Brake Caliper - Rear

Replacement of a rear brake caliper on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The rear calipers are part of an electric parking brake (EPB) system, so the EPB must be placed in service/transport mode via the touchscreen before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper assembly (left or right as required, OEM-spec for Model X) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rear caliper for 2024 Model X LR
• Copper sealing washers for banjo fitting × 2 — OEM-spec copper crush washers
• DOT 3 brake fluid (for top-off and bleeding) × 1 — Tesla-spec DOT 3
• Caliper bracket bolts (replace if specified by service manual) × 2 — OEM-spec, single-use if so designated

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (located in the frunk, similar to Model S). Insulate 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 place the Electric Parking Brake in service/transport mode, and enable Jack Mode to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. Be aware of the falcon-wing rear doors during the lift — keep clear of their swing path and do not operate them while the vehicle is on stands.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are still on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified lift points using approved Tesla jack pad adapters, and support on jack stands.
10. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare the caliper area
   Visually inspect the caliper, brake hose, EPB electrical connector, and surrounding suspension. Clean the area around the banjo fitting and caliper guide bolts with brake cleaner so debris does not enter the hydraulic system.
2. 2

   Disconnect the EPB electrical connector
   Locate the electric parking brake actuator harness on the rear of the caliper. Release the connector lock and unplug the connector. Confirm the EPB has already been placed in service/transport mode before this step.
   ⚠If the EPB was not placed in service mode, do not force connector removal or piston retraction — exit and complete the service-mode procedure first.
3. 3

   Clamp and disconnect the brake hose
   Place a catch pan under the caliper. Loosen the banjo bolt at the caliper to break it free, then re-snug. If replacing only the caliper (keeping the hose), loosen the banjo bolt fully and remove, capturing the two copper washers. If replacing the hose as well, disconnect at the hard-line union with a flare-nut wrench. Cap or plug the open hose immediately to limit fluid loss.
   ⚠Discard old copper washers — they are single-use. New washers are required on reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove caliper guide/slide bolts
   Remove the two caliper bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper so it does not hang from the hose.
5. 5

   Remove the caliper from the bracket
   Slide the caliper off the brake pads and bracket. Set the old caliper aside. Inspect the brake pads and rotor for wear; replace as needed (separate procedure).
6. 6

   (If required) Remove the caliper bracket
   If the replacement caliper is supplied without a bracket and the original bracket is being reused, leave it installed. If the bracket must come off, remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the rear knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install the new caliper bracket (if removed)
   Clean the knuckle mating surfaces. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolt threads if specified. Install bolts and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install the new caliper onto the bracket
   Verify the brake pads are correctly seated in the bracket with anti-rattle hardware. Slide the new caliper over the pads and onto the bracket. Install the caliper guide bolts and torque to specification.
9. 9

   Reconnect the brake hose
   Install the brake hose banjo fitting using TWO NEW copper washers (one on each side of the banjo eye). Thread the banjo bolt by hand, ensure the hose is not twisted and routes naturally without contacting suspension components, then torque to specification.
   ⚠Always use new copper crush washers. Reusing old washers will leak.
10. 10

    Reconnect the EPB electrical connector
    Plug the EPB harness into the new caliper actuator until the lock fully engages. Verify the harness is routed away from the rotor and any moving suspension components.
11. 11

    Bleed the brake system
    Refill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Bleed the system using either a pressure bleeder or two-person method. Refer to Tesla Service Manual for the correct bleed sequence on Model X — do not assume a generic order. Bleed until clear, bubble-free fluid is observed and a firm pedal is achieved. Torque the bleeder screw carefully to avoid stripping.
    ⚠Do not let the reservoir run dry during bleeding — air will enter the ABS/iBooster module and require Tesla Toolbox to fully purge.
    ℹ️Brake fluid replacement interval is every 2 years per Tesla — consider full system flush if it has been longer.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Top off and verify pedal feel
    Top off the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. With the 12V still disconnected, pump the brake pedal until firm. Inspect the banjo fitting and bleeder screw for any weep or leak.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and close the frunk.
5. Power up the vehicle and clear any active alerts.
6. Exit EPB service/transport mode via the touchscreen Service menu and follow the on-screen calibration/apply-release cycle.
7. Exit Jack Mode and allow the air suspension to re-level.

Verification

• Confirm no brake fluid leaks at the banjo fitting and bleeder screw with the vehicle pressurized.
• Verify a firm, high brake pedal with no sponginess. If pedal is soft, re-bleed.
• On the touchscreen, confirm no ABS, EPB, or brake-system alerts are present.
• Cycle the EPB on and off several times via the touchscreen or shifter; listen for normal actuator operation on the replaced corner.
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area: confirm straight, even braking with no pull, no drag, and no unusual noise. Then perform a moderate stop from ~30 mph to seat the pads.
• Recheck reservoir level and inspect the caliper area for leaks after the test drive.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends a brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this service date for the owner.

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