Replacement of the electronic parking brake (EPB) motor on the rear caliper of a 2024 Model X Long Range. The EPB motor is an electromechanical actuator bolted to the rear caliper body; replacement requires retracting the EPB to service position via the touchscreen before disconnecting power.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electronic Parking Brake Motor (rear, OEM) × 1 — Tesla Model X rear EPB actuator — match to VIN at parts counter
• EPB motor mounting bolts (if supplied with new actuator / single-use) × 3 — Per service manual — replace if specified as single-use

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. BEFORE disconnecting 12V power: On the touchscreen, navigate to Service > Brakes (or equivalent) and place the Electronic Parking Brake into Service Mode / Pad Replacement Mode. This retracts the EPB spindle and disables the actuator.
4. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery in the frunk (negative terminal first). See architecture notes — Model X 12V is in the frunk, similar to Model S.
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Chock the front wheels. Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified lift points using pucks, and support on rated jack stands. Note: air suspension is standard — set Jack Mode on the touchscreen before lifting if the system is still powered, or follow the service manual procedure for lifting with 12V disconnected.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm EPB is in service position
   Visually confirm the EPB motor and caliper piston are retracted (this should have been done via the touchscreen during prep). If for any reason Service Mode was not engaged before 12V disconnect, STOP — reconnect 12V, restore vehicle state, and place EPB in Service Mode first.
   ⚠️Do not attempt to manually back-drive the EPB motor with power tools or by force — internal gearset damage and personal injury can result.
2. 2

   Locate and inspect the EPB motor
   The EPB motor is mounted to the back side of the rear brake caliper, secured by manufacturer-specified fasteners (typically three Torx bolts) and a single electrical connector. Inspect the connector and surrounding harness for corrosion or damage before disconnecting.
3. 3

   Disconnect the EPB electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the EPB motor harness connector and gently disconnect. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or green oxidation (a known issue on vehicles exposed to road salt). Tuck the harness aside, secured away from the rotor and any moving suspension components.
4. 4

   Support the caliper (if required for clearance)
   On most Model X rear calipers the EPB motor can be removed without unbolting the caliper itself. If access is restricted by suspension geometry, suspend the caliper with a hanger — DO NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose. Do NOT open the bleeder screw or disturb the hydraulic line for this job.
5. 5

   Remove the EPB motor mounting fasteners
   Remove the manufacturer-specified mounting bolts (typically three) securing the EPB motor to the caliper body. Support the motor with one hand as the last bolt is removed — the motor is heavier than it appears and contains a spring-loaded gearset.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the EPB motor
   Pull the motor straight off the caliper. The motor's drive coupling engages a spindle inside the caliper — note the orientation of the coupling for reinstallation. Inspect the caliper-side spindle and seal for damage, contamination, or grease loss. If the seal is damaged or the spindle is corroded, the caliper itself may need service — stop and consult the service manual.
7. 7

   Prepare the new EPB motor
   Compare the new motor to the old one — confirm matching connector orientation, mounting flange pattern, and drive coupling. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector pins if recommended. Do NOT apply grease to the drive coupling unless the new part specifically calls for it (some units ship pre-lubricated).
8. 8

   Install the new EPB motor
   Align the drive coupling with the caliper spindle and seat the motor flush against the caliper body. The motor must seat fully without forcing — if it will not seat, the coupling is misaligned. Rotate slightly by hand to engage the splines, then press home.
   ⚠If you must force the motor into place, STOP. The caliper spindle is likely not in the fully retracted service position. Do not crank the bolts down to pull the motor in — this will damage the gearset.
9. 9

   Torque the EPB motor mounting bolts
   Install the mounting bolts hand-tight first to ensure the motor seats squarely, then torque in a cross/star pattern to the verified specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect the EPB electrical connector
    Reseat the harness connector until the locking tab clicks. Verify the harness is routed clear of the rotor, suspension travel, and any heat sources, matching the original routing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel. Snug the lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified Wheel Lug Nuts specification.
2. Lower the vehicle fully and remove jack stands.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk (positive first if disconnected, then negative — follow standard reconnection order; negative last on connect).
4. Close the frunk and allow the vehicle to fully wake. Expect transient warning messages on the instrument cluster — these should clear after the system initializes.

Verification

• On the touchscreen, exit EPB Service Mode following the same menu used during prep. The system will cycle the actuator to set position — listen for a smooth motor sound with no grinding or stalling.
• Verify no parking brake fault, ABS, or stability control warnings remain on the instrument cluster after a full power cycle.
• With the vehicle stationary and in P, apply and release the parking brake via the touchscreen (or shifter, as equipped) several times. Confirm both rear wheels lock and release evenly — a one-sided EPB is a sign of a coupling or calibration issue.
• Perform a low-speed (under 5 mph) rolling test in a safe area: apply the EPB via the manual control and verify the vehicle decelerates smoothly with no pull to one side.
• Inspect for any brake fluid weepage at the caliper — this job should not have disturbed the hydraulic system, but verify before road test.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If the fluid is due, schedule that service separately. Also confirm rear pad and rotor condition while the wheel is off — Model X rear brakes wear more from EPB cycling than from friction braking due to regen.

More procedures for this vehicle