Replace or service the brake caliper slide pins on a 2024 Model Y Performance. Slide pins should glide freely with fresh silicone brake grease to prevent uneven pad wear — a common issue on heavy, high-torque Teslas.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pin kit (manufacturer-specified for Model Y Performance) × 1 — OEM slide pin/boot kit — front or rear as applicable
• Slide pin dust boots (if not included in pin kit) × 2 — OEM rubber boots

Fluids

• Silicone brake caliper grease (slide pin compatible)

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 behind/under the rear seat area on Model Y — refer to Tesla 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. Place the vehicle in Transport/Jack Mode via the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting the 12V (Service > Jack Mode) to disable automatic air/leveling routines and parking brake cycling. Note: Model Y has coil suspension, but Jack Mode still prevents unwanted parking brake actuation.
7. Loosen lug nuts while wheel is on the ground, then raise the corner being serviced and support on jack stands.
8. Remove the wheel and set aside on its face to protect the finish.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect caliper assembly
   Visually inspect the caliper, slide pin boots, pads, and rotor. Note which pin is upper vs. lower and check that boots are intact. Tearing or hardened boots are the most common reason slide pins seize on Model Y.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using the appropriate hex/Allen socket, remove the upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper body to the caliper bracket. Support the caliper as the second bolt comes out.
   ⚠On Model Y Performance front calipers (fixed multi-piston), there are no traditional slide pins — only the rear caliper uses a sliding design. Confirm caliper type before proceeding.
3. 3

   Support the caliper
   Lift the caliper off the bracket and suspend it from the coil spring or strut using a bungee cord or caliper hanger. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose.
4. 4

   Extract slide pins from bracket
   Pull the slide pins straight out of the caliper bracket bores. Inspect for corrosion, scoring, or dry/contaminated grease. Pins should be smooth and uniform in diameter.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean bores
   Use brake parts cleaner and a clean rag (not a wire brush — bores are not threaded) to clean the slide pin bores in the bracket. Inspect bores for corrosion or pitting; if pitted, the bracket should be replaced.
6. 6

   Inspect and replace dust boots
   Check the rubber dust boots seated in the bracket and on the caliper body. Replace any boot that is torn, hardened, or has lost its accordion shape. Damaged boots are the root cause of slide pin seizure.
7. 7

   Lubricate slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of silicone brake caliper grease along the smooth shaft of each slide pin. Do not over-apply — excess grease will hydraulically lock the pin in the bore. Do NOT use general-purpose or petroleum grease, which will swell the rubber boots.
   ⚠Use only silicone-based brake-rated grease. Petroleum greases will destroy the rubber boots within weeks.
8. 8

   Reinstall slide pins
   Insert the lubricated slide pins back into their respective bores in the caliper bracket. Confirm the boots seat correctly on both the bracket and pin grooves. Each pin should slide in and out smoothly with light finger pressure.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Position the caliper over the pads and bracket, aligning the slide pin bolt holes. Hand-thread both slide pin bolts to avoid cross-threading the pins. Clean any old threadlocker from the bolt threads and apply fresh threadlocker per OEM specification if the original was removed.
10. 10

    Torque slide pin bolts
    Torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Do not overtighten — these thread into the slide pin itself, not solid metal.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen once the vehicle is back on all four wheels.

Verification

• With the vehicle still stationary and brake pedal NOT pressed, confirm no warning indicators appear on the Tesla touchscreen after wake-up.
• Press the brake pedal firmly several times before driving — pedal should feel firm and consistent on first press (no excessive travel).
• At low speed (5–10 mph) in an empty area, perform several light brake applications and confirm no pulling, grinding, or unusual noise.
• After a 5–10 minute drive with multiple brake applications, re-park and feel each wheel hub: a sliding caliper that is overheating on one side indicates a stuck/improperly lubricated pin — return and re-service.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first 50–100 miles per Tesla recommendation.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — log this service date and consider a fluid flush if overdue.

More procedures for this vehicle