Replace both rear brake rotors on the 2024 Tesla Roadster Tri Motor. Note: this vehicle has very limited public service documentation — verify all specifications against the official Tesla Service Manual before proceeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor (manufacturer-specified) × 2 — OEM Tesla Roadster rear rotor — verify part number with Tesla
• Rotor set screws (if originally fitted) × 2 — OEM specification

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 for location — refer to Tesla Service Manual for the exact LV battery location on the Roadster Tri Motor.
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. Disable the electronic parking brake via the service/transport mode procedure documented in the Tesla Service Manual before working on the rear calipers. Do not attempt to retract the EPB pistons mechanically without first placing the system in service mode.
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
8. Raise the rear of the vehicle at the manufacturer-specified jacking points and support securely on jack stands. The Roadster has specific reinforced lift points — do not jack on body panels or suspension arms.
9. Remove both rear wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear brake assembly
   With both rear wheels off, photograph the caliper, bracket, parking brake actuator, and any sensor/wire routing on each side before disassembly. Note rotor orientation (directional vanes if applicable) and confirm the rotor retention method (set screw vs. press fit). Inspect for any damaged hardware before proceeding.
2. 2

   Confirm EPB is in service mode
   Verify the electronic parking brake is fully retracted and in service/maintenance mode. If the EPB motor is still energized or holding, do not proceed — the caliper piston cannot be safely compressed and damage to the EPB actuator will occur.
   ⚠️Forcing an EPB-equipped caliper piston back without entering service mode will destroy the actuator and may cause unexpected EPB engagement.
3. 3

   Disconnect EPB wiring (if required for caliper removal)
   If the caliper must be fully removed and the EPB harness will be strained, carefully unclip the EPB connector at the caliper. Otherwise, support the caliper so the harness is not stretched.
4. 4

   Compress caliper piston
   With the system in service mode, gently compress the caliper piston using the manufacturer-specified method (typically a piston compression tool — some EPB calipers require a wind-back tool rather than a straight push). Refer to the Tesla Service Manual to determine which is correct for this caliper.
   ⚠Pushing a wind-back-style EPB piston straight in will destroy internal threads. Verify caliper type before applying force.
5. 5

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Remove the caliper slide pin bolts (or guide bolts, depending on caliper design). Lift the caliper off the rotor and pads. Suspend it from the suspension with a hanger or bungee — do not let it hang by the brake hose or EPB harness.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove brake pads
   Slide the inner and outer brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Inspect pad thickness and wear pattern. If pads are at or near service limit, replace them as a pair on the same axle.
7. 7

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the knuckle/upright. Set the bracket aside.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove rotor
   If the rotor is retained by a set screw, remove it. Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If seized, apply penetrating oil to the hub center and use the manufacturer-specified threaded jacking holes (if equipped) — do NOT strike the rotor with a steel hammer near the hub or wheel speed sensor.
   ⚠Do not damage the wheel speed sensor or tone ring during rotor removal. The Roadster's traction/stability and regen systems depend on accurate sensor signals.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean hub face
   Wire-brush the hub mating face to bare metal. Any rust or debris will cause rotor runout and brake pulsation. A very thin film of anti-seize on the hub face only (not the studs or rotor friction surface) is acceptable.
10. 10

    Install new rotor
    Wipe the new rotor's friction surfaces with brake cleaner to remove shipping oil. Install the rotor onto the hub, aligning with the set screw hole if applicable. Install the rotor set screw and torque per spec.
    Torque spec

    Rotor Set Screws7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Reinstall the caliper bracket onto the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolts if originally equipped, and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall pads and caliper
    Install the brake pads into the bracket (with any anti-rattle clips/shims in their original orientation). Position the caliper over the pads and rotor. Apply silicone brake grease to the slide pins, then install the slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect the EPB connector if it was unplugged.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-12 on the other rear wheel.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels. Hand-thread all lug nuts before applying torque.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
3. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery.
4. Exit EPB service mode using the documented Tesla procedure. Cycle the parking brake several times (apply/release) to seat the EPB actuator against the new rotor.
5. With the vehicle still stationary and engine/drive system off, press the brake pedal firmly multiple times until pedal feel is firm — this seats the caliper pistons against the new pads/rotors. Do NOT drive the vehicle until pedal is firm.
6. Check brake fluid level in the reservoir; top up only with the specified DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.

Verification

• Confirm firm brake pedal before moving the vehicle. A soft or sinking pedal indicates a fluid/air issue — do not drive.
• Cycle the EPB on and off several times via the touchscreen/stalk; confirm no fault messages on the instrument cluster or center display.
• Perform a low-speed (under 10 mph) brake test in a safe area, listening for grinding, scraping, or pulsation. Wheel speed sensor faults will trigger ABS/traction warnings — if any appear, stop and re-inspect.
• Bed in the new rotors per the rotor manufacturer's procedure (typically a series of moderate stops from ~35 mph followed by light driving to cool). Note that regenerative braking on a tri-motor will reduce the rate at which friction brakes are exercised — be deliberate during bed-in.
• After ~50 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts and re-inspect rotor seating.
• Reminder: Tesla recommends brake fluid replacement every 2 years regardless of mileage. Log this service date and schedule fluid service if overdue.

More procedures for this vehicle