Brake Rotors - Rear Pair

Replace both rear brake rotors on a 2024 Tesla Model X Long Range. The rear has an integrated electric parking brake (EPB) caliper, which must be retracted via service mode before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (OEM or equivalent for 2024 Model X LR) × 2 — Manufacturer-specified rear rotor for 2024 Model X Long Range
• Rotor set screws (if damaged on removal) × 2 — OEM specification

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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). The 12V battery is located in the frunk on Model X.
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 > Suspension > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. BEFORE disconnecting 12V: place the EPB in Service Mode (Controls > Service > Brakes > Brake Service Mode) so the rear caliper pistons can be safely retracted.
8. Be aware of Falcon Wing door zones; if working in a tight bay, ensure the rear doors cannot be accidentally opened via app or fob.
9. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
10. Lift the rear of the vehicle using only Tesla-approved jack pad pucks at the factory lift points. Support on rated jack stands.
11. Remove both rear wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   With both rear wheels off, inspect each caliper, pads, rotor surface, dust shield, and EPB wiring/connector for damage. Note pad thickness — if pads are at or below wear limits, plan to replace them as a pair with the rotors. Check for any signs of fluid weep at the caliper piston seal.
2. 2

   Confirm EPB is in Service Mode
   Verify on the touchscreen that Brake Service Mode is active and that the rear EPB actuators have fully retracted. You may hear the actuators run momentarily when this mode is engaged. Only proceed once the screen confirms it is safe to service the rear brakes.
   ⚠Do NOT disconnect the EPB connector at the caliper unless required. If you must, do so only with the 12V disconnected to avoid setting persistent EPB faults.
3. 3

   Remove caliper guide/slide pin bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper as the second bolt comes free so it does not hang on the flexible brake hose or EPB harness.
   Torque spec

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

   Suspend the caliper
   Slide the caliper off the pads and rotor and hang it from the suspension upright with a caliper hanger or bungee. Never let it dangle by the brake hose or by the EPB cable. Inspect the slide pin boots — replace if torn.
   ⚠Do not pry against the EPB motor housing on the back of the caliper.
5. 5

   Remove brake pads
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket along with any anti-rattle clips/shims. Note their orientation. If reusing pads (not recommended on a rotor change), keep them in their original positions.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket (carrier) bolts that secure the bracket to the rear knuckle. These are typically very tight; use a six-point socket and a breaker bar. Lift the bracket off and set aside.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Remove the small set screw that retains the rotor to the hub (typically Torx). If the rotor is seized to the aluminum hub due to corrosion, apply penetrating oil to the hat area and tap with a brass or dead-blow mallet around the hat — never strike the friction surface. If the rotor has threaded jacking holes, thread bolts in evenly to push it off the hub.
   ℹ️Aluminum hub: do not pry between the hub and rotor with a steel chisel — it will gouge the hub face and cause runout on the new rotor.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean the hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face until clean and bare. Any rust ridges or debris between the hub and the new rotor will create lateral runout and cause pulsation. Wipe with brake cleaner. Optionally apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center pilot only — keep it OFF the wheel mounting surface and lug studs.
9. 9

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

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

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Reinstall the caliper bracket onto the knuckle. Inspect bracket bolts; if the OEM bolts are torque-to-yield or have pre-applied threadlocker, replace them or apply fresh medium-strength threadlocker per Tesla service guidance. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Retract caliper piston (EPB-aware)
    With the EPB in Service Mode and 12V disconnected, the rear piston should already be fully retracted. If additional clearance is needed for new pads, use a piston tool that pushes straight in — do NOT rotate the rear piston. Rotating an EPB piston damages the internal screw mechanism.
    ⚠️Rear Tesla calipers are EPB-equipped — push-only retraction. Never use the old 'twist-to-retract' method used on conventional rear screw-type EPBs unless the service manual explicitly specifies it for this caliper.
12. 12

    Install pads and caliper
    Install pads (new pads recommended with new rotors) and any anti-rattle hardware into the bracket. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins, ensuring boots are intact and seated. Slide the caliper over the pads and rotor and start the slide pin bolts by hand. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat on opposite rear corner
    Repeat steps 3 through 12 on the other rear wheel. Confirm both sides are fully reassembled before exiting Brake Service Mode.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts to avoid cross-threading aluminum hubs.
2. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery (negative terminal last). Close the frunk.
5. Power up the vehicle. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode — the EPB will cycle and re-clamp. Listen for normal actuator sound from both rear corners.
6. Exit Jack Mode so air suspension resumes normal operation; allow the vehicle to self-level.
7. With your foot firmly on the brake, pump the pedal several times until firm before moving the vehicle. The first pedal application after caliper service will feel long until the pads seat against the new rotors.
8. Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir; top up with DOT 3 if needed.

Verification

• No brake or EPB warning indicators on the instrument cluster after exiting Service Mode.
• Pedal feels firm and high after 3-5 pumps; no sponginess (sponginess suggests air or a hydraulic issue).
• At low speed in an empty area, apply the parking brake from the touchscreen/stalk — confirm both rear wheels lock and release cleanly with no grinding.
• Perform a proper bed-in procedure per the pad manufacturer's instructions (typically a series of moderate stops from ~30 mph followed by a cool-down). Avoid hard stops for the first 200 miles.
• After the first short drive, recheck rear lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid weep at the calipers.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this service date if you also flushed/bled the system. Tire rotation is recommended every 6,250 mi on Model X due to weight and instant torque.

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