Flush and bleed the brake hydraulic system on the 2024 Tesla Roadster (Tri Motor). This is a conventional hydraulic brake bleed — no HV systems are involved, but the Roadster's low-volume production means service info is limited; verify caliper bleeder locations against the manufacturer service documentation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Bleeder screw dust caps (replace if damaged) × 4 — OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid (sealed, fresh container) — 1 qt

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 (or 16V/48V on applicable models) low-voltage battery. See architecture notes — Roadster uses a Lotus-derived chassis; locate the LV battery per the Tesla Service Manual.
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. Verify you have a fresh, sealed container of DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not use fluid from a previously opened bottle — brake fluid absorbs moisture quickly.
7. Confirm the correct bleed sequence and whether the ABS/ESC module requires a scan-tool bleed routine via the Tesla Service Manual for this VIN.
8. Loosen all four lug nut sets 1/4 turn while the vehicle is on the ground.
9. Chock wheels, lift the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jacking points, and support on stands. Remove all four wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and prepare the master cylinder reservoir
   Locate the brake fluid reservoir. Wipe the cap and surrounding area clean before opening to prevent contamination. Use a clean syringe or turkey baster to evacuate the old fluid from the reservoir down to the MIN line, then refill to MAX with fresh DOT 3. Keep the fresh container sealed between top-offs.
   ⚠Never mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 3/4. The Roadster spec is DOT 3 — do not substitute without manufacturer confirmation.
2. 2

   Locate and clean each bleeder screw
   At each caliper, remove the rubber dust cap from the bleeder screw and clean the screw head and surrounding area with brake cleaner. Confirm the bleeder breaks loose with a 6-point wrench before attaching the bleed hose — if it is seized, stop and address that first to avoid snapping the screw.
   ⚠A snapped bleeder screw on a low-production caliper can take days to source a replacement. Apply penetrant and work the screw loose gently if needed.
3. 3

   Determine bleed sequence
   Use the bleed sequence specified in the Tesla Service Manual for this Roadster. In the absence of confirmed Tesla documentation, the conventional 'farthest from master cylinder first' sequence is typical (RR → LR → RF → LF), but this MUST be verified before proceeding — incorrect sequence can leave trapped air.
4. 4

   Bleed the first corner
   Attach a clear hose with a check valve to the bleeder, routing the other end into a catch bottle with a small amount of fresh fluid covering the hose tip. Using either an assistant on the brake pedal (slow press, hold, crack bleeder, close bleeder, release pedal) or a pressure/vacuum bleeder, flush fluid through the corner until it runs clean and free of air bubbles — typically 250–500 ml per corner. Close the bleeder.
   ⚠Check the master cylinder reservoir level every 30 seconds. Top off with fresh DOT 3 — never let it drop below MIN.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Torque the bleeder screw
   Once clean fluid flows with no bubbles, close the bleeder and torque to specification. Do not overtighten — the bleeder seats on a tapered metal-to-metal interface and is easily damaged.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Repeat for remaining three corners
   Move to the next corner in the verified sequence and repeat the bleed and torque process. Continue until all four corners are bled, monitoring reservoir level continuously.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   ABS/stability module bleed (if required)
   Some vehicles require a scan-tool-driven ABS module bleed cycle to purge fluid from the HCU internal channels. Confirm via the Tesla Service Manual whether this Roadster requires it. If so, perform the procedure per OEM instructions, then re-bleed each corner one final time.
8. 8

   Final reservoir top-off
   Top the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3. Re-install the cap fully seated. Wipe down any spilled fluid with water and a clean rag — do not let fluid sit on paint or composite panels.
9. 9

   Replace bleeder dust caps
   Install the rubber dust caps on all four bleeder screws to prevent corrosion and contamination.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to seat them.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
3. Final-torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
4. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery.
5. With the vehicle off and key fob present, pump the brake pedal several times until firm. The pedal should be high and firm with no sponginess.
6. Start the vehicle (Ready mode) and confirm pedal feel again — the booster will assist and the pedal should remain firm with normal travel.

Verification

• Pedal feel: firm, high pedal with consistent travel — no sponginess indicating residual air.
• Inspect each bleeder screw and caliper for fluid weeping after the bleed.
• Confirm reservoir level is at MAX and the cap is fully seated.
• Drive at very low speed in a safe area and perform progressive brake applications, then a moderate stop. Verify straight, even braking with no pulling and no warning lights on the instrument display.
• Check for ABS or stability control fault codes — if present, the HCU may require a scan-tool bleed routine.
• Log the service date and odometer reading. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — schedule the next bleed accordingly.

More procedures for this vehicle