Brake Caliper - Rear

Replacement of a rear brake caliper on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The Performance trim uses larger rear calipers than standard Model Y; this is a hydraulic-only job — the electric parking brake (EPB) actuator is integrated into the caliper and must be retracted via the touchscreen service mode before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper (Model Y Performance specific — larger than standard Y) × 1 — OEM Tesla rear caliper, Performance variant — confirm side (LH/RH)
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — OEM specification
• Brake fluid (DOT 3) × 1 — DOT 3 spec

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake (you will release it via service mode shortly).
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried 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, the 12V (lithium-ion on this build) is located under the rear of the front trunk / front area — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for exact access on your build date.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If 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 the 12V: enter the touchscreen Service Mode and activate 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent EPB retract function) so the rear caliper EPB pistons retract for service. Confirm caliper is unclamped before powering down.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Raise the vehicle ONLY at Tesla-designated jack points using rubber pads/hockey pucks. Support with jack stands.
9. Remove the rear wheel on the affected side.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare caliper area
   Visually inspect the rear caliper, hydraulic line/banjo fitting, EPB motor wiring connector, and pads. Clean the area around the banjo bolt and EPB connector with brake cleaner so debris doesn't enter the hydraulic system. Note the routing of the EPB harness clip(s) for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect EPB actuator electrical connector
   Release the locking tab on the EPB motor connector at the rear of the caliper and disconnect it. Free the harness from any retainer clips on the knuckle. Confirm the EPB was retracted in service mode before this step.
   ⚠If the EPB was not placed in service mode, the actuator may still be applying clamping force — do not force pads/piston open mechanically.
3. 3

   Clamp and disconnect the brake hydraulic line
   Clamp the flexible brake hose upstream of the caliper using a proper hose clamp to limit fluid loss. Place a catch pan beneath the caliper. Remove the banjo bolt at the caliper, capturing the two copper washers (these will be replaced). Cap or plug the line to keep contaminants out.
   ⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to paint. Wipe immediately and rinse with water.
4. 4

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Remove the two caliper guide/mounting bolts that secure the caliper body to the caliper bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor and pads. If you are reusing the bracket and pads, leave the bracket in place; otherwise remove the bracket bolts as well.
5. 5

   (Optional) Remove caliper bracket
   If the replacement caliper ships as a complete assembly with bracket, or if the bracket is being replaced, remove the two caliper bracket bolts from the rear knuckle. Clean threads and apply medium-strength threadlocker on reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Transfer pads / prepare new caliper
   Transfer brake pads and anti-rattle hardware to the new caliper/bracket as required. Confirm the replacement caliper is the correct side (LH/RH) and Performance-spec for this Model Y. Lubricate guide pin boots with the supplied caliper grease only — do not use generic petroleum grease on rubber boots.
7. 7

   Install new caliper onto bracket
   Position the new caliper over the rotor and pads. Install the caliper mounting/guide bolts and torque to specification.
8. 8

   Reconnect hydraulic line with NEW copper washers
   Install the banjo fitting using two NEW copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo eye). Thread the banjo bolt by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification. Remove the hose clamp from the flex line.
   ⚠Never reuse copper crush washers — they will weep and cause a slow fluid leak.
9. 9

   Reconnect EPB actuator
   Reconnect the EPB motor electrical connector and ensure the locking tab fully engages. Re-secure the harness in its original clip locations so it cannot contact the rotor or suspension.
10. 10

    Bleed the rear caliper
    Top up the brake fluid reservoir with fresh DOT 3. Bleed the caliper at the bleeder screw using a vacuum or pressure bleeder until clean, bubble-free fluid flows. Torque the bleeder screw carefully — it is small and easy to over-torque. Verify sequence (which corner first) per the Tesla Service Manual; with iBooster/electronic brake systems, an automated bleed routine via Service Mode may be required for a complete bleed.
    ⚠Do not let the master cylinder reservoir run dry during bleeding or air will enter the iBooster/ABS module, requiring a scan-tool bleed.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Exit EPB service mode and re-apply parking brake
    Reconnect the 12V battery. Power up the vehicle, exit Brake Service Mode via the touchscreen, and command the EPB to apply and release. Listen for the actuator cycling on the serviced caliper. Clear any related fault codes.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel; snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Top off brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3.
5. Wipe down any spilled brake fluid and rinse painted/aluminum surfaces with water.

Verification

• With the vehicle stationary, pump the brake pedal until firm — pedal should not sink to the floor.
• Cycle the EPB on/off several times via the touchscreen; confirm the rear caliper actuator engages and releases audibly.
• Check the touchscreen for any brake-system or EPB fault messages; clear/recheck after a key cycle.
• Inspect the banjo fitting and bleeder for leaks after pedal pressure is built.
• Perform a low-speed road test in a safe area: verify straight-line braking with no pull, no grinding, and that the EPB holds the vehicle on a slight incline.
• Recheck banjo and bleeder for leaks after the test drive.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years. Log this service date as a partial fluid exchange — schedule a full flush if it has been 2+ years.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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