2026-08-13

Clean and Lubricate Brake Calipers (Non-Performance Brakes)

NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-08-13: Added correction codes for different locations and service scenarios.
  • 2025-08-27: Added steps for rear brakes cleaning/lubricating.
Table 1. Correction Codes
Brake Service Wheels Already Removed Wheels not Already Removed
Front axle 33011000605 Add both of the following codes:
  • 33011000605
  • 34012401
Rear axle 33011100205 Add both of the following codes:
  • 33011100205
  • 34012401
Full set 33013345 Add both of the following codes:
  • 33013345
  • 34012501
Warning
Wear respiratory protective equipment in addition to standard personal protective equipment when servicing brake components.
CAUTION
Do not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the caliper. Keep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
CAUTION
Apply lubricants sparingly and do not permit lubricants to contact rotors, brake pad friction surfaces, or rubber brake components, especially piston seals. Use a Tesla-approved brake cleaner and clean shop towels to remove miss-applied lubricants.
CAUTION
Always use the least aggressive cleaning method that is effective for the level of corrosion. Only the current method is not effective, escalate to the next most aggressive. For example: First use a nylon brush to remove corrosion build-up from brake caliper abutment flats. If that is ineffective, escalate to a wire brush, and if that is still ineffective, escalate to a brake file. Use the brake file in single, forward strokes. Do not apply so much force as to remove any coating or metal from the caliper or carrier. 3 to 4 firm strokes of the file should smooth out the surface. First use a manual hammer and pin punch to remove retaining pins from the calipers before escalating to an air hammer. First use a brake pad puller to remove stuck brake pads before escalating to an air hammer with blunt chisel tip to break the pads free from the caliper.
Note
On severely corroded brake calipers, the rapid vibration of an air hammer can help break up the corrosion and loosen retaining pins and brake pads stuck within the caliper. Apply the blunt tip of the air hammer to the locations where the retaining pins pass through the brake pads.
Figure 1. Model S caliper shown; Model 3 caliper similar
Note
If the brake pads have worn to the point of replacement, or the condition of the pad is such that braking safety is affected, replace the pads. Clean and lubricate other brake components as originally intended.
Note
Replace retaining pins, anti-rattle springs, abutment springs/clips, shims, and bolts that are excessively corroded.

Procedure

  1. Enable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  2. Enable EPB Service Mode through the touchscreen.
    Note
    Touch Chassis > Brakes > EPB Service Mode, under EPB Selection choose Both, under Action Selection choose Start, and then touch Run.
  3. Use the appropriate pin punch to remove the retaining pins and anti-rattle spring from the LH front caliper.
  4. Remove the brake pads from the LH front caliper.
    CAUTION
    Keep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
  5. Use a caliper spreader to gently push the pistons back into the LH front caliper.
  6. Use a brush and soapy water to clean the abutment flats, the piston faces, the inner surfaces of the LH front caliper, the retaining pins, the anti-rattle springs, the abutment springs/clips, and the brake pad edges and surfaces that contact the caliper.
    CAUTION
    Make sure not to contaminate the friction material.
    Figure 2. Abutment flats
    Figure 3. Anti-rattle spring
    Figure 4. Retaining pins
  7. Remove the LH front brake rotor. See Brake Rotor - Front (Base Brakes) - LH (Remove and Replace).
    Note
    Inspect the inner and outer rotor vents and surface for excess debris. Clean any debris from the rotor if present. Make sure that the rotor mating surface to the hub is clean on the inside and outside face.
  8. Install the LH front brake rotor and brake caliper. See Brake Rotor - Front (Base Brakes) - LH (Remove and Replace).
  9. Apply a thin layer of Silaramic lubricant to the abutment flats in the LH front caliper.
    CAUTION
    Make sure not to contaminate the piston seals or any rubber components of the caliper.
  10. Apply a thin layer of Silaramic lubricant to the brake pad edges that contact the abutment flats.
    CAUTION
    Do not apply any lubricant to the back of the brake pads, and make sure not to contaminate the friction material.
  11. Install the brake pads into the LH front caliper.
    CAUTION
    Do not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the caliper.
  12. Apply a thin layer of silaramic lubricant to the retaining pins in the LH front caliper.
  13. Use the appropriate pin punch to install the anti-rattle spring and retaining pins into the LH front caliper.
  14. Repeat step 3 through 13for the RH front caliper and brake rotor.
  15. Remove the bolts that attach the RH rear brake caliper to the RH rear brake caliper bracket.
  16. Remove the RH rear caliper and support with an S-hook in a secure position.
  17. Remove the RH rear brake pads from the RH rear brake caliper bracket.
  18. Clean the RH rear brake caliper abutment clips with soapy water.
  19. Remove the RH rear brake caliper bracket from the RH rear knuckle.
  20. Inspect the brake rotor for debris.
    Note
    Inspect inner and outer rotor vents and surface for excess debris. Clean any debris from the rotor if present. Make sure that the brake rotor mating surface to the hub is clean on the inside and outside face.
  21. Install the RH rear brake caliper bracket onto the knuckle.
    94 Nm (69.3 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Install new bolts.
  22. Apply an even layer of Silaramic lubricant to the top and bottom of the RH brake pad contact points.
  23. Install the RH rear brake pads onto the RH rear brake caliper bracket.
  24. Install the bolts that attach the RH rear brake caliper to the RH rear brake caliper bracket.
    26.5 Nm (19.5 lbs-ft)
  25. Repeat steps 15 through 24 for the LH brake caliper and rotor.
  26. Hold the brake pedal and select park on the touchscreen to disable EPB service mode.
  27. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  28. Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
  29. Check the brake fluid level and top off as necessary.
  30. Remove the vehicle from the 2 post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.