Replace a front brake caliper on a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance. The Performance trim uses larger front brakes than standard Model Y; bleed the system after install and confirm pedal feel before driving.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake caliper assembly (Model Y Performance-spec) × 1 — OEM Tesla front caliper for Model Y Performance — left or right side specific
• Copper crush washers for banjo fitting × 2 — Manufacturer-specified copper sealing washers
• DOT 3 brake fluid × 1 — Fresh, sealed container
• Threadlocker (medium strength, blue) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent
• Brake pads (if reusing pads, inspect; replace if worn) × 1 — Tesla Model Y Performance front pad set

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

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 in the front trunk area on 2024 Model Y — open frunk, remove cowl trim, disconnect negative terminal).
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. Disable Sentry Mode and put the vehicle in Service Mode via the touchscreen prior to disconnecting 12V (Controls > Service > Service Mode), if available.
7. Loosen front lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle ONLY at the manufacturer-specified front jack pad locations using a Tesla-approved puck. Support with jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the affected side.
10. Inspect the rotor, pads, and hose for additional wear before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Position catch pan and prepare brake hose fitting
   Place a catch pan beneath the caliper. Clean the banjo bolt area at the caliper inlet with brake cleaner so debris doesn't enter the hydraulic system. Have new copper crush washers ready before opening the line.
2. 2

   Disconnect the brake hose from the caliper
   Remove the banjo bolt at the caliper. Discard the old copper washers — they are single-use. Cap or plug the open hose end immediately to limit fluid loss and contamination. Position the hose so it does not hang from its own weight.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain. Protect suspension components and painted surfaces.
3. 3

   Remove the caliper from the bracket
   Remove the two caliper guide/mounting bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Lift the caliper off the rotor. If the pistons are extended too far to clear the rotor, gently retract them with a piston tool before removal.
4. 4

   Transfer brake pads (if reusing)
   If pads are within service spec and being reused, transfer them and any anti-rattle clips/shims to the new caliper in their original positions. Inspect for uneven wear that may indicate a stuck slide pin or piston.
5. 5

   (Optional) Remove caliper bracket if replacing
   If the new caliper comes as a complete assembly with bracket, remove the two bracket-to-knuckle bolts. Clean threads in the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the new bolts upon reinstallation.
   ⚠Aluminum knuckle threads — do not cross-thread. Start by hand.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mount the new caliper
   Position the new caliper over the pads and rotor. Install the caliper mounting bolts. Verify the caliper moves freely on its slides (if applicable to this design) and that pads are correctly seated.
7. 7

   Reconnect the brake hose with new copper washers
   Install the brake hose to the caliper using NEW copper crush washers — one on each side of the banjo fitting. Ensure the hose is not twisted and routes naturally without contacting suspension components through full steering travel.
   ⚠️Reusing copper washers will cause a fluid leak and brake failure.
8. 8

   Bleed the caliper
   Top off the master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Attach a bleeder hose and catch bottle to the caliper bleeder screw. Bleed until clean, bubble-free fluid flows. Do not allow the reservoir to run dry. Torque the bleeder screw carefully — overtightening will damage the seat. Note: the Tesla service procedure for full system bleed uses a scan tool to cycle the iBooster/ABS unit — for a single-caliper hose disconnect, manual or vacuum bleeding at the affected corner is typically sufficient, but verify pedal feel.
   ⚠If the brake pedal remains soft after bleeding, a full ABS/iBooster bleed via Tesla service tooling may be required.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify reservoir level and cap
   Top off the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Wipe any spilled fluid immediately. Reinstall the cap fully.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before any are tightened to prevent cross-threading the aluminum hub.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and reinstall any frunk trim removed.
5. Exit Service Mode if used.
6. With the vehicle off, pump the brake pedal repeatedly until firm — this seats the pads against the rotor and restores hydraulic pressure.
7. Re-check the brake fluid reservoir level after pedal pumping; top off if needed.

Verification

• Confirm a firm, high brake pedal before moving the vehicle. A soft or sinking pedal means air remains in the system — re-bleed.
• Check the banjo fitting and bleeder screw for any seepage after applying firm pedal pressure for 30 seconds.
• Perform a low-speed roll test (under 5 mph) in a safe area and apply brakes — vehicle should stop straight with no pulling, grinding, or pulsation.
• Drive at moderate speed and perform several controlled stops to bed in the pads. Listen for any abnormal noise.
• Check the touchscreen for any ABS, traction control, or brake warnings — Model Y will display faults if a wheel speed sensor was disturbed or if iBooster pressure is abnormal.
• If brake fluid is at or beyond Tesla's 2-year replacement interval, schedule a full system flush — use this opportunity since the system is already open.
• Re-torque lug nuts after approximately 50 miles of driving.

More procedures for this vehicle