brakes
Brake Hose - Rear
for 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
14
Steps
11
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Replace a rear brake hose on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The job involves opening the hydraulic system, so a complete brake fluid bleed and DOT 3 fluid top-off are mandatory afterward.
Warnings
⚠️Air suspension is standard on Model X. Before lifting, place vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) so the suspension does not attempt to self-level on the lift.
⚠️Do NOT touch, cut, or pierce any orange cable. The HV pack is floor-mounted directly above your work area — only lift on Tesla-approved puck points.
⚠Falcon doors: keep them closed during this procedure. Do not let anyone trigger them via the app while you are under or near the vehicle.
⚠Brake fluid will damage paint, aluminum body panels, and wheel finishes. Catch all drips immediately and rinse with water.
⚠Aluminum suspension and subframe components — do not strike with steel hammers and do not over-torque fasteners.
ℹ️Tesla recommends a brake fluid flush every 2 years regardless of mileage. Since the system is already open, perform a full flush now and reset your 2-year interval.
Tools required
Metric flare-nut (line) wrench setEssential
Metric combination wrench setEssential
Metric socket set with ratchetEssential
Calibrated torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential
Calibrated torque wrench (40-150 Nm range)Essential
Floor jack rated for EV curb weightEssential
Jack stands rated for EV curb weight (4)Essential
Tesla-approved jack pucks (puck-style lift pads)Essential
Brake fluid catch bottle with hoseEssential
Pressure or vacuum brake bleeder
Brake caliper hanger or bungeeEssential
Shop rags / brake cleaner
Hose plugs / line capsEssential
21mm thin-wall socket for lug nutsEssential
Parts
- Rear brake hose assembly (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model X) × 1 — OEM Tesla rear brake hose — verify by VIN
- Copper sealing washers for banjo fitting × 2 — New crush washers — sized to match banjo bolt
Fluids
- DOT 3 Brake Fluid (Tesla-specified) — 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, located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Remove the frunk trim/cover as required to access it.
- 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 the 12V is disconnected, enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen so the air suspension does not attempt to ride-height correct.
- Loosen rear lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground.
- Lift the rear of the vehicle on Tesla-approved puck points and support on rated jack stands. Never trust the air suspension or jack alone.
- Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
- Verify brake fluid reservoir level and have fresh, sealed DOT 3 fluid ready before opening the hydraulic system.
Procedure
- 1Inspect and document the hose routingPhotograph the existing brake hose routing, the bracket attachment, the caliper banjo orientation, and the hard-line union at the chassis end. Correct routing is essential to prevent contact with the suspension during full droop or steering articulation.
- 2Cap the master cylinder reservoirOpen the frunk and place a sealed bag or proper cap over the brake fluid reservoir to slow fluid loss via siphoning while the line is open. Do not let the reservoir run dry during the job.⚠If the reservoir empties, air will enter the iBooster/ABS module and a more involved bleed procedure may be required.
- 3Loosen the hard-line fitting at the chassis endUsing a flare-nut wrench, break loose (do not fully remove yet) the hard brake line nut threading into the upper end of the flexible hose. Use a second wrench on the hose hex to prevent twisting the hose body.⚠Never use an open-end wrench on hydraulic line nuts — it will round them. Flare-nut wrench only.
- 4Remove the hose retaining clip and bracketRemove the U-clip securing the upper end of the flexible hose to the chassis bracket, then unbolt the brake hose support bracket if a bolt is used at the body or suspension routing point.Torque specBrake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 5Disconnect the upper (chassis) end of the hoseFully unthread the hard line from the flexible hose. Immediately cap the hard line with a clean plug to minimize fluid loss and contamination. Drain residual fluid from the hose into a catch bottle.⚠Fluid will drip onto the rear subframe and HV pack underbody shielding. Catch and wipe immediately.
- 6Remove the banjo bolt at the caliperSupport the caliper if needed. Unscrew the banjo bolt at the rear caliper inlet and separate the hose from the caliper. Discard both copper sealing washers — they must be replaced with new ones. Cap the caliper port.⚠Do not reuse copper washers. Reused washers commonly weep and will fail a road test.
- 7Remove the old hoseWithdraw the hose from any routing brackets or grommets and remove from the vehicle. Compare length, end fittings, and bracket tabs against the new hose before installation.
- 8Install the new hose at the caliperPlace a new copper washer on each side of the banjo fitting (one between bolt head and fitting, one between fitting and caliper). Hand-thread the banjo bolt to avoid cross-threading, then torque to spec. Verify the hose's natural orientation matches the original — the hose must not be twisted.⚠A twisted hose will chafe through within months. Confirm the routing is identical to the photo taken in Step 1.Torque specBrake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 9Connect the upper end and re-secure the bracketThread the hard-line flare nut into the new hose by hand to confirm clean engagement, then tighten with a flare-nut wrench while holding the hose hex. Reinstall the U-clip at the chassis bracket. Reinstall the hose support bracket bolt and torque to spec.ℹ️Hard line flare nut torque: torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.Torque specBrake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 10Bleed the rear brake circuitTop up the reservoir with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Bleed the affected rear caliper at the bleeder screw using a pressure or vacuum bleeder, or a two-person pedal method. Continue until clear, bubble-free fluid flows. Tesla recommends a full system flush every 2 years — consider bleeding all four corners now.⚠Keep reservoir topped up throughout the bleed. Do not allow it to drop below MIN.Torque specBleeder Screw14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 11Pressure-test for leaksWith the bleeder closed, have an assistant firmly press and hold the brake pedal while you inspect the banjo fitting and chassis-end union for any seepage. Repeat after 30 seconds of held pressure.
Reassembly
- Verify reservoir is filled to MAX with fresh DOT 3 fluid and reinstall the cap.
- Reinstall the rear wheel. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Final-torque lug nuts in a star pattern to spec.
- Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any trim removed for access.
- Close the frunk.
- Sit in the vehicle with the fob, wake the car, and exit Jack Mode (the suspension will re-level).
Verification
- Before the first drive: with the vehicle awake and brakes powered (iBooster active), pump the pedal several times — it must build firm resistance and not sink.
- Inspect the banjo bolt and chassis-end union one more time after pedal pressure cycling — no weeping permitted.
- Check the touchscreen for any ABS, traction control, or brake-related alerts. Any active alert means the system has air or a sensor disconnect — do not drive.
- Perform a low-speed (10-15 mph) brake test in a safe area before normal driving. Pedal feel should be firm and equal to pre-service.
- Recheck reservoir level and inspect the hose connections for leaks after a short test drive.
- Log this service: Tesla recommends DOT 3 brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Reset your 2-year interval from today's date.