brakes
Brake Caliper Bracket
for 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.2 h
Tools
12
Steps
12
Replacement of a brake caliper bracket on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The Performance trim uses larger performance brake hardware front and rear; this procedure covers removing the caliper, sliding caliper bracket from the knuckle, and installing the new bracket.
Warnings
⚠️Do NOT touch, cut, or route tools near any orange cabling. The HV pack runs beneath the floor of the Model Y.
⚠The Model Y Performance is heavy (~4,400 lb). Use only Tesla-approved jack pad locations on the pinch welds — incorrect lifting will damage the battery enclosure.
⚠Aluminum suspension/knuckle components — do not strike with a steel hammer. Use a dead-blow or brass drift if persuasion is needed.
⚠Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Support it with a hanger to avoid damage to the flexible line.
ℹ️If brake fluid is exposed during service, this is a good opportunity to verify the 2-year brake fluid replacement interval Tesla recommends.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack stands (or lift)Essential
Tesla-approved jack pad pucksEssential
Lug nut socket (21mm)Essential
Metric socket set (including large sizes for bracket bolts)Essential
Torque wrench (covering 30–100+ Nm range)Essential
Breaker barEssential
Hex/Triple-square bit set (for caliper guide pins)Essential
Brake caliper hanger or bungeeEssential
Wire brush for cleaning hub/bracket mating surfaces
Brake parts cleaner
Threadlocker (medium-strength, blue)Essential
Silicone brake grease
Parts
- Brake caliper bracket (manufacturer-specified for Model Y Performance, front or rear as applicable) × 1 — OEM Tesla Model Y Performance caliper bracket — verify front vs rear
- Caliper bracket mounting bolts (replace if single-use per service manual) × 2 — OEM specification — many manufacturers require new bolts on torque-to-yield fasteners
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
- 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.
- Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model Y, the 12V (Li-ion) battery is accessed in the front trunk area — remove the frunk liner/cover to access. Disconnect negative first.
- 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.
- Place service mode / jack mode is NOT required for caliper bracket work, but ensure suspension is settled before lifting (no air suspension on Model Y).
- Loosen lug nuts while the wheel is on the ground.
- Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using rubber pucks; support with jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
- Remove the wheel and set aside on its face to avoid scratching the finish.
Procedure
- 1Inspect and documentPhotograph the caliper, bracket, hose routing, and any wear sensor wiring (front calipers on Performance trim may have a brake pad wear sensor). Note orientation of any anti-rattle clips and pads for reinstallation.
- 2Remove caliper from bracketLoosen and remove the two caliper slide pin bolts (or caliper mounting bolts on the front fixed-style caliper if equipped) that secure the caliper body to the bracket. On Model Y Performance front brakes, the caliper is a fixed/multi-piston unit retained by larger bolts; on the rear it is a sliding caliper with guide pins. Identify which style applies before proceeding.⚠Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose.Torque specCaliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)Caliper Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 3Support the caliperLift the caliper off the rotor and bracket. Suspend it from a suspension component using a hanger or bungee cord. If the brake hose must be disconnected (typically not required for bracket replacement), use new copper washers on reinstallation and plan to bleed the system.Torque specBrake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
- 4Remove brake pads (if needed)If the pads remain in the bracket (sliding-caliper style), remove them along with any anti-rattle hardware. Keep inboard/outboard orientation marked for reuse, or replace pads if worn.
- 5Remove the caliper bracketLocate the two large bracket-to-knuckle bolts on the back side of the steering knuckle/hub carrier. These are high-torque fasteners and likely have factory threadlocker — a breaker bar will be required. Loosen and remove both bolts and lift the bracket off the rotor.⚠Bolts may be very tight due to factory threadlocker. Apply steady force; avoid slipping and damaging the knuckle.Torque specCaliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
- 6Clean mating surfacesWire-brush corrosion or debris from the knuckle bracket mounting pads. Wipe clean with brake parts cleaner. Verify no burrs or raised material that would prevent the new bracket from seating flat.
- 7Inspect the rotorWith the bracket off, inspect the rotor face, edge lip, and minimum thickness. If the rotor is at or below the discard thickness (stamped on rotor hat), replace it. Performance Model Y rotors are larger and more expensive — verify spec before reusing.
- 8Install the new caliper bracketPosition the new manufacturer-specified bracket onto the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolts (or use new bolts if specified by the service manual). Hand-thread both bolts fully before torquing to avoid cross-threading.ℹ️Tightening sequence and reuse policy for these bolts should be verified with the Tesla Service Manual.Torque specCaliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
- 9Torque the bracket boltsTorque both caliper bracket bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify final torque on each bolt.Torque specCaliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
- 10Reinstall pads and hardwareInstall pads and any anti-rattle clips into the new bracket in the same orientation as removed. On sliding-caliper designs, apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to slide pin contact areas and pad abutment surfaces — never on the friction face.
- 11Reinstall caliperPlace the caliper over the rotor and pads onto the new bracket. Install the slide pin bolts or caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify the caliper moves freely (sliding style) or sits centered over the rotor (fixed style).Torque specCaliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)Caliper Mounting Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
- 12Bleed brakes if hose was openedIf the brake hose was disconnected at any point, bleed the brake circuit at this corner. Torque the bleeder screw carefully — it is easy to overtighten. Refill the reservoir with DOT 3 fluid as needed.⚠Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — note the date if fluid was disturbed.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)Brake Hose Banjo Bolt41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall the wheel; hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering.
- Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground enough to prevent rotation.
- Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
- Lower vehicle fully and remove jack stands.
- Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative).
- Close the frunk and verify no warning lights remain after a key-on cycle.
Verification
- With the vehicle stationary and brake pedal pressed firmly several times, confirm a solid pedal — no sponginess (indicates trapped air if hose was opened).
- Roll the vehicle forward at very low speed in a safe area and apply light brakes; listen for scraping or uneven contact.
- Check the Tesla touchscreen for any ABS, traction control, or brake warning messages after the first drive cycle.
- Perform several gentle stops from 25–35 mph to seat the pads against the rotor; avoid hard stops for the first 100–200 miles if pads were replaced.
- After the first drive, re-check lug nut torque and inspect the caliper bracket area for any signs of fluid leakage or movement.
- If brake fluid was disturbed, log the service date — Tesla's recommended brake fluid replacement interval is every 2 years.