brakes
Brake Fluid Flush
for 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
11
Steps
9
Complete brake fluid flush on a 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, replacing old DOT 3 fluid at all four calipers. Tesla recommends this service every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Warnings
⚠️Brake fluid is corrosive to paint and Tesla's body panels include aluminum — wipe spills immediately with water.
⚠️Never reuse brake fluid or use a previously opened container. DOT 3 is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, lowering its boiling point.
⚠Do NOT allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the flush — air introduced into the ABS/iBooster unit may require Tesla Toolbox to bleed properly.
⚠This Model Y uses an integrated electronic brake booster. Do not press the brake pedal with the 12V disconnected and the system unpowered unless instructed — and never pump the pedal aggressively during bleeding.
⚠Use only fresh DOT 3 (Tesla's published spec for this vehicle). Do not substitute DOT 5 silicone fluid.
ℹ️Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log the service date.
Tools required
Pressure bleeder or vacuum bleederEssential
Clear bleeder hose and catch bottleEssential
Box wrench for bleeder screws (typically 10mm)Essential
Calibrated torque wrench (5–25 Nm range)Essential
Calibrated torque wrench (50–150 Nm range)Essential
Floor jack and jack stands rated for EV curb weightEssential
Tesla jack pad pucks (foam/rubber lift pads)Essential
Lug nut socket (21mm)Essential
Turkey baster or fluid syringe for reservoir evacuation
Lint-free shop towels
Nitrile gloves and eye protection
Parts
- Bleeder screw dust caps (inspect/replace if damaged) × 4 — OEM specification
Fluids
- DOT 3 Brake Fluid (sealed, unopened container) — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the parking brake.
- Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
- Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (located behind/under the rear seat area on Model Y — refer to architecture notes and the service manual for exact location on your build).
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
- 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.
- Confirm you have a sealed, unopened bottle of DOT 3 brake fluid sufficient for a full flush (~1 quart typical for a 4-wheel flush).
- Place the vehicle in Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE lifting (Service > Jack Mode) to disable suspension self-leveling messages and prevent the car from attempting to wake/move.
- Loosen all four lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
- Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using Tesla-approved pucks; support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
- Remove all four wheels and set them aside on the soft side to protect the finish.
Procedure
- 1Inspect calipers and bleeders before startingVisually inspect all four calipers for leaks, damaged bleeder screws, and seized dust caps. Spray penetrating oil on bleeder screws if corroded and allow to soak. Confirm each bleeder breaks loose with a properly fitting box wrench before starting the flush — a snapped bleeder mid-flush is a major job.⚠If a bleeder is seized, stop and resolve it before draining the reservoir. Do not force it.
- 2Evacuate old fluid from the master cylinder reservoirOpen the frunk and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the brake master cylinder/iBooster assembly. Clean around the cap thoroughly before opening to prevent debris ingress. Remove the cap and use a clean syringe or turkey baster to extract as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir. Wipe the inside of the reservoir clean with a lint-free towel — do NOT let any debris fall in.⚠Do not drain the reservoir below the MIN line during bleeding — refill frequently.
- 3Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 3 fluidFill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh, sealed DOT 3 brake fluid. Loosely set the cap on top (do not tighten yet) or attach your pressure bleeder per its manufacturer instructions.
- 4Bleed the right rear caliper (farthest from master cylinder)The standard bleed sequence is farthest-to-nearest: RR → LR → RF → LF. Verify this sequence against the current Tesla Service Manual for your specific build. Attach a clear hose to the right rear bleeder screw with the other end submerged in catch fluid. Crack the bleeder open, allow old (typically darker) fluid to flow out under pressure or vacuum, and continue until clean, bubble-free fresh fluid emerges. Close the bleeder.⚠Check reservoir level every 30 seconds — do not let it run dry.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 5Bleed the left rear caliperRepeat the bleed procedure at the left rear caliper. Continue flushing until clean fluid emerges with no air bubbles. Close the bleeder and refill the reservoir to MAX.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 6Bleed the right front caliperMove to the right front caliper. Repeat the flush until clean fluid emerges. Close the bleeder.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 7Bleed the left front caliperFinish at the left front caliper (closest to the master cylinder). Flush until clean fluid emerges with no air. Close the bleeder.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 8Final reservoir adjustmentAfter all four corners are bled, set the reservoir level precisely between MIN and MAX (typically at MAX cold). Wipe any spilled fluid from surrounding components and rinse with water if any contacted painted or aluminum surfaces.Torque specMaster Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
- 9Inspect bleeder screws and reinstall dust capsConfirm each bleeder screw is torqued correctly and not weeping. Reinstall the rubber dust caps on all four bleeders to prevent corrosion and debris ingress.⚠Bleeder screws are easily snapped — do not exceed the listed torque.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread each lug nut to avoid cross-threading on the aluminum-friendly hub.
- Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
- Fully lower the vehicle and re-torque lug nuts in star pattern as a final check.
- Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
- Close the frunk and ensure the master cylinder cap is hand-tight to specification.
- Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen once the vehicle is powered up.
Verification
- With the vehicle powered on, press the brake pedal firmly several times — pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy. A spongy pedal indicates trapped air and may require a Tesla Toolbox-assisted ABS bleed.
- Check the touchscreen for any brake system warnings, ABS faults, or iBooster errors. Clear any transient messages and confirm no persistent DTCs.
- Inspect each bleeder screw and the master cylinder area for leaks after the first short drive.
- Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area: confirm straight, even stopping with no pulling or pulsation. Test regen behavior and friction-brake blending at low speed.
- Log the service date and mileage — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Set a reminder for the next interval.
- While wheels are off, this is also a good opportunity to rotate tires (Tesla recommends every 6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear).