Brake fluid flush on the 2024 Tesla Roadster (Tri Motor). This service replaces all DOT 3 brake fluid in the system to remove moisture and contaminants. Tesla recommends this service every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place transmission in P (or in gear with parking brake set if equipped with manual transmission), 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 per the Tesla Service Manual location for the 2024 Roadster.
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. Confirm you have a sealed, unopened bottle of DOT 3 brake fluid. Do not substitute DOT 5 (silicone) — it is incompatible.
7. Loosen lug nuts on all four wheels while the vehicle is on the ground, then raise the vehicle and support on rated jack stands or a lift.
8. Remove all four wheels to gain access to each caliper bleeder screw.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect system before service
   Visually inspect each caliper, brake hose, and the master cylinder reservoir for leaks, damage, or contamination. Note the existing fluid color in the reservoir — dark brown or black indicates overdue service. If any leak is found, do not proceed with a flush until the leak is repaired.
2. 2

   Extract old fluid from the master cylinder reservoir
   Open the front trunk/service area to access the brake master cylinder reservoir. Wipe around the cap, remove the cap, and use a clean turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove as much of the old fluid as possible without drawing in air through the supply ports. Dispose of the old fluid properly.
   ⚠Do not let debris fall into the reservoir. Any contamination will travel through the entire hydraulic system.
3. 3

   Refill reservoir with fresh DOT 3 fluid
   Refill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh, sealed DOT 3 brake fluid. Loosely place the cap back on to keep contaminants out during the bleed.
4. 4

   Connect pressure bleeder (or prepare two-person bleed)
   If using a pressure bleeder, attach the adapter to the master cylinder reservoir per the bleeder manufacturer's instructions and pressurize to the bleeder's specified pressure (typically 10-15 psi). If performing a manual two-person bleed, position an assistant in the driver's seat to operate the brake pedal on command.
   ⚠Do not exceed the pressure bleeder manufacturer's rating — over-pressurizing the reservoir can damage seals.
5. 5

   Bleed the first caliper
   Begin at the caliper farthest from the master cylinder as specified by the Tesla Service Manual sequence for the 2024 Roadster. Remove the dust cap from the bleeder screw. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder, route the other end into a catch bottle with a small amount of fresh fluid covering the hose tip. Crack the bleeder open with the bleeder wrench, allow old (dark) fluid to flow until clean, clear fluid runs through the hose with no air bubbles. Close the bleeder.
   ⚠Sequence matters. If you are uncertain of the correct corner-by-corner order for this Roadster, consult the Tesla Service Manual rather than guessing.
   Torque spec

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

   Torque the first bleeder screw
   With the bleeder closed, torque the bleeder screw to specification. Do not overtighten — the bleeder screws are small and easily snapped off in the caliper, which is a major repair. Reinstall the dust cap.
   ⚠️A snapped bleeder screw requires caliper removal and extraction, often replacement of the caliper. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Monitor and refill the reservoir
   Before moving to the next caliper, check the master cylinder reservoir level. Top off with fresh DOT 3 to the MAX line. Never allow the reservoir to drop below the MIN line during the flush — air ingestion will require a complete system re-bleed.
8. 8

   Bleed remaining three calipers in sequence
   Repeat the bleed procedure (steps 5-7) at each remaining caliper in the sequence specified by the Tesla Service Manual. At each caliper, flush until clean fluid runs free of bubbles, close and torque the bleeder, top off the reservoir, then move to the next corner. Plan on roughly 8-12 oz of fresh fluid per corner to fully exchange the system.
   ⚠Check reservoir level between every caliper. Do not skip this step.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final reservoir level and cap
   After all four corners are bled, set the master cylinder reservoir level to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Wipe the cap and reservoir neck clean. Reinstall the master cylinder cap and torque to specification (hand tight).
   Torque spec

   Master Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Pedal feel check
    With the vehicle still raised, reconnect the 12V battery, then press the brake pedal multiple times. The pedal should feel firm and consistent. A spongy or sinking pedal indicates air remaining in the system — repeat the bleed procedure on the affected corner(s).
    ⚠Do not return the vehicle to service with a soft pedal. Re-bleed until pedal is firm.

Reassembly

1. Confirm all four bleeder dust caps are reinstalled.
2. Wipe down each caliper to remove any spilled brake fluid; rinse with water if any contacted painted surfaces.
3. Reinstall all four wheels. Hand-thread lug nuts to seat the wheel flat against the hub.
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
5. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
6. Verify the master cylinder reservoir cap is secure and at correct hand-tight torque.

Verification

• With the vehicle running and in P, press the brake pedal firmly — pedal should be high and firm with no slow sink under sustained pressure.
• Check under each caliper and at the master cylinder for any signs of leaking fluid.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area: at 5-10 mph, apply the brakes progressively. Vehicle should stop straight with no pulling, no pulsation, and no warning lights on the touchscreen.
• Increase to 25-30 mph and repeat — confirm normal stopping behavior and no ABS or brake warning indicators.
• Re-check the master cylinder reservoir level after the test drive and top up to MAX if needed.
• Record the service date and mileage. Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage — schedule the next flush accordingly.

More procedures for this vehicle