Tesla Model 3 Front Brake Pad Replacement

Is your Tesla brake getting soft and weak due to front brake pad wear? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing the front brake pads of your Tesla. This guide provides instructions on how to replace the front brake pads on a Tesla Model 3.

What you will need

• Tesla 3 Front Brake Pads
• Tesla Jack Adapters (Recommended)
• Floor Jack
• Jack Stands
• Hammer
• Roll Pin Punch
• Penetrating Oil
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Torque Wrench
• Brake pad lubricant
• EP20 Female Torx Socket
  • needed to replace the rotors
  • some models do not use EP20 but regular 18mm socket

Procedure

How to change Tesla Model 3 front brake pads.

1. Park the Tesla on level ground.
2. Open the hood and remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir. 
3. Loosen the front lug nuts, but do not remove them yet. 
4. Jack up the vehicle using a floor jack. Use a jack adapter to prevent damage to the frame.
5. Remove the wheel from the vehicle. 
6. Use a pin punch to tap the pins out of the brake caliper. 
7. Remove the second pin that secures the brake pads. 
8. Use a flathead screwdriver and insert it between the brake pads and rotor. Push the old brake pads away from the rotor to make room for the new brake pads. These steps will allow you to push the piston back into the caliper. Do this with the old pads only. 
9. Remove the brake pads simply by pulling them out of the brake caliper.
10. Remove the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper. Depending on the model, these bolts could be 18mm or Torx bolts. 
11. Remove the brake caliper from the wheel hub and use a wire to hang it in the spring. Do not let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose.
12. Remove the 10mm position bolt that holds the rotor in place. This bolt is to keep the rotor aligned and secure. 
13. Remove the rotor from the vehicle by tapping it on the back. Tap it where the brake caliper was installed. Do not hit the dust shield on the back of the rotor.
14. Install the new rotor and brake pads in reverse order. Apply brake pad lubricant on the back of the pads and the contact point between the pad and the caliper.
15. Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle.
16. Torque the lug nuts to specifications.
17. Press the brake pads a few times before you start driving.

Torque Specifications

• Lug nuts: 130 ft lbs
• Brake caliper bracket mounting bolts:  90 ft lbs

Notes

• The brake pad pins may be rusted. Clean them before reinstalling them.
• The rotors do not need to be replaced as long as they are within spec (min. thickness). Turning the rotor is okay as long as you can stay within spec. We recommend turning or replacing the rotors if the vehicle shakes while braking.
• If you hear a rubbing noise coming from the front brake pads after driving for at least five minutes, the dust shield behind the rotor could be bent and rubbed against the rotor. Remove the wheel and inspect the dust shield behind the rotor; ensure it is not bent.
• Brembo makes the front Tesla brake pads.

We hope you find the Tesla Model 3 Front Brake Pad Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Tesla.