Replacement of a rear brake hose on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The hose connects the hard line at the body/subframe to the rear caliper; the system must be bled and brake fluid topped off after the job.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake hose (manufacturer-specified for Model X Plaid) × 1 — Tesla OEM rear brake hose — verify left vs right side
• Copper sealing washers for banjo bolt × 2 — OEM-spec copper crush washers (typically 2 per banjo)
• Brake hose retaining clip (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM-spec hose-to-bracket horseshoe clip

Fluids

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

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). Follow the labeled negative-first procedure and isolate the terminal.
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, enter Service Mode / Jack Mode on the touchscreen to disable air suspension self-leveling.
7. Loosen the rear lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified rear jack points using approved pucks, and support on jack stands rated for the Model X curb weight.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.
10. Place a catch pan under the caliper area; have brake line plugs/caps ready.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and clean fittings
   Wire-brush and wipe clean both ends of the brake hose: the upper hard-line junction at the body/subframe bracket and the lower banjo fitting at the caliper. Removing road grime now prevents contamination of the hydraulic system and reduces the chance of rounding the hard-line nut.
2. 2

   Loosen the hard line at the upper bracket
   Using a flare-nut (line) wrench, break loose the hard-line tube nut threaded into the upper end of the flexible hose. Do NOT fully remove yet — just confirm it will turn. If the fitting is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak rather than forcing and twisting the hard line.
   ⚠Twisting the steel hard line will kink it and require line replacement. Always counter-hold the hose hex with a second wrench.
3. 3

   Remove the banjo bolt at the caliper
   Position a catch pan under the caliper. Remove the banjo bolt securing the lower end of the brake hose to the rear caliper. Discard the two copper sealing washers — they must be replaced with new ones. Cap the caliper port immediately to limit fluid loss and air ingress.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drip from the caliper and hose. Protect suspension components, the rear sub-frame, and any wiring from contact.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Release the hose from intermediate brackets
   Remove the retaining clip(s) (typically a horseshoe clip) securing the flexible hose to any intermediate chassis bracket. If the clip is bent or corroded, replace it. Note the original routing of the hose for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect the hard line and remove the hose
   Fully unthread the hard-line tube nut from the upper end of the flexible hose while counter-holding the hose hex. Cap the hard line immediately. Remove the old hose from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Compare old and new hose
   Lay the new hose next to the old one. Verify length, end fittings, and any integrated bracket tabs match. Rear left and right hoses can differ — confirm correct side before installation.
7. 7

   Install the new hose at the upper hard line
   Thread the hard-line tube nut into the new hose by hand to avoid cross-threading, then snug it. Final torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual for the hard-line tube nut value.
8. 8

   Secure hose to intermediate bracket
   Route the hose along the original path with no twists. Seat it into the chassis bracket and install the retaining clip fully. If the bracket uses a fastener, torque per spec.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install banjo bolt at caliper with new copper washers
   Place a NEW copper washer on each side of the banjo fitting (one between bolt head and fitting, one between fitting and caliper). Thread the banjo bolt into the caliper by hand, then torque to spec. Reused copper washers will leak.
   ⚠Confirm the hose is not twisted or contacting the tire/suspension at full droop and full steering lock before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Bleed the rear brake circuit
    Top off the brake fluid reservoir with fresh DOT 3. Bleed the affected rear caliper at the bleeder screw using a vacuum or pressure bleeder until clean, air-free fluid flows. Maintain reservoir level throughout. Tesla typically requires using Toolbox to cycle the iBooster/ABS for a complete bleed if air has entered the master — if the pedal remains soft after manual bleeding, the vehicle must be taken to a Tesla-certified technician for a scan-tool-assisted bleed.
    ⚠Never let the reservoir run dry — air introduced into the iBooster requires Tesla scan-tool service to fully purge.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Leak check under pressure
    With the bleeder closed, have an assistant firmly apply and hold the brake pedal (or use a pedal depressor) while you inspect both ends of the new hose, the bracket clip, and the caliper banjo for any seepage. Wipe joints dry first to make leaks obvious.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel and snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to spec.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk (positive first, then negative), and reinstall the terminal cover.
5. Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container.
6. Exit Jack Mode / Service Mode on the touchscreen and allow the air suspension to re-level.
7. Cycle the brake pedal 5-10 times with the vehicle off until firm before driving.

Verification

• Pedal feel: with the vehicle powered on, the brake pedal should be firm and high — no sponginess. A soft pedal indicates trapped air, often requiring a Tesla scan-tool ABS bleed.
• Inspect the new hose, banjo, and hard-line connections after a short low-speed test drive — look for any wet seepage.
• Confirm no brake-related alerts on the touchscreen (ABS, traction, brake fluid level warnings).
• Perform a low-speed stop in a safe area to confirm the vehicle tracks straight under braking (no pull from a partially blocked rear caliper).
• Recheck brake fluid level after the test drive and top off as needed.
• Note the date/mileage: Tesla recommends a full brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage — schedule the next flush accordingly.

More procedures for this vehicle