Replace both front brake rotors on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The Model X is heavy (~5,400 lb) with regenerative braking, so rotors often outlast pads but can develop corrosion pitting from low-friction use; always replace pads if rotors are worn beyond spec.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake rotors (pair) — OEM or OE-equivalent for Model X Long Range × 2 — Manufacturer-specified front rotor for 2024 Model X LR
• Rotor retaining set screws (if damaged on removal) × 2 — OEM set screw
• Front brake pads (recommended to replace concurrently) × 1 — OE-equivalent front pad set for 2024 Model X

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if reservoir disturbed)

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 in the frunk per Tesla procedure (release frunk, remove access cover, disconnect negative terminal first).
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. Enable Jack Mode via the touchscreen Service menu BEFORE disconnecting 12V (or re-enable 12V briefly to set it). Jack Mode disables air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen front lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using puck-style pads. Support on jack stands rated for the load.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on rotor face down (avoid scratching cosmetic finishes).

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prep the corner
   Visually inspect the caliper, flex hose, ABS sensor wiring, and pad wear. Note rotor thickness vs. minimum spec stamped on the rotor hat. Spray the caliper bracket bolts and rotor set screw with brake cleaner to clear debris.
2. 2

   Compress caliper piston (if reusing or replacing pads)
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap in the frunk and check level — fluid will rise as pistons are pushed back. Use a piston spreader or large C-clamp with an old pad to gently retract the piston. Do not pry against the rotor surface you intend to keep.
   ⚠If the reservoir is full, draw a small amount out with a clean syringe before compressing pistons to avoid overflow.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts and lift caliper
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts holding the caliper body to the bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with a hanger or bungee from the upper control arm. Never let the caliper dangle from the flex hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake pads
   Lift the inner and outer pads from the bracket along with their anti-rattle clips. Note clip orientation. If reusing pads (not recommended with new rotors), keep them in left/right and inner/outer order.
   ℹ️New rotors should be paired with new pads for proper bedding and even wear.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts (front bracket bolts are larger/higher-torque than the slide pin bolts). Set the bracket aside. Inspect bracket abutment clips for corrosion; replace if pitted.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor retaining set screw
   Remove the rotor set screw (typically Torx). If seized, use an impact driver — do not strip the head. Penetrating oil and gentle heat may help. Replace screw if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If stuck due to corrosion, thread two bolts into the rotor's threaded jacking holes (if equipped) and tighten evenly to push the rotor off. Otherwise tap the hat with a dead-blow mallet — never strike the friction surface or hub face.
   ⚠Do not strike the aluminum hub or knuckle with a steel hammer.
8. 8

   Clean hub mating surface
   Wire-brush the hub face until bare, clean metal is visible. Any rust or debris between hub and rotor will cause runout and brake pulsation. Wipe with brake cleaner. Optionally apply a very thin film of anti-seize ONLY to the hub center and mating face — keep it off studs and friction surface.
9. 9

   Install new rotor
   Wipe new rotor friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Install rotor onto hub, aligning the set screw hole. Install set screw and snug it.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the front caliper bracket bolt threads. Install bracket and torque bolts to spec. Verify sequence and final torque against the Tesla Service Manual.
    Torque spec

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

    Install pads and caliper
    Install anti-rattle clips, then new (or original) pads into the bracket. Slide caliper over pads onto bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pin shanks (not threads). Install slide pin bolts and torque to spec.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1–11 for the other front corner.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying any torque.
2. Lower vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification — verify sequence per Tesla service manual.
3. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. With the brake pedal, pump SLOWLY and firmly until pedal is high and firm. Do not drive until pedal pressure is restored — the first pump after caliper service will go to the floor.
5. Re-check brake fluid reservoir level in the frunk; top off with DOT 3 if needed. Reinstall cap.
6. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive first, then negative). Reinstall frunk access cover.
7. Power on vehicle. Disable Jack Mode if it did not auto-disable. Allow air suspension to self-level.

Verification

• With vehicle stationary, confirm firm brake pedal that does not sink under steady pressure.
• Check the touchscreen for any ABS, brake, or stability control alerts. Clear any 'Jack Mode' notice.
• At low speed (5–10 mph) in an empty area, perform several light stops to seat pads against new rotors. Listen for scraping, grinding, or pulsation.
• Bed-in the new pads/rotors per pad manufacturer instructions — typically 6–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph to ~5 mph without coming to a complete stop, then a cool-down drive.
• After a short test drive, re-check lug nut torque (star pattern) and inspect for fluid leaks at the caliper.
• Note the date/mileage of service. Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years — schedule a flush if due.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 mi; if not done during this service, plan accordingly.

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