Brake Pads - Front

Replace the front brake pads on a 2024 Model X Plaid. This is a routine wear-item service, but the Plaid uses larger high-performance front calipers and the vehicle's air suspension and falcon doors require specific handling during lifting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (Tesla Model X Plaid front-specific) × 1 — OEM Tesla front pad set for Model X Plaid — verify by VIN
• Caliper hardware/abutment clips (if supplied with pad kit) × 1 — As supplied with OEM pad kit

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-up only if needed)

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). Open frunk before disconnecting power, and use the manual frunk release procedure if needed afterward.
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: enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) to disable the air suspension self-leveling. Some technicians prefer to disable Sentry/Cabin Overheat first as well.
7. Confirm wheel lock key (if installed) is on hand.
8. Inspect brake fluid level and condition; if dark or near MAX, remove a small amount with a clean syringe before compressing pistons to prevent overflow.

Procedure

1. 1

   Lift vehicle and remove front wheels
   With Jack Mode active, lift the front of the vehicle at the OEM jacking points using a hockey puck pad. Support on rated jack stands. Loosen and remove the front wheel lug nuts and set the wheels aside on a soft surface to protect the finish.
   ⚠Never work under a Model X supported only by a jack — air suspension can shift even in Jack Mode if a fault occurs.
2. 2

   Inspect caliper, rotor, and pad wear
   Visually inspect the caliper, rotor surface, and existing pad thickness. Check for uneven wear, scoring, or seized slide pins. If the rotor is below minimum thickness (stamped on the rotor hat) or heavily scored, plan to replace rotors as well.
3. 3

   Compress caliper pistons
   Using a twin-piston spreader tool, slowly compress the caliper pistons back into their bores while monitoring the brake fluid reservoir level in the frunk. Remove fluid from the reservoir as needed to prevent overflow. Do not pry directly on the rotor or pad backing.
   ⚠Brake fluid damages paint and plastics — wipe spills immediately.
4. 4

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Remove the caliper guide/slide bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a wire hanger or bungee from the suspension — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose.
5. 5

   Remove old pads and clips
   Slide the worn pads out of the caliper bracket. Remove the abutment/anti-rattle clips. Note the orientation of any wear-indicator pads or shims for correct reinstallation.
6. 6

   Clean bracket and inspect slide pins
   Clean the caliper bracket abutment surfaces with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Pull the slide pins from the bracket, inspect the boots for tears, wipe pins clean, and reapply silicone brake grease. Replace boots if torn.
7. 7

   Install new abutment clips and pads
   Fit new abutment/anti-rattle clips (from the pad kit) into the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to pad ear contact points only — keep grease off friction surfaces and rotor. Install the new pads into the bracket, ensuring any wear sensor or directional pad is on the correct side.
   ⚠Do not contaminate pad friction surface or rotor with grease, oil, or fingerprints.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper and torque slide bolts
   Lower the caliper over the new pads. Install the caliper slide/guide bolts and torque to the manufacturer-specified value. Apply silicone brake grease to the pins per spec.
   ⚠Verify the correct fastener is being used — do not confuse caliper-to-bracket slide bolts with bracket-to-knuckle bolts.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   If caliper bracket was removed: reinstall and torque
   If the caliper bracket was disturbed for service, clean the threads, apply medium-strength threadlocker, and torque the front caliper bracket bolts to the verified specification. Verify tightening sequence against the Tesla Service Manual.
   ⚠Bracket bolts are critical fasteners. Use a calibrated torque wrench — do not estimate.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat on opposite front wheel
    Perform steps 1–9 on the other front corner. Always service brakes in pairs across an axle.
11. 11

    Top off brake fluid and pump pedal
    Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3. With the 12V reconnected and ignition active, pump the brake pedal firmly multiple times until it becomes firm — this seats the pistons against the new pads. Do not move the vehicle until the pedal is firm.
    ⚠️If the pedal does not firm up, do NOT drive the vehicle. Inspect for leaks or trapped air.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels and hand-thread all lug nuts. Snug in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle to the ground and final-torque in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and close the frunk.
2. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen; allow the air suspension to re-level.
3. Verify no warnings on the instrument cluster related to ABS, ESC, or brake system.
4. Re-torque lug nuts after the first 50–100 miles of driving.

Verification

• With the vehicle stationary, confirm a firm brake pedal that does not sink under sustained pressure.
• Drive at low speed in a safe area (5–15 mph) and perform several gentle stops to seat the pads. Then complete the bedding-in procedure recommended by the pad manufacturer.
• Note: Tesla's regenerative braking will reduce friction-brake usage, so deliberately use friction braking during bed-in.
• Listen for any rubbing or grinding; verify no ABS/Stability Control warnings appear on the touchscreen after a short drive cycle.
• Re-check brake fluid level after bed-in; top up to MAX with DOT 3 if needed.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years — log the date and mileage of this service and check whether fluid replacement is also due.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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