Replacement of front brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. The Plaid uses larger performance front brakes than the standard Model X, so confirm pad/rotor part compatibility before starting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (Model X Plaid front-specific) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model X Plaid front pad set or equivalent performance-rated replacement
• Front brake rotors × 2 — OEM Tesla Model X Plaid front rotor — verify diameter/thickness against the rotor being removed
• Caliper bracket bolts (if reuse not permitted by service manual) × 4 — Manufacturer-specified — replace if specified as one-time-use

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake (Hold Mode/Park).
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 located in the frunk (similar position to Model S). Follow Tesla's documented frunk-access and 12V disconnect sequence.
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. Place the vehicle into Service Mode / Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE shutting down to disable air suspension self-leveling. With 12V disconnected this is preserved as the last state.
7. Loosen front lug nuts 1/4 turn with the wheels still on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at Tesla-approved jack points using rubber pucks, and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove front wheels and set them aside on a non-marring surface (Plaid wheels are easily curb-rashed).

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake assembly
   With the wheel off, inspect the caliper, rotor, dust shield, and flexible brake hose for damage, leaks, or corrosion. Note pad wear pattern — uneven wear may indicate a sticking slide pin that must be addressed during reassembly. Confirm the replacement rotor and pads match the OEM size for Model X Plaid front.
2. 2

   Compress caliper piston
   Before removing the caliper, gently pry the outboard pad away from the rotor to push the piston(s) back into the bore. On multi-piston Plaid front calipers, work each piston evenly using a piston compression tool. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir in the frunk — if it is full, siphon a small amount before compressing to prevent overflow.
   ⚠Do not pry against the rotor face you are reusing or against the caliper piston dust boot.
3. 3

   Remove caliper
   Remove the caliper guide/slide bolts (or the main caliper mounting bolts, depending on the Plaid front caliper design). Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with a wire hook or bungee from a suspension component. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the flexible brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

   Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake pads
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note orientation, the location of any anti-rattle clips/shims, and the routing of the pad wear sensor wire if equipped. Remove and inspect the pad abutment clips.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are high-torque fasteners and may have factory threadlocker — expect significant breakaway force. Set the bracket aside.
   ⚠Use a long breaker bar — do not use an impact in a way that could damage the aluminum knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rotor
   Remove any rotor retaining clip/screw if present. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil to the hat-to-hub interface and tap the rotor hat (not the friction surface) with a dead-blow mallet. Some Plaid rotors have threaded jack-bolt holes — thread in matching bolts evenly to push the rotor off.
   ⚠Do NOT strike the wheel speed sensor, ABS tone ring, or aluminum knuckle.
7. 7

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face until clean and flat. Any rust or debris between the hub and rotor hat will cause runout and pedal pulsation. Wipe with brake cleaner. A very light film of anti-seize on the hub center (NOT on the wheel studs or rotor friction surface) helps future removal.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Install the rotor onto the hub. If the rotor uses a retaining clip or screw, install it. Temporarily snug a lug nut against the rotor to hold it flat against the hub during caliper bracket installation.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Clean the bracket bolt threads and apply medium-strength threadlocker. Reinstall the caliper bracket and torque to specification. If the OEM service manual specifies a tightening sequence, follow it.
   ⚠Verify sequence with the Tesla Service Manual — sequence may matter on the Plaid bracket.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install pads and hardware
    Install fresh abutment clips into the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to pad ear contact points and the back of the pad shims (NOT to the friction surface or rotor). Install pads into the bracket. Reattach the wear sensor to the appropriate pad if equipped.
11. 11

    Service slide pins (if applicable)
    If the Plaid front caliper uses sliding pins, remove, clean, and inspect each pin and boot. Replace any torn boot. Lubricate pins with silicone brake grease and reinstall. Confirm pins move freely by hand.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper
    Slide the caliper over the new pads and rotor. Install the caliper bolts (or slide bolts, per design) and torque to specification. Confirm the brake hose is not twisted or contacting suspension or wheel components throughout steering travel.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

    Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1–12 on the other front corner. Always replace pads and rotors as an axle pair to maintain even braking.
14. 14

    Check brake fluid level
    Open the frunk and check the brake fluid reservoir. Top off to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid if low. If fluid is older than 2 years, perform a full brake fluid flush per Tesla's recommendation — this is its own procedure.
    ℹ️Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before any are tightened.
2. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Lower the vehicle fully and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and close the frunk.
5. With the brake pedal NOT pressed and the vehicle off, do not yet enter the vehicle with the fob; first ensure no one is under or near the falcon doors when 12V is restored.
6. Enter the vehicle, press the brake pedal firmly multiple times until the pedal becomes firm — this seats the pads against the rotors and restores hydraulic pressure. The first 2-3 presses will feel soft, this is normal.
7. Exit Service Mode / Jack Mode if it is still active.
8. Recheck brake fluid level after pumping the pedal.

Verification

• Confirm a firm, high brake pedal before driving.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake, ABS, or traction control alerts. Clear any wear-sensor alert if a new sensor was installed.
• Perform a low-speed (5-10 mph) brake test in a safe area before road use. Listen for scraping, grinding, or pulling.
• Bed in the new pads and rotors per the pad manufacturer's procedure (typically a series of progressively harder stops from ~40 mph to ~10 mph without coming to a complete stop, allowing cooldown). Tesla's regen will reduce brake usage, so manual bed-in is important on EVs.
• After the first 50-100 miles, recheck front lug nut torque and visually inspect pads, rotors, and caliper for proper seating.
• Log the service date/mileage. Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years and tire rotation every 6,250 miles — both pair well with brake service.

More procedures for this vehicle