Complete brake fluid flush on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid, replacing all DOT 3 brake fluid at the four corners. This is a Tesla-recommended 2-year service interval regardless of mileage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if damaged) × 4 — OEM caliper bleeder cap

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (sealed, unopened container) — 1 qt

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: on the touchscreen, navigate to Service > Jack Mode to disable the air suspension self-leveling.
4. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). The 12V battery is located in the frunk on Model X, 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. Verify you have a fresh, sealed container of DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not use fluid from a previously opened bottle — it absorbs moisture rapidly.
8. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
9. Lift the vehicle at the four Tesla-designated jack points using puck adapters, then support on jack stands rated for the Model X's weight.
10. Remove all four wheels to access the calipers.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system before flushing
   Visually inspect each caliper, brake line, and the master cylinder reservoir for leaks, swollen hoses, or corrosion at the bleeder screws. Note pad thickness while wheels are off. If any component is compromised, address that issue before flushing.
2. 2

   Extract old fluid from master cylinder reservoir
   Clean around the brake fluid reservoir cap in the frunk area before opening. Remove the cap and use a clean syringe or fluid extractor to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir without uncovering the supply ports. Refill the reservoir to MAX with fresh DOT 3 fluid.
   ⚠Never let the reservoir run dry during bleeding — air will enter the ABS/iBooster module and is extremely difficult to purge without Tesla diagnostic software.
3. 3

   Remove protective caps from bleeder screws
   At each caliper, remove the rubber dust cap from the bleeder screw. Inspect the bleeder for corrosion. If a bleeder appears seized, apply penetrant and allow time to soak — do NOT force a corroded bleeder, as snapping it requires caliper replacement.
4. 4

   Connect pressure or vacuum bleeder
   If using a pressure bleeder, fit the appropriate adapter cap to the master cylinder reservoir and pressurize to the bleeder manufacturer's specification (typically 10-15 psi). If using vacuum bleeding, ensure the reservoir is topped off and monitored continuously.
5. 5

   Bleed the right rear caliper
   Begin at the corner farthest from the master cylinder. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw with the other end submerged in fresh fluid in the catch bottle. Open the bleeder approximately 1/2 turn and allow fluid to flow until the discharge runs clear (color matches fresh fluid) and is free of bubbles. Close the bleeder.
   ⚠Verify reservoir level every 30-60 seconds during bleeding.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed the left rear caliper
   Repeat the bleeding procedure at the left rear caliper until clear, bubble-free fluid is observed. Close the bleeder.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Bleed the right front caliper
   Repeat the bleeding procedure at the right front caliper. Front calipers on Model X Plaid are larger-volume — expect to flush more fluid before it runs clear.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Bleed the left front caliper
   Repeat the bleeding procedure at the left front caliper. This is the final corner; confirm clean, bubble-free fluid output. Close the bleeder.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final torque check on all bleeders
   Confirm each of the four bleeder screws is closed and final-torqued. Do not overtighten — these threads strip easily and the seal is at the seat, not the threads. Reinstall the rubber dust caps.
   ⚠Overtightening a bleeder screw can crack the bleeder boss on the caliper, requiring caliper replacement.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Set master cylinder reservoir level
    Remove the pressure bleeder adapter (if used). Adjust the fluid level to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Wipe any spills from the reservoir, surrounding panels, and frunk liner immediately with water — DOT 3 will damage paint. Reinstall the reservoir cap fully.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to seat them.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Final-torque the lug nuts on the ground in a star pattern to specification.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive terminal first, then negative) in the frunk and secure the terminal cover.
6. Close the frunk.

Verification

• With the vehicle awake and the brake pedal pumped several times, confirm a firm pedal — no sponginess, no excessive travel.
• On the touchscreen, exit Jack Mode and allow the air suspension to re-level. Confirm no suspension faults are displayed.
• Check the instrument cluster / touchscreen alerts for any Brake System, ABS, or Stability Control warnings. If any appear, the iBooster/ABS module may have ingested air and require Tesla diagnostic bleeding.
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area: confirm normal pedal feel and straight-line braking with no pull. Test regenerative-to-friction handoff at low speed.
• Inspect each caliper bleeder and the reservoir cap area for leaks after the test drive.
• Record the service date — Tesla's recommended brake fluid replacement interval is 2 years regardless of mileage. Next service due 2 years from today.

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