. Do not strike suspension or brake components with a steel hammer near body panels.
ℹ️Tesla's published brake fluid service interval is every 2 years regardless of mileage. Record the service date.
Tools required
Pressure bleeder or vacuum bleeder (recommended for Tesla iBooster systems)Essential
Clear bleeder hose with one-way check valveEssential
Catch bottle for waste brake fluidEssential
11mm flare-nut/box wrench for bleeder screwsEssential
Calibrated torque wrench (5–25 Nm range)Essential
Calibrated torque wrench (50–150 Nm range) for lug nutsEssential
Hub-centric jack pad / Tesla-approved lift puckEssential
Floor jack and 4 jack stands (or 2-post lift)Essential
21mm socket for lug nutsEssential
Turkey baster or syringe for evacuating reservoir
Brake parts cleaner and lint-free rags
Service-mode access via touchscreen (for jack mode / suspension lift disable)Essential
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
- Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
- 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.
- 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.
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Verify you have a fresh, sealed bottle of DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not use fluid from a previously opened container.
- Inspect brake pads, rotors, and flexible brake lines while the wheels are off. Note any leaks at the calipers or hardlines before bleeding.
Procedure
- 1Lift the vehicle and remove all four wheelsWith 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.
- 2Inspect and prepare bleeder screwsAt 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.
- 3Evacuate and refill the master cylinder reservoirOpen 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.
- 4Connect pressure or vacuum bleederIf 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.
- 5Bleed 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 specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 6Bleed left rear caliperRepeat 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 specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 7Bleed right front caliperRepeat at the RF caliper. If the caliper has both inboard and outboard bleeders, bleed inboard first, then outboard. Close and torque each bleeder.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 8Bleed left front caliperRepeat at the LF caliper (closest to master cylinder, bled last). Bleed inboard then outboard if dual-bleeder. Close and torque each bleeder.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Final reservoir adjustmentDisconnect 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.
- 10Reinstall bleeder dust caps and clean calipersPress 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
- Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts, then lower the vehicle until tires lightly contact the ground.
- Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
- Lower fully, remove jack stands, and reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the frunk. Reinstall the frunk liner.
- Close the frunk. Re-enter the vehicle and exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen — confirm the air suspension returns to normal ride height.
- 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.