Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

Replace rear brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The rear calipers are sliding-pin design; this is a routine service but requires care around the air suspension, electric parking brake, and aluminum body panels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (OEM or OEM-equivalent for Model X) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model X rear pad set
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Manufacturer-specified Model X rear rotor (verify size — standard vs. Plaid differ)
• Caliper hardware/abutment clips (if supplied with pad kit) × 1 — Included with OEM pad kit

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 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. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery, located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Follow the on-screen 'Power Off' procedure first if available.
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: on the touchscreen, enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. Engage EPB Service Mode through the touchscreen Service menu (or via diagnostic tool) so the rear caliper actuators retract and unlock for piston wind-back.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
9. Lift the vehicle at the Tesla-designated rear lift points using approved jack pad pucks. Support with rated jack stands. Remove rear wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect the rear caliper, rotor, pads, hardware, and dust shield for damage, leaks, or excessive corrosion. Note pad thickness and rotor wear before disassembly. Confirm no orange HV cabling is in the work area (there should be none at the rear corner — if present, STOP).
2. 2

   Verify EPB is in service mode
   Confirm the Electric Parking Brake is fully retracted and in service/maintenance mode. The caliper piston should turn freely with the wind-back tool. If the EPB has not released, do NOT force the piston — re-enter service mode via touchscreen or diagnostic tool.
   ⚠️Forcing a piston back without releasing the EPB will destroy the caliper actuator and may require full caliper replacement.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide bolts and lift caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper. Slide the caliper off the bracket and pads. Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee — do not let it hang by the brake hose. Inspect the slide pin boots for damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old pads and abutment hardware
   Remove the inner and outer pads from the caliper bracket. Remove and discard the abutment clips/shims if a new set is included with the pad kit. Clean the bracket thoroughly with brake cleaner.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. Set the bracket aside. Inspect the bolts for damaged threads — replace if compromised since they use threadlocker.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rotor
   If equipped, remove the rotor retaining clip/screw. Pull the rotor from the hub. If seized due to corrosion at the hat, apply penetrating oil and tap the rotor face with a non-metallic mallet — DO NOT strike the hub or knuckle (aluminum).
   ⚠Do not strike aluminum suspension components with steel tools.
7. 7

   Clean hub mating surface
   Wire-brush the hub face to remove corrosion so the new rotor seats flat. A warped seat will cause pulsation. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center only — keep it off the wheel mounting face and rotor friction surface.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Place the new rotor onto the hub. Wipe both friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Reinstall the rotor retaining clip/screw if used.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Wind back caliper piston
    Using the rotation-style wind-back tool, screw the rear caliper piston fully into the bore while applying gentle inward pressure. The piston rotates clockwise (verify pin alignment with the back of the inner pad). Monitor the brake fluid reservoir in the frunk — open the cap and siphon fluid if it rises near the MAX line.
    ⚠Do not use a C-clamp on rear pistons — the EPB mechanism requires rotation, not pure axial force.
11. 11

    Install new pads and hardware
    Install fresh abutment clips on the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pad ears and backing-plate contact points (NOT the friction surface). Install inner and outer pads, ensuring the inner-pad pin aligns with the slot in the piston face.
12. 12

    Service slide pins and reinstall caliper
    Pull each slide pin, wipe clean, and re-lubricate with silicone brake grease. Reinstall pins and boots, then slide the caliper over the new pads. Install the caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat on opposite side
    Repeat steps 1–12 on the other rear corner.
14. 14

    Top off brake fluid
    Verify brake fluid is between MIN and MAX in the reservoir (frunk area). Top off with DOT 3 only if low. Do not overfill. Reinstall the cap.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels. Hand-snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
4. Close frunk and re-enter the vehicle. Allow systems to fully boot.
5. Exit Jack Mode and exit EPB Service Mode via the touchscreen Service menu (or diagnostic tool). Confirm the EPB cycles and re-engages.
6. With the vehicle stationary and brake pedal firmly depressed, pump the pedal until firm to take up piston-to-pad clearance BEFORE driving.

Verification

• Pedal feel: brake pedal should be firm and high after 3–5 pumps. A soft or sinking pedal indicates air in the system or a fluid leak — do not drive.
• Check the touchscreen for any active alerts related to the parking brake, ABS, traction control, or brake system. Resolve before road test.
• Confirm EPB engages and releases normally from the touchscreen and shifter.
• Perform a low-speed road test in a safe area: light braking from 10–15 mph, then progressively firmer stops. Listen for grinding, pulsation, or pulling.
• Bed-in the new pads per pad manufacturer's procedure (typically several moderate decelerations from ~35 mph to ~5 mph without coming to a complete stop, allowing cooling between).
• After 50–100 miles, re-torque lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years. If fluid was not flushed during this service, log the date and plan accordingly.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles — a good time to combine with future brake inspections.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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