Brake Rotor - Rear Single

Replace a single rear brake rotor on a 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range. The rear brakes use a conventional caliper-and-bracket design; no HV systems are involved, but air suspension and Park behavior require Tesla-specific handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (single, OEM or OEM-equivalent for Model X 2024) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rear rotor for 2024 Model X Long Range
• Rotor set screw (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM Tesla retaining screw
• Brake pads (recommended replacement if worn or contaminated) × 1 — OEM-equivalent rear pad set for Model X

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (only if bleeding required)

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). Note: on this 2024 Model X, confirm whether your unit is the lead-acid 12V or the newer Li-ion low-voltage unit before disconnecting.
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 and activate Jack Mode (Controls → Service → Jack Mode) so the air suspension does not attempt to self-level. If the rear caliper pistons must be wound back through EPB retraction, also perform EPB service-mode release via the touchscreen FIRST, then disconnect 12V.
7. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts (do not remove) while the wheel is still on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified lift points using approved Tesla pucks, and support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Confirm falcon doors remain closed; do not allow anyone to operate doors while the vehicle is on stands.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheel
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the rear wheel off. Set the wheel aside on its face to protect the finish.
2. 2

   Inspect assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, bracket, pads, hub, and rotor for damage, leaks, or unusual wear. Note pad thickness and rotor condition for reassembly decisions.
3. 3

   Retract caliper piston (if needed)
   If the new rotor or new pads will not clear the caliper, the piston must be retracted. On the rear, the EPB must be in service/retract mode first (done in preparation). Use a piston compression tool to slowly retract the piston. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir in the frunk for overflow.
   ⚠Never force a rear EPB-equipped caliper piston without first releasing the EPB via service mode — internal damage will occur.
4. 4

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts and lift caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Slide the caliper off the pads and bracket. Support the caliper with a hanger or wire — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove brake pads
   Slide the inner and outer brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Inspect anti-rattle clips and retain them if reusing the same pads.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the rear knuckle. Lift the bracket away and set it on a clean surface.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Remove the rotor retaining set screw (typically Torx) from the face of the rotor. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized, lightly tap with a rubber mallet around the rotor hat or thread two bolts into the rotor's jacking holes (if equipped) to push it off. Do NOT strike with a steel hammer.
   ⚠Aluminum hub face — avoid prying against the wheel speed sensor or the parking brake assembly.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub face to remove all rust and debris. The new rotor must seat fully flat or runout will cause pulsation. A very thin film of anti-seize on the hub center (NOT on the friction surface) helps prevent future seizure.
9. 9

   Install new rotor
   Clean the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Place the rotor on the hub and secure with the set screw.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket on the knuckle. Install the bracket bolts and torque to specification. Apply medium-strength threadlocker if the bolts are reused and the OEM coating is degraded.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall pads and caliper
    Reinstall pads (new or original) into the bracket with anti-rattle hardware properly seated. Slide the caliper over the pads. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins, install the slide pin bolts, and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel on the hub. Hand-thread all lug nuts, then snug them in a star pattern. Final torque is set after the vehicle is back on the ground.

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle so the wheel just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
2. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk.
4. Close the frunk and ensure all doors (including falcon doors) operate normally without sensor faults.
5. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern with the vehicle on the ground.
6. Exit Jack Mode by either driving above the speed threshold or turning it off in the touchscreen menu — allow the air suspension to re-level before driving.

Verification

• With the brake pedal NOT pressed, push the vehicle (or drive at very low speed) to confirm the rotor spins freely with no drag.
• Sit in the driver's seat, press the brake pedal firmly several times to seat the pads against the new rotor BEFORE driving — the pedal must feel firm.
• Check the brake fluid reservoir in the frunk; top up with DOT 3 if low. If fluid is more than 2 years old, perform a full brake fluid flush — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.
• Clear any chassis/ABS faults if present: cycle the vehicle off, exit, wait, and re-enter. Confirm no ABS, EPB, or traction control alerts on the touchscreen.
• Test the Electronic Parking Brake: apply and release several times via the touchscreen/stalk. Listen for normal motor actuation on the rear caliper.
• Perform a low-speed road test (under 30 mph) in a safe area, applying brakes progressively to bed in the new rotor per the rotor manufacturer's bed-in procedure. Verify no pulsation, pulling, or noise.
• Recheck wheel lug torque after approximately 50–100 miles.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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