Replace the front brake pads on a 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD. The front calipers use a sliding-pin design shared with the Model 3 platform; pads typically last well due to regen braking, but rotors should be inspected for rust pitting from infrequent friction use.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (Model Y / Model 3 platform front) × 1 — OEM or OEM-equivalent front pad set for 2024 Model Y
• Pad abutment clips / hardware kit (if included with pad set) × 1 — Included with most OEM-equivalent pad sets

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if needed)

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 (located behind/under a panel in the front trunk area or under the rear seat depending on build — refer to architecture notes and the in-car Owner's Manual for exact location on this 2024 build).
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. Optional but recommended: Before powering down, enter Service Mode and select 'Pad Replacement Mode' if available, which retracts the parking brake actuators (primarily relevant for rears, but also disables creep).
7. Loosen front lug nuts ~1/2 turn while the wheels are still on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified front jack points using rubber pucks; support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
9. Remove front wheels and set aside on their faces to protect the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect the front brake assembly
   With the wheel off, inspect the rotor for scoring, lip, and rust pitting (common on Teslas due to regen reducing friction-brake usage). Inspect the dust boots on the caliper piston and slide pins for tears. Note pad thickness on inboard and outboard pads — uneven wear suggests a seized slide pin.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper body. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins, and remove both bolts. Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose — support it with a bungee cord from a suspension component.
   ⚠Do not stress the rubber brake hose — internal damage can cause failure under braking pressure.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove old pads and inspect hardware
   Slide the inboard and outboard pads out of the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and any wear-indicator clip position. Remove the abutment (anti-rattle) clips from the bracket ears. Clean the bracket ears with a wire brush and brake cleaner — corrosion here is a primary cause of uneven pad wear on Model Y / Model 3 platforms.
4. 4

   Service the slide pins
   Pull each slide pin from the bracket. Wipe off old grease. Inspect the rubber boots for cracks (replace if torn — generic Model 3-platform caliper guide pin boot kits fit). Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pin shafts and reinstall. Pins should slide in/out smoothly with light resistance.
5. 5

   Compress the caliper piston
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap in the frunk to allow displaced fluid to rise (place a rag around the reservoir to catch overflow). Using a piston compression tool or large C-clamp with the old outboard pad as a buffer, slowly push the piston back into the caliper bore. Watch the reservoir level — siphon out fluid if it approaches the MAX line. Do NOT force the piston if it binds; that indicates internal corrosion and the caliper needs service.
   ⚠Brake fluid is hygroscopic and damages paint instantly. Cover painted surfaces and wipe up spills with water immediately.
6. 6

   Install new abutment hardware and pads
   Install the new anti-rattle / abutment clips onto the cleaned bracket ears (use the kit included with the new pad set). Install the new pads — the pad with the wear sensor (if equipped on this side) typically goes on the inboard position; verify against the pad set instructions. Pads should slide freely in the abutments.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper body
   Slide the caliper body back over the new pads and onto the bracket. Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the slide pin bolt threads (only if the bolts are not pre-coated with patch compound — if they are, do not add more). Hand-thread both bolts, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Repeat on opposite front wheel
   Repeat steps 1–7 on the other front wheel. Always service brakes in pairs across an axle.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Mount the wheel onto the hub. Hand-thread all lug nuts, then snug them in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground, then final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
   ⚠Verify lug torque sequence with the Tesla Service Manual — over-torquing can warp rotors and damage the aluminum wheel seat.
   Torque spec

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

    Top off brake fluid and seal reservoir
    Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX in the reservoir. Top off with fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container if low. Reinstall the reservoir cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
2. Close the frunk and ensure no tools or rags remain in the wheel wells or under the vehicle.
3. Power on the vehicle. Expect a brief 'Brake system needs service' or ABS warning — it should clear after a short drive once wheel speed sensors re-calibrate.
4. With the vehicle in P, pump the brake pedal firmly 5–10 times until it feels solid. Do NOT attempt to drive until the pedal has full firm engagement — the piston was retracted and the first pedal presses simply re-seat the pads.

Verification

• Confirm a firm brake pedal with no sponginess before moving the vehicle.
• Perform a low-speed bedding-in procedure per the new pad manufacturer's instructions (typically 6–10 moderate stops from 35 mph, then a cooldown — Tesla's regen will otherwise prevent normal pad bed-in).
• After a short drive, recheck lug nut torque (140 Nm in star pattern) — wheels can settle on the hub.
• Inspect for any brake fluid weeping at the reservoir or caliper piston seal.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — check the service history and schedule a flush if due.
• Note: With wheels off, this is also a good time to check tire wear patterns; Model Y front tires wear quickly due to weight and torque (rotation interval ~6,250 mi).

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