Brake Rotor - Front Single

Replace a single front brake rotor on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The Performance trim uses larger front brakes than standard Model Y, but the rotor R&R procedure is mechanically standard.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake rotor (Model Y Performance front spec — larger than standard Model Y) × 1 — OEM Model Y Performance front rotor — verify by VIN
• Rotor set screw (if damaged on removal) × 1 — OEM specification

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 (located under/behind the rear seat area on 2024 Model Y). Follow Tesla service manual for first-responder loop / proper disconnect sequence.
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. Place the vehicle in Transport / Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V, so the air suspension (N/A on Model Y but interlocks remain) and self-leveling logic are disabled and the vehicle won't try to apply parking brake automatically.
7. Loosen front wheel lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle ONLY at Tesla-designated front jack points using approved puck adapters. Support on jack stands rated for EV weight.
9. Confirm the opposite wheel is chocked.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheel
   Fully remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off. Set the wheel face-down on a soft surface to protect the finish. Inspect lug studs and hub face for corrosion.
2. 2

   Inspect caliper and brake hose
   Visually inspect the caliper, flex hose, and pad wear. Note pad thickness — if pads are near minimum, plan to replace them along with the rotor. Check the flex hose for cracks or bulging.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts (caliper body)
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts holding the caliper body to the bracket. Slide the caliper off the pads. Support the caliper with a hanger or bungee — do NOT let it hang by the flex hose.
   ⚠Do not stress or kink the brake flex hose. Damage requires hose replacement and full system bleed.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove brake pads
   Lift the inner and outer pads out of the caliper bracket along with any anti-rattle clips. Note orientation for reinstallation. Inspect pad backing plates and abutment clips.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are typically installed with threadlocker and torqued high — use a breaker bar. Remove the bracket and set it aside.
   ⚠Front caliper bracket bolts are high-torque (≈120 Nm) with threadlocker — expect significant resistance. Heat may be needed if previously serviced incorrectly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw
   Remove the small set/retaining screw that locates the rotor to the hub. These corrode and strip easily — use a properly fitting bit (often Torx) and apply penetrating oil if needed. Replace if damaged.
   ⚠Stripping this screw is the #1 delay on this job. Seat the bit fully and strike with an impact driver if it resists.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized due to corrosion at the hub-rotor interface, thread two bolts into the rotor's threaded jacking holes (if present) and run them in evenly to break it free. Otherwise, strike the rotor face (NOT the hub or knuckle) with a dead-blow hammer.
   ⚠Do not strike the aluminum knuckle or hub. Strike only the cast-iron rotor face.
8. 8

   Clean hub face
   Thoroughly wire-brush the hub mounting face to bare, flat metal. Any rust or debris between the hub and new rotor will cause lateral runout and brake judder — a common Model Y complaint. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center pilot only (not the friction face).
   ⚠Keep ALL grease, anti-seize, and brake cleaner residue OFF the rotor friction surfaces.

Reassembly

1. Wipe new rotor friction surfaces with brake parts cleaner to remove shipping oil.
2. Install the new rotor onto the hub, aligning the set screw hole.
3. Install the rotor set screw and torque to spec — see Rotor Set Screws.
4. Reinstall the caliper bracket. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts and torque to spec — see Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front. Verify sequence with Tesla Service Manual.
5. If pads are being reused, inspect for even wear; if questionable, replace as a pair (both front wheels). Reinstall pads and any anti-rattle hardware in original orientation.
6. If caliper piston needs to be retracted to clear new rotor/pads, use a piston spreader. Monitor master cylinder reservoir level — do not overflow.
7. Apply silicone brake grease to caliper slide pins (if removed/serviced). Reinstall caliper body over pads and torque slide pin bolts — see Caliper Slide Pin Bolts.
8. Reinstall wheel. Hand-thread all lug nuts before tightening any. Torque in a star pattern to spec — see Wheel Lug Nuts. Verify sequence with Tesla Service Manual.
9. Lower vehicle to the ground and re-verify lug nut torque.
10. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
11. Exit Jack Mode via touchscreen if previously enabled.

Verification

• With the vehicle still stationary, pump the brake pedal multiple times until firm — this seats the caliper piston against the new pads/rotor. Pedal should not go to the floor.
• Check brake fluid reservoir level; top off with DOT 3 if needed.
• Inspect for any dashboard alerts on the touchscreen — ABS, traction control, or brake warnings should be absent. A quick power cycle (driver door close, brake press) clears transient codes.
• At low speed (under 10 mph) in an empty area, perform several gentle stops to confirm normal pedal feel and no pulling.
• Bed-in the new rotor: perform 6–10 moderate stops from approximately 35 mph down to 5 mph without coming to a complete stop, then drive a few minutes to cool. Avoid hard stops for the first ~200 miles.
• After the first drive, re-torque lug nuts (Model Y owner's manual recommends re-torque after wheel service).
• While brake system is open in the future, recall: Tesla recommends brake fluid service every 2 years regardless of mileage.
• Consider rotating tires while wheels are off — Model Y tire rotation interval is 6,250 mi.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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