Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The Model X is heavy (~5,400 lb) with regenerative braking, so original pads often last well but rotors can develop rust ridges from light use; always service both sides as a pair.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (OEM or OE-equivalent for Model X) × 1 — Tesla-specified front pad set — verify by VIN
• Front brake rotors × 2 — Tesla-specified front rotor — verify by VIN (Model X has variant-specific rotor sizes)
• Caliper bracket bolts (if single-use per service manual) × 4 — Manufacturer-specified — replace if specified as one-time-use
• Brake hardware/abutment clips (if included with pad kit) × 1 — Included with most OE pad kits

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if needed) — 0.25 qt
• Silicone brake/caliper slide grease

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 located in the frunk (remove frunk trim per service manual to access). This also prevents inadvertent Falcon door actuation.
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. Place vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V (Service > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling. This is critical on Model X — the air suspension will otherwise attempt to re-level while on stands.
7. Loosen front lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle using Tesla-approved lift points only and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on the wheel face to protect finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake assembly before disassembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, pads, rotor, dust shield, and flexible brake hose. Note pad thickness, rotor thickness vs. minimum spec stamped on the rotor hat, and any leaks at the caliper piston or hose. Confirm both sides will be serviced.
2. 2

   Open brake fluid reservoir
   In the frunk, locate the brake fluid reservoir and remove the cap to allow fluid displacement when pistons are compressed. Cover surrounding paint — DOT 3 fluid will damage paint instantly. Do not let the level drop below MIN; if pad wear was severe, the level may rise above MAX when pistons are pushed back.
   ⚠DOT 3 fluid is hygroscopic and corrosive to paint. Wipe spills immediately.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide/guide bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins. Retain bolts for inspection and reuse only if not specified as single-use.
   Torque spec

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

   Lift caliper off rotor and support
   Slide the caliper body off the rotor. Do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose. Suspend it from the coil/strut area with a hanger or bungee. Inspect the hose, dust boots, and piston seal for leaks or cracking.
5. 5

   Remove old pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer pads from the caliper bracket. Remove and discard the old anti-rattle/abutment clips. Clean the bracket abutment surfaces with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect slide pin boots for tears.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two large caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are typically high-torque and may be threadlocked — use a breaker bar. Set bracket aside.
   ⚠These bolts are torqued very high. Brace properly to avoid hand injury when they break loose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rotor
   If present, remove any rotor retaining clip/screw. Strike the rotor hat (NOT the friction surface, NOT the hub) with a dead-blow mallet to free corrosion bond. If severely seized, apply penetrating oil to the hub center and threaded jacking holes (if equipped) and use M8 bolts to push the rotor off. Do not strike the wheel speed sensor or the aluminum knuckle.
   ⚠Wheel speed sensor and ABS tone ring are integrated near the hub — protect them during rotor removal.
8. 8

   Clean and prep hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face to bare metal — any rust or debris will cause rotor runout and steering wheel pulsation. A very thin smear of anti-seize on the hub face (NOT on the studs or rotor friction surface) is acceptable to ease future removal.
9. 9

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor with brake cleaner on both friction surfaces to remove the shipping preservative. Install over the hub. Reinstall the retaining clip/screw if originally fitted.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolt threads (unless using new pre-coated bolts). Install bracket and torque to specification. Verify sequence with the Tesla Service Manual if a specific pattern is called out.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Compress caliper pistons
    Using a piston compression tool, slowly push the caliper pistons fully back into their bores. Watch the brake fluid reservoir — siphon fluid out if it approaches MAX. Inspect dust boots for damage during compression.
    ⚠If pistons resist evenly with smooth motion, they are healthy. Sticking or seized pistons require caliper service before reuse.
12. 12

    Install new pads and hardware
    Fit new abutment/anti-rattle clips into the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pad ear contact points and the back of the pad backing plates (never on the friction surface). Install inner and outer pads into the bracket.
13. 13

    Service slide pins and reinstall caliper
    Pull each slide pin from the bracket, wipe clean, and re-grease with silicone brake grease. Reinsert and verify smooth full travel. Lower the caliper body over the new pads and rotor.
14. 14

    Torque caliper slide bolts
    Install caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Confirm the caliper body floats freely on the slides after torque.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat on opposite side
    Repeat steps 1–14 on the other front corner. Always service front brakes as an axle pair to maintain even braking — critical on a heavy AWD vehicle like Model X.

Reassembly

1. Top up brake fluid reservoir to MAX with fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container. Reinstall reservoir cap.
2. Reinstall both front wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to avoid cross-threading the aluminum hub.
3. Lower vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Lower vehicle fully and remove jack stands.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any frunk trim.
6. Before driving, with the vehicle stationary and in P, press the brake pedal firmly multiple times until it becomes firm. This seats the pads against the rotors. The first 1–2 pumps will feel soft — this is normal.
7. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen and allow air suspension to re-level.
8. Recheck brake fluid level and top off if needed.

Verification

• {"name":"Pedal feel","check":"Brake pedal should be firm and high after multiple pumps. A soft or sinking pedal indicates air in the system or a hydraulic fault — do NOT drive."}
• Confirm no warning lights on the touchscreen (ABS, Brake, Service Vehicle Soon).
• At low speed (under 10 mph) in an empty area, perform several gentle stops to confirm the vehicle tracks straight and there is no grinding, scraping, or pulsation.
• Bed-in procedure: perform 8–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph to ~5 mph without coming to a complete stop, allowing brakes to cool between. Note: regenerative braking does most deceleration on Model X — manually use friction brakes for bed-in by pressing harder than usual or by being in a low regen state.
• After test drive, recheck wheel lug torque and inspect for any fluid leakage at the caliper.
• TORQUE VALUES MARKED ⚠️ VERIFY SEQUENCE WITH SERVICE MANUAL — confirm tightening pattern in current Tesla Service Manual before final torque.
• SERVICE INTERVAL REMINDER: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If the existing fluid is dark or this interval is due, perform a full brake fluid flush/bleed now while the system is open. Bleeder Screw torque is 10 Nm — do not overtighten.
• SERVICE INTERVAL REMINDER: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles on Model X due to weight and instant torque — consider rotating now while wheels are off.

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