Replace a single rear brake rotor on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The rear caliper uses a sliding-pin design with a separate bracket; the rotor is retained by a small set screw and may need penetrating oil if corroded to the hub.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (Model Y Performance rear spec) × 1 — OEM-equivalent rear rotor for Model Y Performance — verify diameter/thickness against the removed rotor
• Rotor retaining set screw × 1 — OEM replacement if damaged on removal

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, and engage the 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 Model Y — refer to architecture notes).
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 electronic parking brake into service/caliper-replacement mode per Tesla service procedure BEFORE disconnecting the 12V battery. Without service mode, the rear caliper piston cannot be safely retracted.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the vehicle only at Tesla-approved jack points using puck adapters to avoid damaging the HV battery enclosure or rocker pinch welds.
9. Support on jack stands rated for the vehicle's curb weight (Model Y Performance is heavy — ~4,400 lb).
10. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and pre-clean
   Visually inspect the caliper, bracket, hub, dust shield, and EPB wiring/connector for damage. Wire-brush exposed bolt heads and apply penetrating oil to the rotor-to-hub interface and the rotor set screw if any corrosion is visible.
2. 2

   Compress caliper piston (EPB in service mode)
   Confirm the EPB is in service/maintenance mode. Use a piston compression tool to gently retract the rear caliper piston enough to clear the worn pads from the rotor. Do NOT force the piston — rear pistons on EPB calipers must be wound or retracted per the service-mode procedure; forcing can destroy the actuator gear train.
   ⚠If the piston resists retraction, STOP. The EPB is likely not in service mode.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the bracket. Slide the caliper off the bracket and pads, taking care not to stress the flexible brake hose or the EPB wiring harness.
   Torque spec

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

   Support caliper
   Hang the caliper from a suspension component using a hanger or bungee. Do NOT let it dangle from the brake hose or EPB harness.
5. 5

   Remove brake pads
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the bracket along with any anti-rattle clips. Note their orientation. Inspect pads for remaining material — if near minimum, plan to replace pads as well (not covered by this single-rotor job).
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the rear knuckle. Lift the bracket away.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rotor set screw
   Remove the small Torx set screw retaining the rotor to the hub. The screw is often seized — apply penetrating oil and use a properly seated bit to avoid stripping. Replace the screw if the head is damaged on removal.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove rotor
   Pull the rotor off the hub. If seized, lightly tap the rotor's friction face (not the hat) with a dead-blow mallet, or thread two bolts into the rotor's threaded jacking holes (if equipped) to push it off the hub. Do NOT strike the hub face or wheel speed sensor.
   ⚠Avoid contact with the rear wheel speed sensor and tone ring — damage will trigger ABS/traction faults.
9. 9

   Clean hub mating surface
   Thoroughly clean the hub face with a wire brush until bare metal is exposed. Any rust or debris between the hub and rotor will cause lateral runout and pedal pulsation. A very thin film of anti-seize on the hub centerbore (NOT on the friction face or wheel studs) is acceptable.
   ⚠Keep all grease and anti-seize off the rotor friction surfaces and wheel stud threads.
10. 10

    Install new rotor
    Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake parts cleaner to remove shipping oil. Install the rotor onto the hub and secure with the set screw.
    Torque spec

    Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Reinstall the caliper bracket to the knuckle using the original bolts (or new bolts if the manufacturer specifies single-use). Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall pads and caliper
    Reinstall the brake pads (and any clips) into the bracket. Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the slide pins. Slide the caliper over the pads and bracket, then install and torque the slide pin bolts.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel and start lug nuts by hand. Snug in a star pattern, lower the vehicle, then final-torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
2. Power the vehicle on (foot on brake) and exit the EPB service mode using the appropriate Tesla service procedure so the EPB recalibrates against the new rotor surface.
3. With the vehicle stationary and in P, pump the brake pedal firmly multiple times until pedal feel is firm — this re-seats the caliper piston against the new pads/rotor. Do NOT attempt to drive until the pedal is firm.
4. Cycle the EPB on/off several times via the touchscreen and confirm no warnings are displayed.
5. Check brake fluid level in the reservoir and top off with DOT 3 if needed.

Verification

• Confirm no ABS, EPB, or traction control warnings are present on the touchscreen.
• At low speed in an empty area, perform several gentle stops from ~30 mph to verify the pedal is firm, the vehicle tracks straight under braking, and there is no grinding, pulsing, or EPB fault.
• Perform a proper pad/rotor bed-in cycle per the pad manufacturer's procedure (typically 6–10 moderate stops from ~35 mph to ~5 mph without coming to a full stop, followed by a cool-down drive).
• After the first short test drive, re-check rear lug nut torque in a star pattern.
• Inspect the new rotor for even contact pattern across the pad sweep area after bed-in.
• While serviced, note the brake fluid age — Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage.

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