Replacement of rear brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. The Plaid uses larger performance rear brakes than standard Model X — confirm correct pad and rotor part numbers before ordering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set — Model X Plaid specific × 1 — OEM Tesla rear pad set for Model X Plaid (verify against VIN — Plaid uses larger rear brakes than standard Model X)
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — OEM Tesla rear rotor for Model X Plaid (verify against VIN)
• Caliper slide pin boots (inspect, replace if torn) × 1 — OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if reservoir level rises above MAX during piston retraction)

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 under the frunk panel (similar position to Model S). Follow the labeled disconnect sequence and isolate the negative 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: enable Service Mode / Jack Mode on the touchscreen and command the EPB into 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent retract function) so rear caliper pistons can be retracted. On Model X Plaid this is required — the EPB cannot be wound back manually with a standard cube tool alone.
7. Confirm air suspension is in Jack Mode and the vehicle will not attempt to self-level.
8. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are on the ground (1/2 turn).
9. Lift rear of vehicle using only Tesla-approved jack puck locations. Support on jack stands rated for EV weight. Remove rear wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   With wheels off, inspect both rear calipers, rotors, pads, slide pins, and dust boots. Photograph the assembly for reference. Confirm EPB is fully retracted (you should see no piston pressure on the inner pad).
   ⚠If EPB has not retracted, do NOT proceed. Re-enter Service Mode on the touchscreen and confirm the EPB retract command completed. Forcing the piston will destroy the actuator.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide/guide bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or bungee — do not let it hang from the flexible brake hose or the EPB electrical connector.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect EPB connector if removing caliper fully
   If the caliper must be fully removed (e.g., for rotor replacement clearance), carefully disconnect the EPB motor electrical connector by releasing its lock tab. Do NOT pull on the wiring. If the caliper can be hung aside without disconnecting, leave the connector intact.
   ⚠EPB connector locks are fragile. Inspect for corrosion and reseat fully on reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads
   Slide the inner and outer pads out of the caliper bracket. Note orientation and any wear sensor wiring (if equipped). Inspect the anti-rattle clips and replace if damaged or deformed.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. These are typically installed with threadlocker and may require significant breakaway torque. Set the bracket aside.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old rotor
   Remove any retaining clip or screw if present. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil to the hub-rotor interface and use a dead-blow mallet — never a steel hammer on the aluminum knuckle. Do not strike the wheel speed sensor or hub face.
   ⚠Aluminum suspension components — strikes from steel tools cause permanent damage.
7. 7

   Clean hub mating surface
   Wire-brush the hub face to remove rust and debris. The new rotor must seat flat against the hub or you will get pulsation/runout. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center bore only — keep it off the friction surface and lug studs.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Place the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flat. Re-install retaining clip/screw if originally fitted. Spin the rotor to confirm no contact or wobble.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install bracket onto the knuckle and torque to specification. Verify rotor still spins freely.
   Torque spec

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

    Service slide pins
    Remove caliper slide pins from the bracket, wipe clean, inspect boots for tears, and apply fresh silicone brake grease. Reinstall pins and verify smooth travel.
11. 11

    Install new pads
    Install new inner and outer pads into the bracket with anti-rattle clips properly seated. Confirm any wear-indicator tab is on the correct side per the manufacturer's pad orientation.
12. 12

    Reinstall caliper over pads
    With the EPB piston still fully retracted, slide the caliper body over the new pads onto the bracket. Reconnect the EPB electrical connector if it was disconnected. Install the caliper slide bolts and torque to specification. Lubricate pins as noted in the verified torque data.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat on opposite side
    Perform steps 1–12 on the other rear wheel.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount each rear wheel and hand-thread lug nuts. Once vehicle is back on the ground, torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle off jack stands using only Tesla-approved jack points.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any covers removed.
3. Close the frunk and ensure all doors (including falcon doors) are clear.
4. Power on the vehicle. Exit Service/Jack Mode via the touchscreen.
5. From the touchscreen, command the EPB out of Brake Service Mode so the calipers re-clamp the new pads against the rotors.
6. With the vehicle stationary and in Park, press the brake pedal firmly 5–10 times until the pedal becomes firm — this seats the pistons against the new pads. Do not move the vehicle until the pedal is firm.
7. Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir; top off with DOT 3 only if below MIN. If it is above MAX (from piston retraction), draw fluid down to the MAX line.
8. Cycle the EPB on/off several times via the touchscreen and verify no fault messages.

Verification

• Confirm no brake-related alerts on the touchscreen (no 'Brake System Fault', no 'EPB Service Required').
• At very low speed in a safe area, perform several gentle stops to confirm pedal feel is firm and braking is even side-to-side.
• Engage and release the EPB three times at a standstill — listen for normal actuator sound and confirm it holds the vehicle on a slight grade.
• Perform manufacturer-recommended brake pad bed-in procedure: a series of moderate stops from ~30 mph followed by cool-down driving without hard braking. Refer to the pad manufacturer's bed-in spec.
• After the first 50–100 miles, re-check rear lug nut torque in a star pattern.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this service date and plan a flush if overdue.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every ~6,250 miles on Model X due to weight and instant torque — good time to schedule the next rotation.

More procedures for this vehicle