Replace the rear brake pads on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. Service Mode should be enabled via the touchscreen prior to lifting to disable the electric parking brake actuators on the rear calipers and to prevent air suspension self-leveling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (Tesla Model X 2024 rear-spec) × 1 — OEM or OEM-equivalent rear pad set
• Caliper hardware/abutment clips (if included with pad kit) × 1 — Included with most OEM pad kits

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (for slide pins and pad backing)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with 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 located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Follow the under-hood cover removal procedure to access the 12V 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 the 12V: enter Service Mode on the touchscreen and use the Brakes menu to retract the rear EPB calipers for pad service. Confirm the calipers report 'unclamped/service position'.
7. While still powered, enable Jack Mode under Controls > Service > Suspension to disable air suspension self-leveling.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts a quarter turn while wheels are on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using Tesla-compatible jack pad pucks, and support securely on jack stands.
10. Remove the rear wheels and set aside on their faces to avoid scratching.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect the rotor, caliper, dust boots, EPB actuator wiring, and pad wear indicators. Note the orientation and routing of the EPB harness so it can be reinstalled identically. If the rotor is scored beyond service spec or the EPB actuator shows damage, stop and address those items before continuing.
2. 2

   Confirm EPB is in service position
   Verify with the touchscreen (or by feeling lack of clamping force) that the EPB has been retracted. The piston should rotate/retract freely with the wind-back tool. If there is any resistance suggesting the EPB is still applied, return to Service Mode and re-issue the unclamp command — do NOT force it.
   ⚠️Forcing piston compression with the EPB engaged will destroy the actuator gearset and require caliper replacement.
3. 3

   Remove the caliper slide/guide bolts
   While holding the slide pin with a wrench (if required) to prevent it from spinning, remove the two caliper slide bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Inspect the slide pins for smooth movement and intact dust boots.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lift caliper off the bracket and support
   Pivot the caliper upward off the pads and support it from the suspension with a bungee or hook. Do not let the caliper hang by the EPB harness or brake hose — both will be damaged.
   ⚠Do not stretch, twist, or pinch the EPB actuator wiring or the flexible brake hose.
5. 5

   Remove worn pads and hardware
   Slide the inner and outer pads out of the bracket. Remove the abutment/anti-rattle clips. Clean the bracket abutment surfaces with a wire brush and brake cleaner so the new clips seat flat.
6. 6

   Compress the caliper piston
   Using a rear EPB-compatible wind-back tool, rotate and push the piston back into the caliper body until it bottoms out. Watch the brake fluid reservoir level in the frunk — it will rise as fluid is displaced; siphon some out beforehand if it is near MAX. Inspect the dust boot for tears after compression.
   ⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to paint and trim. Wipe spills immediately and rinse with water.
7. 7

   Install new abutment clips and pads
   Install the new anti-rattle/abutment clips into the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pad backing tabs where they contact the clips — do NOT get grease on the friction surface or rotor. Insert the new pads into the bracket with the wear-indicator tab in the manufacturer-specified orientation.
8. 8

   Service slide pins
   Pull each slide pin from its bore, wipe clean, and re-lubricate with silicone brake grease. Inspect dust boots for cracks and replace as needed. Reinstall pins and confirm they slide smoothly through full travel.
9. 9

   Reinstall the caliper
   Lower the caliper back over the new pads onto the bracket. Start both slide bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum bracket. Torque the slide bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Caliper bracket bolts (only if removed)
    If the caliper bracket was removed for rotor service, clean the threads, apply medium-strength threadlocker, and torque to the rear-specific value. Verify any tightening sequence with the Tesla Service Manual before final torque.
    ⚠Bracket bolt sequence and re-use policy should be verified against the current Tesla Service Manual.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat on opposite rear corner
    Perform steps 1–9 (and 10 if applicable) on the other rear wheel. Brakes must always be serviced as an axle pair.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount each wheel, hand-thread all lug nuts, and snug them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle and final-torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Top up the brake fluid reservoir to MAX with fresh DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified by the current Tesla Owner's Manual) brake fluid; do not mix used fluid back in.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any covers removed for access.
3. Power on the vehicle. Exit Jack Mode and Service Mode via the touchscreen — Service Mode exit will re-clamp the EPB calipers automatically. Listen for the actuators cycling on each rear caliper.
4. With your foot firmly on the brake, cycle the brake pedal 8–10 times until the pedal becomes firm — this seats the new pads against the rotor.
5. Apply and release the parking brake from the touchscreen 2–3 times and confirm no fault messages appear.
6. Re-check brake fluid level after pedal cycling and top off as needed.

Verification

• Confirm no ABS, EPB, or brake-related alerts on the instrument cluster / touchscreen.
• At very low speed in an empty area, perform several gentle stops to verify firm pedal, even braking, and no pulling.
• Engage and release the parking brake via the touchscreen and verify it holds the vehicle on a slight incline.
• After a short test drive, re-check rear lug torque and inspect for any fluid leaks at the caliper, hose fittings, and reservoir cap.
• Bed-in the new pads per the pad manufacturer's procedure (typically a series of moderate stops from ~40 mph) before any aggressive driving.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If the current fluid is older than 2 years or shows moisture/discoloration, schedule a brake fluid flush.

More procedures for this vehicle