Brake Pads - Rear

Replace rear brake pads on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The rears use a sliding caliper design; the parking brake is integrated into the rear caliper as an electric parking brake (EPB), so it must be placed in service/transport mode via the touchscreen before retracting the pistons.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (OEM or OEM-equivalent for Model Y Performance) × 1 — Tesla-specified rear pad set for Model Y Performance — verify by VIN
• Caliper hardware/abutment clips (if supplied with pad kit) × 1 — Included with pad kit if applicable

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (top-off only if needed)

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. 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.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model Y the 12V (Li-ion) battery is located under the rear seat / front trunk area — refer to the vehicle's owner documentation to confirm location before disconnecting.
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. BEFORE disconnecting 12V: Using the touchscreen, navigate to Service Mode and enable 'Brake Service Mode' (or equivalent option) to retract the EPB caliper pistons. Confirm the EPB has cycled to the open/service position. Only then power down and disconnect 12V.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at Tesla-designated lift points using proper jack pucks; support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Remove rear wheels and set aside on their faces to protect finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   Visually inspect the rear caliper, rotor, pads, and dust boots for damage, leaks, or excessive corrosion. Note pad thickness and rotor condition. Confirm the EPB motor cable is intact and that pistons are in the retracted/service position.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide/guide pin bolts
   Holding the slide pin from rotating if necessary, remove the upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Inspect bolts for damage; if Tesla specifies single-use, replace them.
   ⚠Do not loosen the larger caliper bracket bolts at this stage — only the slide pin bolts that hold the caliper body.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lift caliper off and support it
   Slide the caliper body off the bracket and pads. Suspend the caliper from the suspension with a hook or bungee — DO NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose or by the EPB motor wiring.
   ⚠Protect the EPB electrical connector and harness — do not stretch or kink the cable.
4. 4

   Remove old pads and hardware
   Remove the inboard and outboard pads from the bracket along with any abutment/anti-rattle clips. Note orientation (wear sensor side, if equipped) for reinstallation reference.
5. 5

   Clean and inspect bracket and slide pins
   Pull the slide pins from the bracket, wipe clean, inspect boots for tears, and re-grease with silicone brake grease. Clean the bracket abutment surfaces with brake cleaner. Inspect the rotor — measure thickness against Tesla minimum spec; replace if below spec or scored.
6. 6

   Verify piston is fully retracted
   Confirm the EPB piston is fully retracted (Service Mode should have done this). If additional retraction is required, use a piston wind-back tool appropriate for an integrated EPB caliper — DO NOT use a simple C-clamp to force the piston, as this will damage the EPB screw mechanism.
   ⚠️Forcing the piston without Service Mode active can permanently damage the EPB actuator — a dealer-level repair.
7. 7

   Install new abutment hardware and pads
   Install new abutment clips (if supplied) into the bracket. Place inboard and outboard pads into the bracket, ensuring correct orientation. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to pad backing-plate contact points (NOT to friction surfaces).
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper body
   Reseat slide pins into bracket bores (with fresh grease and intact boots). Slide the caliper body over the new pads and align with the slide pin bolt holes.
9. 9

   Torque caliper slide pin bolts
   Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins as specified. Install slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Verify bolt sequence with the Tesla Service Manual for the 2024 Model Y Performance.
   ⚠VERIFY SEQUENCE WITH SERVICE MANUAL — torque sequence flagged for verification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite rear wheel
    Perform steps 1–9 on the opposite rear corner before reassembly and EPB recalibration.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification — refer to Wheel Lug Nuts torque value.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Power on the vehicle. Re-enter Service Mode and exit 'Brake Service Mode' so the EPB cycles back to the apply/standby position. Confirm no brake or EPB faults are displayed.
6. With the vehicle stationary and brake pedal depressed firmly, pump the pedal several times to seat the pads against the rotor and restore pedal feel before any movement.
7. Check brake fluid reservoir level; top off with DOT 3 if needed.

Verification

• Pedal must feel firm after 2–3 pumps with no spongy travel.
• Confirm no ABS, EPB, or brake warning lamps/messages on the touchscreen.
• Apply and release the parking brake from the touchscreen — listen for the EPB motors cycling on both rear corners.
• Perform a low-speed (5–15 mph) brake test in a safe area, then a moderate-speed test, before normal driving.
• Bed in the new pads per pad manufacturer's procedure (typically a series of moderate stops from ~35 mph).
• After 50–100 miles, recheck lug nut torque (aluminum wheels are prone to settling).
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — note this in the service log if not recently performed.

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