brakes
Brake Fluid Flush
for 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
48 min
Tools
11
Steps
10
Complete brake fluid flush on a 2024 Model Y Performance, replacing all DOT 3 brake fluid in the reservoir and at all four calipers. This is part of Tesla's recommended 2-year brake fluid service interval.
Warnings
⚠️Do NOT touch or pierce any orange high-voltage cable. If you encounter orange cabling under the vehicle, stop and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
⚠Brake fluid is hygroscopic and corrosive — it will damage paint, aluminum body panels, and plastics. Wipe spills immediately with water.
⚠The Model Y battery pack is floor-mounted — only lift at Tesla-designated jack pad locations. Lifting elsewhere can puncture or deform the HV pack.
⚠Use only fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container. DOT 5 (silicone) is NOT compatible and will damage the brake system.
ℹ️Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Log this service date.
ℹ️If the brake fluid moisture content is unknown, test with a brake fluid moisture meter before deciding on a full flush vs. top-off.
Tools required
Vehicle lift or 4 jack stands rated for EV curb weightEssential
Tesla-approved lift pad adapters (puck protectors for battery pack)Essential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Torque wrench (20-150 Nm range)Essential
Brake bleeder wrench (typically 11mm)Essential
Pressure bleeder or vacuum bleeder (pressure preferred for Tesla ABS modules)Essential
Clear bleeder hose and catch bottleEssential
Turkey baster / fluid extractor (for reservoir)Essential
Lug nut socket (typically 21mm)Essential
Lint-free shop towels
Brake parts cleaner
Parts
- Frunk/reservoir cap O-ring (inspect, replace if damaged) × 1 — OEM specification — inspect only, replace if torn
Fluids
- DOT 3 Brake Fluid (sealed container, fresh) — 1 qt
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 (located behind/under the rear seat area on Model Y — refer to current service documentation for exact 2024 location and access procedure).
- 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 the vehicle in 'Service Mode' via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V if you intend to use Service Mode features (alternatively, perform the flush without Service Mode using traditional pedal/pressure bleeding).
- Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
- Raise the vehicle on a lift using only Tesla-designated jack pad locations with appropriate puck adapters. Support on stands rated for EV weight (~4,400+ lb).
- Remove all four wheels.
- Place absorbent rags around the brake fluid reservoir in the front trunk area to protect surrounding components and paint.
Procedure
- 1Access and inspect the brake fluid reservoirOpen the frunk and locate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver's side firewall area. Clean the cap and surrounding area with a lint-free towel before opening to prevent contamination. Remove the cap and inspect fluid color — fresh DOT 3 is light amber; dark brown/black indicates overdue service.⚠Do not allow dirt or debris to fall into the reservoir — contamination can damage the ABS/iBooster unit.
- 2Extract old fluid from reservoirUse a clean turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir without letting the level drop below the MIN line during operation. Discard old fluid in an approved container.
- 3Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 3Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 from a sealed container. Keep the bottle capped between pours to limit moisture absorption.
- 4Connect pressure bleeder (if used)Attach a brake pressure bleeder to the reservoir per the bleeder manufacturer's instructions. Pressurize to the manufacturer-specified pressure (typically 10-15 psi). A pressure bleeder is strongly preferred on Tesla vehicles to ensure clean fluid replacement through the iBooster/ABS assembly. If pedal-bleeding instead, you will need a second person.⚠Do not exceed the pressure bleeder manufacturer's rating or the reservoir cap may leak fluid onto painted surfaces.
- 5Bleed right rear caliper (furthest from master cylinder)Tesla typically follows the conventional 'furthest first' bleed sequence: RR → LR → RF → LF. VERIFY THE CORRECT SEQUENCE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC 2024 MODEL Y IN THE TESLA SERVICE MANUAL before proceeding. Attach a clear hose to the right rear bleeder screw with the other end submerged in fresh fluid in a catch bottle. Open the bleeder approximately 1/2 turn and allow old fluid to flow until clean, clear, bubble-free fresh fluid is observed. Close the bleeder.⚠Monitor reservoir level continuously — never allow it to drop below MIN or air will enter the ABS module, which on Tesla vehicles may require Toolbox software to fully bleed.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 6Bleed left rear caliperRepeat the bleed procedure at the left rear caliper. Continue until fluid runs clean and free of bubbles. Top off the reservoir as needed.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 7Bleed right front caliperRepeat the bleed procedure at the right front caliper. Performance Model Y uses larger front calipers — expect slightly more fluid volume to clear the lines.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 8Bleed left front caliperRepeat the bleed procedure at the left front caliper (closest to master cylinder, last in sequence). Continue until clean fluid is observed.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Final reservoir adjustmentDepressurize and remove the pressure bleeder. Adjust fluid level to the MAX line. Wipe the reservoir, cap, and any spilled fluid thoroughly. Reinstall the cap securely.
- 10Test pedal feel before lowering vehicleReconnect the 12V battery. With the vehicle still raised, press the brake pedal firmly multiple times. Pedal should be firm and consistent. A soft or sinking pedal indicates air in the system — re-bleed as necessary. If pedal cannot be made firm via traditional bleeding, the ABS/iBooster module may require a Tesla Toolbox-assisted bleed.⚠If the pedal remains soft after multiple bleed cycles, STOP. Air in the ABS module on Tesla vehicles often requires dealer software to fully purge.
Reassembly
- Verify all four bleeder screws are torqued to specification and dust caps reinstalled.
- Clean any residual brake fluid from calipers, wheels, and surrounding components with brake parts cleaner.
- Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to avoid cross-threading.
- Snug lug nuts in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Final-torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
- Close the frunk and verify the brake fluid reservoir cap is fully seated.
- Exit Service Mode if it was enabled.
Verification
- With the vehicle on the ground and powered on, confirm no brake-related alerts appear on the touchscreen (no ABS, traction control, or brake system warnings).
- Pedal feel should be firm and consistent — no sinking under sustained pressure.
- At low speed in a safe area, perform several gentle stops to confirm normal braking response. Then perform a moderate stop to confirm ABS-side function feels normal.
- Inspect each caliper bleeder and the reservoir area for leaks after the test drive.
- Verify regenerative braking still functions normally on touchscreen energy display during deceleration.
- Log the service date — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Set a reminder for the next interval.
- Recheck wheel lug torque after approximately 50-100 miles of driving.
- Torque references for this job: Bleeder Screw (10 Nm / 7 lb-ft) and Wheel Lug Nuts (140 Nm / 103 lb-ft, star pattern).