Brake Pads - Rear

Replace the rear brake pads on a 2024 Model Y Long Range AWD. The rear calipers house the integrated electric parking brake (EPB), which must be retracted via the touchscreen service mode before the caliper can be opened.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (OEM or equivalent for Model Y) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified rear pad set for 2024 Model Y LR AWD
• Caliper slide pin boots (inspect; replace if torn) × 1 — OEM-equivalent rear caliper boot kit

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. On 2024 Model Y, this is accessed under the rear seat / front trunk service panel — refer to 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: enter the touchscreen Service Mode and activate 'Brake Caliper / Pad Replacement Mode' for the REAR axle. This retracts the EPB pistons. Confirm the EPB has fully retracted before proceeding, then power down and disconnect 12V.
7. Loosen the rear lug nuts a quarter turn while the wheels are still on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jack points using rubber pucks; support on jack stands.
9. Remove rear wheels and set aside on the painted side to avoid scratching the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect the rear caliper, rotor, pad wear indicators, and slide pin boots. Note any uneven wear, scoring on the rotor, or torn boots. Photograph the assembly for reference during reassembly.
2. 2

   Confirm EPB is retracted
   Verify the parking brake actuator on the back of the caliper has fully retracted (you should be able to wiggle the existing pads slightly). If not retracted, do NOT proceed — re-enter service mode. Forcing a piston with the EPB engaged will destroy the actuator.
   ⚠️Never attempt to compress the rear piston if the EPB has not been retracted via Service Mode.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide/guide pin bolts on the inboard side of the rear caliper. Hold the slide pin with a wrench if it spins, and remove both bolts. Retain hardware for inspection.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lift caliper off bracket
   Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Support it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger from the suspension — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose.
   ⚠Hanging the caliper by the hose can damage the line and cause a fluid leak.
5. 5

   Remove old pads and inspect bracket
   Slide the old pads out of the caliper bracket. Note the orientation of any anti-rattle clips/shims. Clean the bracket abutments with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect the slide pins — they should move freely with no rust or torn boots.
6. 6

   Wind back the rear caliper piston
   Using a rear-caliper-compatible wind-back tool, rotate the piston CLOCKWISE while applying gentle inward pressure until it is fully seated in the bore. Align any notches in the piston face with the orientation tabs on the inboard pad backing plate, per the new pad's design.
   ⚠Monitor the brake fluid reservoir — pushing the piston back will raise fluid level. Do not let it overflow.
7. 7

   Lubricate slide pins
   Wipe the slide pins clean and apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease. Reinstall into bores and verify smooth in/out motion. Replace boots if cracked or torn.
8. 8

   Install new pads
   Install the new pads into the bracket with any clips/shims oriented as removed. Apply a small amount of anti-squeal grease to the pad backing plate contact points (NEVER on the friction surface). Ensure the wear sensor (if equipped) is on the correct side.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Lower the caliper body over the new pads and onto the bracket. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the slide pin bolts (or per pad manufacturer's instructions). Hand-thread both bolts, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat on opposite rear wheel
    Repeat steps 1-9 on the other rear corner. Always replace pads as an axle set.

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX; top off with DOT 3 only if needed.
2. Reinstall rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying any torque.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Power on the vehicle and exit Service Mode. The system will calibrate the EPB automatically — follow any on-screen prompts to complete the EPB calibration / pad replacement procedure.
7. With the vehicle stationary and in Park, press the brake pedal firmly several times until it feels solid — this seats the new pads against the rotor.

Verification

• Confirm no warnings on the touchscreen related to the parking brake or brake system.
• Engage and release the EPB several times via the touchscreen/shifter; listen for normal actuator operation at both rear wheels.
• At low speed (5-10 mph) in an empty area, perform several gentle stops to confirm pedal feel and braking response are even side-to-side.
• Bed in the new pads per the pad manufacturer's procedure (typically a series of moderate decelerations from ~35 mph).
• After the first drive, re-check rear lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid leaks or unusual noise.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends a brake fluid service every 2 years. If due, schedule a flush. Also rotate tires every ~6,250 miles given Model Y's accelerated tire wear.

More procedures for this vehicle