Replacement of both rear brake rotors on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The Plaid uses larger performance rear brakes; rotors are retained by a small set screw and the caliper bracket must be removed for rotor access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotors (Model X Plaid rear-specific) × 2 — OEM or OEM-equivalent rear rotor matching Plaid rear brake package
• Rotor retaining set screws × 2 — Replace if corroded/damaged — OEM specification

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 under the forward access panel (similar to Model S layout).
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: enter the touchscreen and activate Jack Mode (raises suspension and disables auto-leveling) and place the Electric Parking Brake into Service Mode/Maintenance Mode. Once 12V is disconnected, neither can be activated.
7. Confirm both rear falcon doors are fully closed and will remain closed during the procedure.
8. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts ¼ turn while the vehicle is still on the ground.
9. Lift the rear of the vehicle ONLY at Tesla-approved jacking points using rubber pucks to protect the floor-mounted HV battery. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheels
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull both rear wheels. Set them aside on their faces to protect the finish. Inspect lug studs for damage.
2. 2

   Inspect and prepare caliper area
   Verify the EPB is in Service Mode (no actuator hum when checking). Inspect the caliper, dust boots, slide pins, and brake hose for damage. Note pad thickness — if pads are also being replaced, do that with this job.
   ⚠If the EPB has not been placed in Service Mode, the actuator may be holding the pads against the rotor; forcing the caliper open can damage the EPB motor/gearbox.
3. 3

   Remove the caliper from the bracket
   Remove the two caliper guide/slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the caliper bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee — do NOT let it dangle from the flexible brake hose or the EPB wiring harness.
   ⚠Do not disconnect the EPB electrical connector unless necessary; if you must, note its routing for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

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

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the rotor retaining set screw
   Locate the small set screw on the face of the rotor hat. Remove it cleanly — these are easily stripped. If seized, apply penetrating oil and use a properly fitting bit with an impact driver. Replace the screw if damaged.
   ⚠Stripping this screw is the most common failure point of this job. Use a hand impact driver before resorting to drilling.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the old rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized by corrosion, use a dead-blow mallet on the rotor hat (never the friction surface) or thread bolts into the rotor's jack-off holes if equipped. Do not pry against the hub face or wheel speed sensor.
   ⚠The rear hub contains the wheel speed sensor and ABS tone ring — do not strike or pry near them.
7. 7

   Clean the hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face until clean bare metal is visible. Any rust or debris between the hub and rotor will cause runout and brake pulsation. A very thin smear of anti-seize on the hub center (NOT on the friction surface or lug studs) helps prevent future seizure.
8. 8

   Install the new rotor
   Wipe the friction surfaces of the new rotor with brake parts cleaner to remove shipping oil. Place the rotor on the hub aligning the set screw hole. Install and tighten the rotor set screw.
   ⚠The set screw only locates the rotor — it does not clamp it. Do not overtighten; 7 Nm only.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall the caliper bracket
   Reinstall the caliper bracket onto the knuckle. Apply threadlocker if the original hardware shows residue (and per OEM specification). Torque the caliper bracket bolts.
   Torque spec

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

    Service slide pins and reinstall caliper
    Wipe the slide pins clean and apply a light film of silicone brake grease. Verify the pins move freely in their bores. Slide the caliper back over the rotor and install the slide pin bolts.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat on opposite rear wheel
    Perform steps 1–10 on the other rear wheel.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying any torque.
2. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle until tires contact the ground but the full weight is not yet on them, and final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk and reinstall any covers.
5. Power on the vehicle. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen (Controls > Service).
6. Exit EPB Service Mode via the touchscreen — the system will cycle the rear caliper actuators to reset pad position. Listen for normal motor operation, no faults.
7. With the vehicle still stationary and in P, press the brake pedal multiple times until firm. Do not drive until the pedal is solid.
8. Check brake fluid level at the master cylinder reservoir; top up with DOT 3 if needed.

Verification

• No brake-related alerts on the touchscreen (no ABS, EPB, or 'Brake System' warnings).
• Brake pedal is firm and high after 3–5 pumps.
• EPB engages and releases normally from the touchscreen and gear selector.
• On a low-speed test (5–15 mph) in a safe area: brakes apply evenly with no pulling, no grinding, and no pulsation.
• Bed in the new rotors per the rotor manufacturer's procedure (typically 6–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph to ~5 mph without coming to a complete stop, then a cool-down). Note: regen braking on the Plaid will reduce friction brake usage during normal driving — deliberate bed-in is required.
• After the first short drive, recheck rear lug nut torque in a star pattern.
• Service interval reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If fluid is older than 2 years, schedule a flush. Tire rotation every 6,250 mi is also recommended on Model X — a good time to do it is whenever wheels are off.

More procedures for this vehicle