Replacement of a single rear brake rotor on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. The rear brakes are conventional friction brakes (not regen-only), but the vehicle's heavy curb weight and aluminum components require careful handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (Model X Plaid rear-specific) × 1 — OEM or OE-equivalent rear rotor for 2024 Model X Plaid
• Rotor set screw (if damaged on removal) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rotor retaining screw

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage 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 location to Model S). Follow the in-frunk service cover procedure to access the 12V terminals.
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 Service Mode on the touchscreen and activate Jack Mode to disable air suspension auto-leveling. Confirm the vehicle has settled and will not attempt to adjust height.
7. Loosen (do not remove) the rear wheel lug nuts on the affected side while the wheel is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified rear jacking point using approved jack pads, and support on rated jack stands. Remove the rear wheel.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the brake assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, bracket, pads, rotor, and brake hose for damage or leaks before disassembly. Note pad thickness — replace pads as a pair on the axle if near service limit.
2. 2

   Retract the parking brake (electric parking brake)
   The Model X uses an electric parking brake integrated into the rear caliper. With the vehicle in Service Mode, use the touchscreen 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent) to retract the EPB actuator before attempting caliper removal. Without this, the rear caliper piston cannot be retracted manually.
   ⚠️Do not attempt to manually wind back the rear caliper piston without first retracting the electric parking brake via software. Doing so will damage the EPB actuator.
3. 3

   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts (or caliper bolts)
   Identify whether the rear caliper uses slide pins (floating caliper) or fixed mounting bolts. Loosen and remove the appropriate fasteners holding the caliper body to its bracket. Support the caliper — do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang by the flexible brake hose — internal damage and leaks can result.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

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

   Suspend the caliper
   Hang the caliper from the suspension or subframe with a caliper hanger or bungee cord. Keep it oriented so the brake hose is not kinked or stressed.
5. 5

   Remove brake pads
   Slide the brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Note the orientation (inboard vs. outboard) and any anti-rattle clips for reinstallation. Inspect pads; replace if worn or contaminated.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. These are typically high-torque fasteners and may require a breaker bar.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rotor set screw
   Remove the small set screw (typically Torx or hex) that retains the rotor to the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil and use the correct bit size to avoid stripping. A replacement screw is recommended if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove the rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If corroded to the hub, thread two bolts into the rotor's threaded jacking holes (if equipped) and tighten evenly to break it free. Do not strike with a steel hammer — use a dead-blow mallet on the rotor hat only if necessary.
   ⚠Do not strike the hub, knuckle, or aluminum suspension components. Wheel speed sensor and bearing damage can result.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect the hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting surface to remove all rust and debris. The new rotor must seat flat against a clean hub or runout/pulsation will result. A very thin film of anti-seize on the hub center bore (NOT on the friction surface or mounting face) is acceptable.
   ⚠Keep all grease, anti-seize, and brake cleaner residue off the rotor friction surfaces and brake pads.
10. 10

    Install the new rotor
    Clean the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake parts cleaner to remove shipping oil. Place onto the hub and secure with the set screw.
    Torque spec

    Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Reinstall the caliper bracket onto the knuckle. Inspect bolts for damage and apply threadlocker if the OEM fasteners are designed for it (refer to Tesla Service Manual for sequence and threadlocker spec).
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall pads and caliper
    Reinstall the brake pads with any anti-rattle hardware. Compress the caliper piston as needed (only after EPB retraction in step 2). Reinstall the caliper. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Caliper Bolts88 Nm (65 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts to spec in a star pattern.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any service covers.
5. Power on the vehicle. Exit Jack Mode and Service Mode via the touchscreen. Allow the air suspension to re-level.
6. With the vehicle stopped and in P, press the brake pedal firmly several times to seat the pads against the new rotor before driving.
7. Re-engage and release the electric parking brake several times via the touchscreen to allow the EPB actuator to recalibrate.

Verification

• Confirm no brake-related warnings appear on the touchscreen after exiting Service Mode.
• At low speed in a safe area, perform several gentle stops to confirm normal pedal feel and no pulling, vibration, or noise.
• Bed in the new rotor per the rotor manufacturer's instructions (typically 5-10 moderate stops from ~35 mph, then a cool-down).
• Verify the electric parking brake holds the vehicle on a slight incline.
• Visually re-inspect after the test drive: no fluid leaks, no contact between rotor and dust shield, lug nuts still seated.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid service every 2 years — if not recently performed, schedule that service.

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