Replace the rear electric parking brake (EPB) actuator on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The actuator is integrated into the rear caliper assembly and must be retracted electronically before mechanical removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear parking brake actuator (EPB motor) — manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model X × 1 — OEM Tesla rear EPB actuator assembly — verify by VIN
• Actuator-to-caliper O-ring/seal (if supplied separately) × 1 — Included with most OEM actuator kits

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 (similar position to Model S). See architecture notes.
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: fully close both Falcon Wing rear doors. Once 12V is disconnected they cannot be powered closed.
7. BEFORE disconnecting 12V: connect a Tesla-capable diagnostic scan tool and command the rear EPB into 'service / open' position so the actuator piston is fully retracted.
8. Enable Jack Mode on the touchscreen (Controls → Service → Jack Mode) to disable air suspension self-leveling, then disconnect 12V.
9. Loosen rear lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground.
10. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jack points using approved pucks and support on rated jack stands.
11. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.
12. Inspect the rear caliper, actuator electrical connector, and surrounding harness for damage or corrosion before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect EPB actuator electrical connector
   Locate the EPB actuator on the back face of the rear caliper. Release the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or green oxidation — common on vehicles exposed to road salt. Tuck the harness aside so it is not strained during actuator removal.
2. 2

   Confirm actuator is in service position
   Verify the EPB was successfully commanded to the open/service position before 12V disconnect. The actuator should rotate freely and not be loaded against the caliper piston. If you cannot confirm this, STOP, reconnect 12V, and re-run the EPB service routine with the diagnostic tool. Removing a loaded actuator can damage the caliper and eject internal components.
   ⚠️Never remove a parking brake actuator that has not been retracted. Internal spring/spindle preload can cause injury and damage the caliper bore.
3. 3

   Remove actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the fasteners (typically Torx) that secure the EPB actuator to the rear caliper body. Support the actuator with one hand as the last fastener is removed so it does not hang on its harness or fall.
4. 4

   Separate actuator from caliper
   Carefully pull the actuator straight off the caliper. The actuator engages an internal spindle/nut in the caliper piston — do not pry against the caliper body, and do not rotate the spindle once the actuator is removed. Inspect the sealing O-ring/gasket on the caliper face. If it is damaged, deformed, or stuck to the caliper, remove it and replace with the new seal supplied with the actuator.
   ⚠If the caliper piston spindle rotates or backs out during actuator removal, the caliper may need to be rebuilt or replaced. Do not force a new actuator onto a misaligned spindle.
5. 5

   Clean caliper actuator mounting face
   Wipe the caliper mounting face clean of dirt, brake dust, and old sealant residue. Do not use solvents that could enter the caliper bore. Confirm the spindle drive feature is clean and undamaged.
6. 6

   Install new actuator
   Install the new seal (if separate) onto the caliper or actuator per the kit instructions. Align the new actuator's drive coupling with the caliper spindle and seat the actuator squarely against the caliper face. It should seat fully without force — if it does not, remove and re-align; do not use the bolts to draw it down.
7. 7

   Torque actuator mounting fasteners
   Install the actuator mounting fasteners and torque to the manufacturer-specified value for parking brake actuator mounting bolts. Use the verified mounting bolt torque from the spec list.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the actuator electrical connector and confirm the locking tab fully engages. Route the harness back into its original clips/retainers, ensuring no contact with the rotor, suspension arms, or driveshaft.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Snug in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle so the tire just contacts the ground before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final lug torque
    With the wheel loaded on the ground, torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the verified specification. Re-check after a short drive.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Confirm both Falcon Wing doors are still fully closed before reconnecting 12V.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery in the frunk; secure the terminal and any cover/strap.
3. Exit Jack Mode (it will typically clear automatically once the vehicle wakes and senses normal ride height).
4. Reconnect the diagnostic scan tool. Command the EPB out of service mode and run the 'close / apply' calibration routine so the actuator winds the piston back into operational position.
5. Clear any stored DTCs related to EPB, ABS, or 12V disconnect events.
6. Cycle the parking brake several times via the touchscreen (or shifter logic) and listen for normal actuator operation on both rear corners.
7. Re-initialize any features affected by the 12V disconnect: power windows (one-touch calibration), falcon door range of motion if prompted, and re-pair the phone key if it does not auto-reconnect.

Verification

• With the vehicle in P, confirm no EPB, ABS, or traction control warnings are displayed on the touchscreen.
• Apply and release the parking brake several times — both rear corners should engage and release audibly and symmetrically.
• Perform a slow roll test in a safe area: apply the parking brake from the touchscreen while moving at low speed; the vehicle should decelerate smoothly and hold on release of the accelerator.
• Park on a moderate incline, shift to N, and confirm the EPB holds the vehicle without rolling. Return to P afterward.
• Re-scan for DTCs after a short drive cycle to confirm no codes return.
• While brake fluid was not opened on this job, note Tesla's recommendation to inspect/replace brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — verify service history and advise the owner if due.
• Re-torque the rear lug nuts after approximately 50 miles of driving.

More procedures for this vehicle