Replace and re-grease the front or rear brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Tesla Model Y AWD. Sticky or corroded slide pins cause uneven pad wear and pulsation, common on Model Y due to high curb weight and aggressive regen-then-friction transitions.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pins (per OEM specification, if replacing) × 1 — Tesla Model Y front or rear caliper slide pin set — match to corner being serviced
• Slide pin dust boots (inspect; replace if torn) × 1 — Match OEM caliper boot kit

Fluids

• Silicone brake grease (caliper-rated, rubber-safe)

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 behind/under rear seat area on 2024 Model Y — 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. If servicing rear calipers: before disconnecting 12V, use the touchscreen to enter Brake Service Mode so the EPB retracts. Then power down and disconnect 12V.
7. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the corner(s) being serviced while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using puck adapters, and support on jack stands.
9. Remove the wheel(s).

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, and pad wear. Note any torn boots, seized pins, or uneven pad wear — these confirm the slide pin service is needed. Photograph orientation of the caliper before disassembly.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using the appropriate hex/Allen socket, hold the slide pin flats with a wrench if needed and break loose both upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts. Fully remove both bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Lift caliper off bracket
   Slide the caliper body straight off the bracket and pads. Support the caliper with a bungee cord or hanger from the suspension — do not let it dangle by the flexible brake hose, which can damage the hose internally.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
4. 4

   Extract slide pins from caliper bracket
   Pull the slide pins straight out of the bracket bores. Inspect the rubber dust boots for tears, swelling, or hardening. Inspect pin shafts for corrosion, scoring, or pitting. Replace pins and/or boots if damaged.
5. 5

   Clean pin bores and pins
   Wipe out the slide pin bores in the bracket with a clean, lint-free rag. Do not use abrasive tools that could enlarge the bore. Clean the pin shafts with brake cleaner and a rag, then dry. The bores must be free of old grease, debris, and moisture.
6. 6

   Apply silicone brake grease
   Apply a thin, uniform coat of caliper-rated silicone brake grease to the pin shafts. Do not pack the bore with grease — hydraulic lock will prevent the caliper from floating freely. Lightly grease the inside of the dust boot lip as well.
   ⚠Use only silicone or PAG brake-caliper grease. Petroleum-based grease will swell and destroy the rubber boots.
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert each slide pin fully into its bracket bore and seat the dust boot lips properly into both the bracket groove and the pin groove. Confirm pins slide in and out smoothly with no binding.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper onto bracket
   Position the caliper over the pads and align with the slide pins. Hand-thread both slide pin bolts to ensure no cross-threading. Apply thread locker only if specified by OEM — most slide pin bolts on Model Y rely on the silicone grease and torque spec, not threadlocker.
9. 9

   Torque slide pin bolts
   Torque both upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Verify caliper float
    With the caliper bolted up, push the caliper body laterally by hand. It should slide on the pins with light, even resistance and return freely. Any binding indicates over-greased bores or a damaged pin — disassemble and correct before driving.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle until tires just contact the ground, then torque lug nuts in a star pattern.
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Power up the vehicle. If rear calipers were serviced, exit Brake Service Mode via the touchscreen so the EPB re-engages.
6. With the vehicle in P, pump the brake pedal 3-5 times until firm before driving — the pedal may be slightly long on first press as pads re-seat against rotors.

Verification

• Confirm no brake warning or EPB warning on the touchscreen after startup.
• At low speed in a safe area (5-10 mph), perform several light brake applications to confirm even, straight stopping with no pull, drag, or grinding.
• After a short drive, re-check the serviced wheel(s) — the rotor and caliper area should be warm but not noticeably hotter than the opposite side (uneven heat indicates a sticking pin).
• Re-torque lug nuts after the first 50-100 miles — Tesla recommends this after any wheel-off service.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If the fluid in the reservoir is dark or it has been over 2 years, schedule a brake fluid service.
• Reminder: Rotate tires every 6,250 mi on Model Y to mitigate heavy/instant-torque wear — a logical pairing with brake service.

More procedures for this vehicle