Replace the brake caliper slide (guide) pins on a 2024 Model X Long Range. The slide pins allow the caliper to float over the pads; worn or seized pins cause uneven pad wear and brake drag.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pin kit (manufacturer-specified for Model X front or rear caliper as applicable) × 1 — OEM Tesla slide pin/boot kit — match front vs rear caliper
• Slide pin rubber boots (if not included in pin kit) × 1 — OEM caliper boot kit

Fluids

• Silicone brake grease (caliper slide pin lubricant, NOT regular grease)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the 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 (similar position to Model S) before lifting.
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. On the touchscreen, enable Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling. Note: this should be done BEFORE disconnecting the 12V if you want it to remain active; otherwise plan lift sequence accordingly.
7. Loosen lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle ONLY at the Tesla-designated jack pad points on the rocker pinch welds, using a hockey-puck-style pad to avoid damaging the rocker. Support with rated jack stands.
9. Remove the wheel(s) for the corner(s) being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the caliper assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, and bracket. Note whether you are working on a front or rear caliper — torque specs and pin sizes differ. Check pad thickness while the caliper is accessible; if pads are at or near minimum, plan to replace them with the slide pins.
2. 2

   Remove the caliper from the bracket
   Remove the two caliper-to-bracket bolts (these thread into the slide pins). Support the caliper — DO NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose. Hang the caliper from the suspension with a bungee or wire hook.
   ⚠Allowing the caliper to hang by the brake hose can damage the hose internally and cause a future failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove the brake pads (for access)
   Slide the inner and outer brake pads out of the bracket. Note their orientation and any anti-rattle clips/shims for reinstallation. Inspect pads for uneven wear, which often indicates the slide pins were sticking.
4. 4

   Extract the old slide pins
   Pull the slide pins out of the caliper bracket bores. Carefully remove the rubber boots from both ends of each bore. If pins are seized, work them free gently — do not gouge the bore. Discard old pins and boots if replacing as a kit.
   ℹ️If a pin is severely seized or the bore is damaged/scored, the caliper bracket may need replacement. Do not force a damaged pin into service.
5. 5

   Clean the slide pin bores
   Use a clean rag (and brake cleaner if needed) to remove old grease, dirt, and corrosion from the bracket bores. The bores must be clean, dry, and smooth. Do NOT use abrasive tools that will alter bore diameter.
6. 6

   Lubricate and install new slide pins
   Install new boots into the bracket bores. Apply a thin, even coat of silicone brake grease to the new slide pins — coat the shaft, not the threads. Insert the pins into the bracket bores and seat the boots properly onto both the bracket and the pin grooves so they are sealed.
   ⚠Use silicone brake grease ONLY. Standard chassis grease will destroy the boots and cause pin seizure.
7. 7

   Verify pin movement
   Slide each pin in and out of its bore by hand. Movement should be smooth with no binding and slight resistance from the displaced grease. If a pin binds, remove and recheck the bore and grease quantity (excess grease can hydraulic-lock the pin).
8. 8

   Reinstall the brake pads
   Reinstall the pads into the bracket in their original orientation, ensuring all anti-rattle clips and shims are seated correctly.
9. 9

   Reinstall the caliper
   Before remounting, if the pads are new or thicker than removed, retract the caliper piston using the appropriate tool (rear calipers on Model X have an integrated electric parking brake — see note). Position the caliper over the pads and thread the caliper bolts into the new slide pins by hand to avoid cross-threading.
   ⚠️The Model X rear caliper has an electric parking brake (EPB) actuator. The piston cannot be wound back manually — it must be retracted using Tesla service software / EPB service mode. If the rear pistons need retraction and you do not have the proper tool, STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
10. 10

    Torque the caliper bolts
    Torque the caliper-to-slide-pin bolts to specification. These are critical fasteners.
    ℹ️The slide pin bolt torque listed (35 Nm) applies where the bolt threads directly into the slide pin. If your caliper uses separate caliper bolts into pre-installed pins, follow the Caliper Bolts spec. Refer to the Tesla Service Manual for your specific caliper variant.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Confirm caliper is fully seated and bolts are torqued correctly.
2. Reinstall the wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before any are tightened.
3. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft).
4. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk.
6. Exit Jack Mode on the touchscreen (it will also clear automatically once the vehicle drives).

Verification

• With the vehicle still stationary, press the brake pedal firmly several times. Pedal should be firm and consistent — not spongy and not sinking. If the pedal is soft, do not drive; inspect for issues.
• Confirm no brake warnings or ABS/EPB faults are displayed on the touchscreen after wake-up.
• Roll the vehicle forward a few feet at low speed in a safe area and confirm no dragging, scraping, or pulling.
• Test drive at low speed with light then progressively firmer brake applications. Listen and feel for binding, pulling, or unusual noise.
• After a short drive, check each wheel hub temperature — a caliper with a sticking pin will run noticeably hotter than the others.
• While performing brake work, note Tesla's recommendation to flush brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — check the brake fluid service history and schedule a DOT 3 flush if due.
• Recheck lug nut torque after approximately 80 km (50 mi) of driving.

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