Replacement of a brake caliper bracket on a 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range. The bracket is the fixed mounting that bolts to the steering knuckle (front) or rear upright and holds the caliper assembly to the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper bracket (manufacturer-specified for Model X front or rear, as applicable) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model X 2024 caliper bracket — confirm front vs rear and left/right
• Caliper bracket bolts (single-use if specified by service manual) × 2 — OEM specification
• Brake pads (recommended to replace if worn or contaminated) × 1 — OEM or equivalent for Model X

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake via the touchscreen.
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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). Note: on Model X the 12V battery is in the frunk, similar to Model S.
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. Enter Jack Mode on the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V if possible — this disables air suspension self-leveling. (Service Mode > Suspension > Jack Mode, or via the suspension settings.)
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected corner while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the Tesla-specified jack point using approved jack pads; support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the wheel and set aside on its face to avoid damaging the finish.
10. Inspect the area for any orange cabling or HV components — there should be none at the corner brake assembly. If present, STOP.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and document
   Visually inspect the caliper, bracket, pads, rotor, and brake hose. Photograph the assembly so hardware orientation and routing are preserved for reassembly. Note pad wear and rotor condition — if replacing the bracket due to corrosion, plan to replace pads/rotor as needed.
2. 2

   Relieve caliper pressure (optional)
   If you plan to retract the caliper piston for pad service, open the bleeder screw briefly with a catch hose to allow fluid expulsion rather than pushing contaminated fluid back up the line. Close the bleeder when done.
   ⚠DOT 3 brake fluid damages paint. Cover painted surfaces and wipe spills immediately.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts (or caliper-to-bracket bolts, depending on caliper style) and lift the caliper off the bracket. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose — suspend it from the suspension with wire or a bungee.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang by its flexible hose — internal damage can cause hose failure under braking.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake pads
   Slide the brake pads out of the bracket. Note the orientation of any anti-rattle clips, shims, and wear indicators. Set pads aside on a clean surface if reusing.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Using a breaker bar, loosen and remove the caliper bracket bolts that attach the bracket to the steering knuckle (front) or rear upright. These are high-torque fasteners often with threadlocker — expect significant breakaway force. Support the bracket so it does not drop.
   ⚠Do not strike the knuckle with a steel hammer to free a seized bracket. Use a dead-blow or penetrating oil.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the bracket and inspect mating surfaces
   Lift the bracket off the rotor and away from the knuckle. Clean the bracket mounting face on the knuckle with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect for cracks, corrosion, or damaged threads. Do not use a tap on threaded holes unless damage is verified — chasing clean threads with a tap removes material.
7. 7

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new bracket on the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolt threads (unless the new bolts are pre-coated). Hand-thread both bolts fully before torquing to avoid cross-threading the aluminum knuckle.
   ⚠If the OEM bolts are torque-to-yield or single-use per Tesla service manual, install NEW bolts. Do not reuse.
8. 8

   Torque caliper bracket bolts
   Torque the bracket bolts to specification in the sequence specified by the service manual (typically alternating/cross pattern in two passes). Verify final torque with a calibrated wrench.
   ⚠Verify torque sequence with the Tesla Service Manual for this specific axle and corner.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install brake pads
   Reinstall the pads into the new bracket with anti-rattle hardware in the correct orientation. Apply silicone brake grease only to designated contact points (pad backing tabs, slide pin contact areas) — never on the friction surface or rotor.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper
    Position the caliper over the pads and onto the bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins. Install the slide pin bolts (or caliper bolts, depending on caliper style) and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Bleed brakes if system was opened
    If the bleeder was opened or the brake hose disturbed, bleed the affected corner using DOT 3 brake fluid. Top off the reservoir in the frunk area. Torque the bleeder to spec. If the banjo fitting was disturbed, use NEW copper washers and torque the banjo bolt to spec.
    ⚠Use only DOT 3 brake fluid as specified by Tesla for this vehicle. Do not mix fluid types.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

    Brake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Pump the brake pedal multiple times until firm before moving the vehicle — the first press after caliper removal will travel to the floor.
2. Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive first, then negative). Close the frunk.
6. Exit Jack Mode if it was enabled. Allow the air suspension to self-level (vehicle may need to be driven a short distance).
7. Verify the brake fluid level in the reservoir is at MAX; top off with DOT 3 if needed.

Verification

• With the vehicle running and in P, press the brake pedal firmly several times — pedal must be firm and high, not spongy.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake system, ABS, or stability control alerts. Clear/verify no faults remain.
• Inspect the caliper bracket bolts and caliper hardware visually for proper seating; no gaps between bracket and knuckle.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (5-10 mph stops) before any road testing — listen for grinding, pulling, or unusual noise.
• Perform a moderate-speed test (25-35 mph) and verify straight, even braking with no pulsation.
• After the first 100 miles, re-inspect the caliper bracket bolts for any signs of loosening.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If the system was opened or fluid is older than 2 years, perform a full flush with DOT 3.

More procedures for this vehicle