Replace both rear brake rotors and pads on a 2024 Model Y Performance AWD. The rear calipers are a sliding-pin design; the parking brake is electronic and must be placed in service mode via the touchscreen before disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotors (pair, OEM or equivalent for Model Y Performance) × 2 — Manufacturer-specified rear rotor for 2024 Model Y Performance
• Rear brake pad set (recommended to replace with rotors) × 1 — OEM-equivalent rear pad set
• Rotor set screws (replace if damaged on removal) × 2 — Manufacturer-specified set screw

Fluids

• Silicone brake grease (slide pin lubricant)

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 accessible behind/under interior trim — refer to the Tesla Service Manual for the exact access panel for your build.
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: with the vehicle awake, navigate to Controls > Service > Brakes and activate Brake Service Mode. This retracts the EPB and disables auto-apply. Wait for the on-screen confirmation that service mode is active.
7. Loosen rear lug nuts while wheels are on the ground.
8. Lift the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jack points using a hockey puck adapter, support on jack stands, and remove rear wheels.
9. Inspect rear pads, rotors, slide pins, and dust boots before disassembly. Note pad wear pattern.

Procedure

1. 1

   Confirm EPB is in service mode
   Verify on the touchscreen that Brake Service Mode is still active. If the screen has gone to sleep, do NOT proceed until you confirm — exiting service mode mid-job can re-apply the EPB and damage components.
   ⚠️Never disassemble the rear caliper with the EPB active.
2. 2

   Remove caliper guide pin bolts
   Hold the slide pin flats with a wrench and remove the upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts. Lift the caliper body off the bracket. Support the caliper with a wire hook from the suspension — do not let it hang by the flexible brake hose or the EPB harness.
   ⚠Do not stress or kink the EPB electrical harness routed to the caliper.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove old pads
   Slide the inner and outer pads out of the caliper bracket. Note any anti-rattle clips/shims and their orientation. Inspect the bracket abutment clips — replace if corroded or deformed.
4. 4

   Wind back the rear caliper piston
   Using a rear caliper wind-back tool, rotate the piston clockwise while applying gentle inward pressure until it is fully seated. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir level — fluid will rise as pistons retract. Siphon excess if necessary to prevent overflow.
   ⚠Forcing the piston straight in will destroy the EPB internal screw mechanism.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket-to-knuckle bolts. Set the bracket aside on the suspension or a hook. Inspect bracket for corrosion and slide pin condition; clean and re-lubricate slide pins with silicone brake grease on reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Remove the rotor retaining set screw (typically T30 Torx). If seized, apply penetrating oil and use a quality bit to avoid stripping. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If stuck due to corrosion at the hub face, use the threaded jacking holes if present, or strike the rotor hat (NOT the friction surface or hub) with a dead-blow.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean hub mating surface
   Wire-brush the hub face to bare metal. Any corrosion or debris here will cause rotor runout and steering wheel/pedal pulsation complaints. Apply a very thin film of anti-seize to the hub center and mating ring only — keep it off the rotor friction surface and lug studs.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Place the new rotor onto the hub, aligning the set screw hole. Install and snug the rotor set screw.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Clean threads on the bracket bolts. Reinstall the caliper bracket to the knuckle and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Lubricate slide pins and install new pads
    Wipe slide pins clean and apply a thin film of silicone brake grease. Confirm dust boots are intact. Install new pads with any anti-rattle hardware in correct orientation. Apply a small amount of brake grease to pad backing plate contact points (not friction face).
    ⚠Do not get grease on the rotor or pad friction surface. Clean rotor with brake cleaner before final caliper installation.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper body
    Set the caliper over the new pads and bracket. Install the slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite rear corner
    Perform steps 1–11 on the other rear wheel.

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at the MAX line; top up with fresh DOT 3 if needed.
2. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
4. Torque rear lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
5. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
6. Power up the vehicle. With the brake pedal held, pump the pedal several times until firm — this seats the pistons against the new pads. Do NOT move the vehicle until the pedal is firm.
7. On the touchscreen, exit Brake Service Mode. Confirm no brake or EPB warnings are present on the cluster/instrument display.
8. Cycle the EPB on/off via the gear selector or screen and listen for normal actuator operation at both rear calipers.

Verification

• With vehicle stationary, confirm no ABS, EPB, or 'Brake System' alerts on the touchscreen.
• At very low speed in a safe area, perform several gentle stops to bed in the new pads, then a series of moderate decelerations per the pad manufacturer's bedding procedure. Avoid full stops from high speed during bedding.
• After bedding, recheck lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid leaks at the calipers and bleeder screws.
• Confirm EPB holds the vehicle on a slight incline with foot off the brake.
• Note: while the brake hydraulic system was not opened, Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years — log the date and verify next service interval.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends tire rotation every ~6,250 mi on Model Y due to high tire wear; check rotation history while wheels are off.

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