04/06/2024 18:00:33

Clean And Lubricate Brake Calipers (Non-Performance Brakes) (Maintenance)

Correction code 33013345 FRT 0.84 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the above correction code and FRT 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. To provide feedback on FRT values, email LaborTimeFeedback@tesla.com. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

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 mis-applied lubricants.

Perform these procedures in a manner that will be the least aggressive, considering the corrosion. Only when those steps are not effective, escalate the action to be more aggressive.Minimal corrosion, least aggressive to be effectiveMaximum corrosion, escalate to most aggressive to be effectiveFor 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 X, Model 3, and Model Y calipers 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

Note

If the vehicle already has the front wheels removed for another service procedure, set the vehicle to Transport Mode and begin this procedure at step 4.

Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Stands.

Note
If performing this procedure as a Mobile Service, chock opposing wheels to prevent roll away, service the front calipers, and then service the rear calipers.
Remove the front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
Turn the front wheel hubs to point fully right.
Use the appropriate pin punch to remove the retaining pins and anti-rattle spring from the LH front caliper.
Remove the brake pads from the LH front caliper.

CAUTION
Keep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
Use a caliper spreader to expand the brake pads and compress the pistons back into the LH front caliper.
Use a brush and Tesla–approved brake cleaner 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
Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper 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.
Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper 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.
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.
Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper lubricant to the retaining pins in the LH front caliper.
Use the appropriate pin punch to install the anti-rattle spring and retaining pins into the LH front caliper.
Rotate the LH front rotor 180 degrees, and then use the Tesla-approved brake cleaner to clean any lubricant or debris from the rotor. Repeat.
Turn the front wheel hubs to point fully left, and then repeat step 4 through 13 for the RH front caliper.
Turn the front wheel hubs to center.
If the vehicle already had the front wheels removed for another service procedure, return to that procedure. Otherwise, continue to the next step of this procedure.
Install the front wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
Remove the vehicle from the 2 post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Stands.
Pump the brake pedal until firm.
In areas where road salt is used, rinse the suspension components at each wheel with clean water.
Perform a cautious short drive comprised of multiple firm brake pedal applications to dry wet brake pads and rotors, and to verify braking performance.