Tesla Model 3 Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Worn brake pads announce themselves with squealing or grinding, longer stopping distances, a brake pedal that sits lower than it used to and often a wear warning light on the dashboard. What they do not cause is a soft or spongy pedal. If your pedal feels springy, travels further than it should or sinks slowly toward the floor, that is air in the hydraulic system, a fluid leak or a failing master cylinder, and fitting new pads will not fix it. Find that cause before driving the car. If your symptoms are wear related, the procedure below covers the job.

What you will need

• Tesla Model 3 Rear Brake Pads
• Jack Stand
• Floor Jack
• Jack Stand
• Torque Wrench
• Penetrating Fluid
• Female Torx Socket Set

Procedure

1. Park the Tesla on level ground. 
2. Loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them yet.
3. Jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Place wheel chocks on the opposite side to prevent the vehicle from rolling. In the next step, we will release the parking brakes, which can lead to the vehicle rolling off if it is not secured. 
4. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the brake pad and rotor and push the brake pad back to push the piston back into the brake caliper. 
5. Go to the SERVICE section on the touchpad to put the vehicle in service mode, also known as tow mode. Pry out the red clip, then press and pull the connector.  
6. Remove two 13mm bolt on the back of the brake caliper. 
7. Remove the brake caliper from the rotor.
8. Remove the brake pads from the brake caliper.
9. Remove two 17mm bolts on the back of the brake caliper bracket.
10. Remove one 10mm set bolt that secures the rotor to the wheel hub.
11. Remove the rotor from the vehicle. If the rotor is rusted, spraying the penetrating fluid may help.
12. Install the new rotor, brake caliper bracket, and brake pads in reverse order.
13. Torque all bolts to specification.

Torque Specifications

• Lug nuts: 130 ft-lb
• Brake caliper bolts: 40 ft-lb
• Brake caliper bracket bolts: 100 ft-lb

Estimated torque values. Contact Tesla and verify.

Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Tesla.

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