Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

Replace the rear brake pads and rotors on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The Performance trim uses larger rear rotors than standard Model Y; ensure replacement parts match the Performance spec.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set — Model Y Performance specification × 1 — OEM or equivalent rear pad set for Model Y Performance
• Rear brake rotors — Model Y Performance specification (pair) × 2 — OEM or equivalent rear rotor for Model Y Performance — verify diameter/thickness before ordering
• Caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 1 — As needed
• Rotor retaining screw (if used/damaged) × 2 — As needed

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (slide pins / pad abutments)
• 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 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 under the rear seat or in the front trunk area depending on build date — refer to architecture notes). Note: disconnecting 12V will lock you out of touchscreen Service Mode, so place EPB in Brake Service Mode FIRST, then disconnect 12V if desired for additional safety.
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. On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls → Service → Brakes → enter Brake Service Mode. This retracts and disables the electric parking brake actuators on the rear calipers.
7. Loosen the rear lug nuts while the wheels are still on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle using Tesla-approved jack pad locations and support on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
9. Remove both rear wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare caliper area
   Inspect the caliper, slide pins, dust boots, and rotor surface. Look for fluid leaks, torn boots, and excessive scoring. Spray brake cleaner on the assembly to reduce dust before disassembly. Confirm Brake Service Mode is active before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide/guide bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Support the caliper — do NOT let it hang by the flexible brake hose. Hang it from the suspension with a wire or bungee.
   ⚠Hanging the caliper by the hose can damage the internal liner and cause failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove old pads
   Slide the inner and outer brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Note the orientation of any wear-indicator clip and anti-rattle hardware for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Compress the caliper piston
   With Brake Service Mode confirmed active, use a piston compression tool to push the caliper piston straight back into its bore. The Model Y rear caliper piston is pushed straight in (no wind-back required) once EPB is in service mode. Open the bleeder screw briefly during compression if you wish to avoid pushing dirty fluid back into the ABS module — capture fluid in a container.
   ⚠️Never compress the rear piston without EPB Service Mode active — you will damage the parking brake actuator.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. These are typically high-torque fasteners and may require a breaker bar. Remove the bracket.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old rotor
   If a rotor retaining screw is present, remove it. Pull the rotor off the hub. If seized, apply penetrating lubricant to the hub center and tap evenly around the rotor hat with a soft mallet — do not strike the rotor face or hub.
   ⚠Do not strike aluminum suspension components or the hub face with a steel hammer.
7. 7

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mounting face to remove rust and debris. A clean, flat hub face is essential to prevent rotor runout and brake pulsation. Optionally apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center bore (NOT the friction face or wheel mounting surface).
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil from both friction surfaces. Place the rotor on the hub and reinstall the retaining screw if applicable (snug only — this is a locating screw, not a structural fastener).
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install the bracket onto the knuckle and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Service slide pins and install new pads
    Pull slide pins from the bracket, inspect boots, wipe old grease, and apply fresh silicone brake grease. Reinstall pins and verify smooth movement. Install anti-rattle hardware/clips, then place the new pads into the bracket with friction material facing the rotor.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper
    Lower the caliper body over the new pads and rotor. Install the caliper slide bolts and torque to specification. Verify the caliper moves freely on its slides.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat on opposite side
    Repeat steps 1–11 on the opposite rear corner.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before lowering.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque rear lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. If the 12V battery was disconnected, reconnect it now.
5. Power on the vehicle. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode (Controls → Service → Brakes → Exit Service Mode). The EPB will re-calibrate; you may hear the actuators cycle.
6. With the vehicle in P and your foot on the brake, pump the brake pedal firmly several times until the pedal becomes firm — this seats the new pads against the rotors.
7. Check the brake fluid reservoir level and top off with DOT 3 if needed.
8. Cycle the parking brake on/off via the touchscreen or shifter to confirm EPB function.

Verification

• Confirm no brake-related warnings appear on the instrument cluster/touchscreen after exiting Service Mode.
• Verify the EPB engages and releases normally — listen for the actuator motor cycling.
• Perform a low-speed roll test in a safe area: brakes should engage smoothly with no pulling, grinding, or pulsation.
• Bed in the new pads/rotors per the pad manufacturer's procedure (typically 8–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph, then a cool-down — avoid hard stops until bedded).
• Re-check lug nut torque after the first 50–100 miles.
• Brake fluid service reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — note the date if it is due or near due.
• Tire rotation reminder: Model Y Performance wears tires quickly; rotate every ~6,250 miles.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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