Replace and re-lubricate the brake caliper slide pins on a 2012 Tesla Roadster. Note this car uses Lotus Elise-derived brake hardware (Brembo calipers), not Tesla-specific brake parts found on later Model S/3/X/Y vehicles.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Caliper slide pin set (manufacturer-specified for Roadster/Lotus Elise-pattern caliper) × 1 — OEM slide pin kit — confirm fitment with Tesla Roadster service or Lotus parts catalog
• Slide pin boots/dust seals (if not included with pins) × 1 — OEM specification
• Silicone brake caliper grease × 1 — High-temp silicone-based, brake-system safe

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission in gear (or P on PEM-equipped variants), 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. On the 2012 Roadster the 12V auxiliary battery is located in the front trunk/frunk area — refer to the owner's manual for exact location.
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. Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the corner being serviced before lifting the vehicle.
7. Lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jacking points and support on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
8. Remove the wheel and set aside.
9. Visually inspect the caliper, brake hose, and pads for wear or damage before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify caliper hardware
   Locate the caliper slide pin bolts on the back of the caliper. The Roadster uses a Lotus-pattern Brembo caliper; the slide pins thread into the caliper bracket and allow the caliper body to float over the pads. Do not confuse slide pin bolts with the caliper bracket-to-knuckle bolts.
2. 2

   Loosen slide pin bolts
   Using the correct hex/socket size, break loose the upper and lower slide pin bolts. Hold the slide pin from the inboard side with a wrench if it spins. Do not remove fully yet.
3. 3

   Support the caliper
   Once both slide pin bolts are removed, lift the caliper body off the bracket. Immediately support it with a bungee cord or wire from the suspension — do NOT let it hang by the brake hose, as this can damage the hose internally and cause future failure.
   ⚠Never allow the caliper to hang by the flexible brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove old slide pins
   Pull the slide pins out of the bracket bores. Inspect for scoring, corrosion, or galling. Inspect the rubber dust boots for tears or hardening — replace if compromised.
5. 5

   Clean slide pin bores
   Use a clean rag and brake parts cleaner to wipe out the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket. Light corrosion can be cleaned with a non-abrasive method; do not enlarge the bore. Allow to dry completely.
6. 6

   Lubricate new slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of silicone brake caliper grease to the shaft of each new slide pin. Do not use standard chassis grease or petroleum products — they will swell the rubber boots and cause sticking.
   ⚠Use only silicone-based brake-rated grease. Petroleum greases will destroy rubber boots and dust seals.
7. 7

   Install slide pins and boots
   Slide the new pins into the caliper bracket bores. Seat the dust boots fully onto both the pin and the bracket land. Verify the pin moves smoothly in and out by hand with no binding.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper body
   Remove the bungee cord and lower the caliper back over the pads and onto the bracket. Align the slide pin bolt holes with the pins. Hand-thread both slide pin bolts to avoid cross-threading.
9. 9

   Torque slide pin bolts
   Tighten both upper and lower slide pin bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Verify caliper float
    With the bolts torqued, push and pull the caliper body laterally on the bracket. It should slide smoothly with light hand pressure. Any binding indicates a misaligned boot, contamination, or damaged pin — disassemble and correct before proceeding.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until firm to re-seat the pads against the rotor.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery.
5. Verify brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir; top up with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.
6. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side if servicing as a pair (recommended).

Verification

• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area: pedal should be firm with no pulsation or pulling.
• After a short drive (5–10 minutes), re-check the wheel for unusual heat compared to the opposite side — excessive heat indicates a sticking caliper or improperly seated slide pin.
• Re-check lug nut torque after the first 50 miles.
• Note: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. If fluid age is unknown on this 2012 Roadster, schedule a brake fluid flush as a follow-up service.
• Inspect slide pin boots again at next tire rotation (Tesla recommends every 6,250 miles) to confirm boots remain sealed.

More procedures for this vehicle