Replace both front brake rotors on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The Performance trim uses larger front rotors and red performance calipers; rotor set screws and proper torque on caliper bracket bolts are critical due to high braking loads.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake rotors (Model Y Performance spec) × 2 — OEM or equivalent Performance-spec front rotor — verify rotor diameter/thickness matches Performance trim
• Rotor set screws × 2 — OEM rotor retention screw
• Front brake pads (recommended if rotors replaced) × 1 — OEM Performance front pad set

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 behind/under the rear seat area on Model Y — refer to service manual for exact access).
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. Enable Tow/Jack Mode in the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting 12V if possible — this disables auto-leveling/self-driving wake events while lifted. (On Model Y this is under Service > Jack Mode.)
7. Loosen front lug nuts slightly while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle using only manufacturer-specified jack puck points and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove both front wheels and set aside (lay face-down to protect finish).

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake assembly before disassembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, brake hose, slide pins, and pad wear. Note pad thickness and any uneven wear. Photograph routing of the brake hose and any wear sensor wiring (if equipped) for reference.
2. 2

   Compress caliper piston (if reusing or replacing pads)
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap briefly and check level — if full, siphon a small amount out to prevent overflow when piston is compressed. Using a C-clamp or piston tool, gently press the piston back into the caliper bore. Re-close the reservoir cap.
   ⚠DOT 3 brake fluid damages paint. Wipe up any spills immediately.
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts (or caliper guide bolts) holding the caliper body to the bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor and support it with a hanger or bungee — DO NOT let it dangle by the brake hose.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang by the flexible brake hose — this can damage the hose internally and cause failure.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are high-torque fasteners and may require a breaker bar. Set the bracket aside.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Remove the small set screw retaining the rotor to the hub face. If the rotor is rust-bonded to the hub, apply penetrating oil to the hub-rotor interface and tap the rotor face with a dead-blow mallet (NOT a steel hammer). Some rotors have threaded jacking holes — thread bolts in evenly to push the rotor off if needed.
   ⚠Do not strike the aluminum knuckle or hub flange. Strike only the rotor hat or pad-contact face.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean hub mating surface
   Wire-brush the hub face to remove all rust and scale. The new rotor must sit perfectly flat against the hub — any debris will cause runout and pedal pulsation. Optionally apply a thin film of anti-seize ONLY to the hub center bore and outer face (NOT on stud threads or rotor friction surface).
7. 7

   Install new rotor
   Wipe the new rotor friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Place the rotor onto the hub, aligning the set screw hole with the hub. Install and tighten the rotor set screw.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Reinstall the bracket onto the knuckle and torque the bolts to specification. Verify sequence/pattern with the service manual if it specifies one.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Service slide pins and reinstall caliper
   Pull the slide pins from the bracket, wipe clean, and reapply silicone brake grease to the pin shafts and inside the boots. Reinstall the brake pads into the bracket (replace pads if worn or contaminated). Slide the caliper over the rotor and pads, then reinstall the slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
   ⚠Inspect slide pin boots for tears — torn boots allow water ingress and cause pin seizure, leading to uneven pad wear common on heavy EVs.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-9 on the other front wheel.

Reassembly

1. Verify both calipers are fully seated and all bolts are torqued to specification.
2. Reinstall front wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.
7. Before driving: with the vehicle in P and brake pedal fully released, pump the brake pedal firmly multiple times until it becomes firm. This seats the pads against the new rotors. DO NOT skip this — first pedal application after caliper service is often soft.
8. Exit Jack Mode if it was enabled.

Verification

• With the vehicle stationary, confirm a firm brake pedal with no excess travel.
• At low speed (under 10 mph) in an empty area, perform several gentle stops to confirm normal braking response and no pulling to one side.
• Bed in the new rotors per the rotor manufacturer's procedure — typically a series of moderate 60-to-15 mph decelerations without coming to a complete stop. Note: Model Y regenerative braking will reduce friction brake usage in normal driving, so manual bed-in is important.
• After a short drive, recheck wheel lug torque (heavy EV wheels can settle).
• Inspect rotors and calipers for any fluid leaks or unusual contact patterns.
• Check the touchscreen for any new ABS, traction control, or brake-related alerts. If any appear, stop and diagnose before further driving.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years — log this date and plan the next service accordingly.

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