Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Replace the brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Tesla Model X Plaid. The pins allow the caliper to float over the rotor; seized or worn pins cause uneven pad wear and dragging brakes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pin kit (with boots/dust covers) × 1 — OEM-specification slide pin kit for Model X Plaid front or rear caliper as applicable

Fluids

• Silicone brake grease (high-temp, rubber-safe)

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. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). Refer to the frunk 12V battery location for Model X.
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 air suspension into Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V (Controls > Service > Jack Mode). This prevents the vehicle from auto-leveling when lifted.
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected corner(s) while wheels are still on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle ONLY at the Tesla-designated jack points using rubber pucks. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight.
9. Remove the wheel and set aside. Inspect the brake hose, dust boots, and pad wear before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, brake pads, and rotor. Note which corner is being serviced. Photograph orientation of the caliper and any clips/anti-rattle hardware before removing.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper. While holding the slide pin flats with a wrench (if accessible), break loose and remove both slide pin bolts. Retain hardware; do not reuse if corroded or damaged.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee cord — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake line.
   ⚠Hanging the caliper by the brake hose can damage the hose internally and cause a future failure.
4. 4

   Remove old slide pins and boots
   Pull the old slide pins out of the caliper bracket bores. Remove the rubber pin boots. Inspect bores for corrosion, scoring, or seized debris.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket bores
   Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the slide pin bores in the bracket. Bores must be smooth, dry, and free of old grease and corrosion. Wipe out completely.
6. 6

   Install new boots and lubricate new slide pins
   Install new rubber pin boots into the bracket bores, ensuring they are fully seated. Apply a thin, even coating of silicone brake grease to the new slide pins — do not over-apply, as hydraulic lock will prevent caliper float.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone/synthetic brake-rated grease. Petroleum grease will destroy the rubber boots within weeks.
7. 7

   Insert new slide pins
   Insert each new slide pin into its bracket bore through the boot. Slide pins should move freely with light hand pressure — if they do not, remove and recheck for excess grease or boot misalignment.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper onto bracket
   Position the caliper back over the pads and bracket. Align the slide pin bolt holes with the new pins.
9. 9

   Torque slide pin bolts
   Thread in both slide pin bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification. Verify the caliper floats freely on the new pins by hand after torquing.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub. Install lug nuts hand-tight, then snug in a star pattern. Final torque to spec must be done with the wheel on the ground or after lowering.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
2. Final-torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive first, then negative).
4. Close the frunk.
5. Exit Jack Mode by re-entering the vehicle and confirming on the touchscreen — air suspension will resume normal operation.
6. Press the brake pedal firmly several times before driving to ensure pad-to-rotor contact is restored. The first pedal press may be slightly long if the caliper was removed.

Verification

• Pedal feel: brake pedal should be firm with normal travel after 3-5 pumps. A spongy pedal suggests air ingress — bleed if necessary.
• Roll test: at low speed in an empty area, confirm no brake drag, no pulling, and no grinding noises.
• After a short drive, re-check the wheel for heat — a single hot wheel indicates a sticking caliper or over-greased slide pin.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first 50 miles.
• Confirm no brake-related alerts on the touchscreen.
• While servicing brakes, note Tesla's recommendation to flush DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — check service history and schedule a flush if due.
• Also a good time to inspect cabin air filter (2-year interval, or 3-year for HEPA bioweapon-defense-equipped Model X).

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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