2026-06-12

Clean and Lubricate Brake Calipers (Non-Performance Brakes)

Correction code 33013345 (Wheels Removed) 0.66 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. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-06-09: Updated procedure to align with wheels already removed and to match latest PDS procedure update.
  • 2026-02-19: Added a warning.
  • 2025-12-03: Clarified instructions for corrosion removal.
  • 2024-05-28: Updated references and cautions.
  • 2024-01-25: Replaced Transport/Tow Mode steps with EPB Service Mode steps.
  • 2023-05-17: Added Mobile Service notes to chock opposing wheels, service the front calipers, and then service the rear calipers.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Wear respiratory protective equipment in addition to standard personal protective equipment when servicing brake components.
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Warning
During installation of the brake caliper, make sure that the flexible brake hose is not twisted and can bend forward. The flexible brake hose must not make contact with the wheel arch liner when the vehicle is lowered.
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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.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
This procedure describes a service performed when all four wheels have already been removed for another service, such as a winter tire to summer tire swap. If this procedure is to be performed standalone, then add the correction code 34012501 Wheels - Vehicle - Set (Remove & Install) to the Activity.
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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.
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Note
Replace retaining pins, anti-rattle springs, abutment springs/clips, shims, and bolts that are excessively corroded.

Procedure

  1. Enable EPB Service Mode. See Parking Brake - Caliper - Rear - LH (Release).
  2. Open the hood.
  3. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  4. Put absorbent material underneath the brake fluid reservoir.
  5. Clean the area around the brake fluid reservoir and remove the brake reservoir cap.
  6. Use the appropriate pin punch to remove the retaining pins and anti-rattle spring from the front LH caliper.
  7. Use a caliper spreader to expand the brake pads and compress the pistons back into the front LH caliper.
  8. Remove the brake pads from the front LH caliper.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Keep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the brake pads are seized to the caliper, use a brake pad puller. If the brake pad puller is ineffective, use a manual hammer and pin punch to remove the retaining pins from the calipers before escalating to an air hammer a with blunt chisel tip. Use the air hammer where the retaining pins pass through the brake pads..
  9. Use a nylon brush and Tesla–approved brake cleaner to clean the abutment flats, the piston faces, the inner surfaces of the front LH caliper, the retaining pins, the anti-rattle springs, the abutment springs/clips, and the brake pad edges and surfaces that contact the caliper.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Make sure not to contaminate the friction material.
    Figure 1. Abutment flats
    Figure 2. Anti-rattle spring
  10. If corrosion is present on the abutment flats and the nylon brush does not clean the brake calipers, use a wire brush. If the wire brush is ineffective, proceed down the following list of tools:
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Only proceed to the next tool if the current tool does not remove the corrosion.
    1. Wire brush
    2. Brake file
      Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
      CAUTION
      Do not use enough force to remove any coating or metal from the caliper or carrier. If 3–4 firm strokes do not remove the corrosion, proceed to the next tool.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Use the brake file in single, forward strokes.
    Figure 3. Model S caliper shown, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y calipers similar
  11. Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper lubricant to the abutment flats in the front LH caliper.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Make sure not to contaminate the piston seals or any rubber components of the caliper.
  12. Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper lubricant to the brake pad edges that contact the abutment flats.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not apply any lubricant to the back of the brake pads, and make sure not to contaminate the friction material.
  13. Install the brake pads into the front LH caliper.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the caliper.
  14. Use the appropriate pin punch to install the anti-rattle spring and retaining pins into the front LH caliper.
  15. Rotate the front LH rotor 180 degrees, and then use the Tesla-approved brake cleaner to clean any lubricant or debris from the rotor. Repeat.
  16. Turn the front wheel hubs to point fully left, and then repeat step 6 through 15 for the front RH caliper.
  17. Point the front wheel hubs to center.
  18. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the rear LH caliper to the rear LH carrier, remove the caliper from the carrier, and then hang the caliper from an S-hook.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Make sure not to strain or kink the brake jounce hose.
    Figure 4. Remove bolts
    Figure 5. Hang caliper
  19. Remove the brake pads from the LH rear brake caliper bracket.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Keep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
  20. Use the caliper spreader to compress the piston into the rear LH caliper.
  21. Use a brush and brake cleaner to clean the abutment clips, the piston face, and the inner surfaces of the caliper springs.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Visually inspect the abutment spring/clips for corrosion or damage, and replace as needed.
  22. Inspect and clean the brake rotor.
  23. Clean and lubricate the LH rear brake pads.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Clean any debris with a hand brush.Apply Silaramic lubricant on metal edges of the brake pads only.
  24. Install the brake pads into the rear LH carrier.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the carrier.
  25. Install the rear LH caliper onto the rear LH carrier, and then install the bolts (x2) that attach the caliper to the carrier.
    26 Nm (19.2 lbs-ft)
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    During installation of the brake caliper, make sure that the flexible brake hose is not twisted and can bend forward. The flexible brake hose must not make contact with the wheel arch liner when the vehicle is lowered.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the bolt heads have become deformed, replace the bolts.
  26. Repeat step 18 through 25 for the rear RH caliper.
  27. On the vehicle touchscreen, touch and hold Park to disable EPB Service Mode.
  28. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  29. Press the brake pedal several times to verify proper feel and action.
  30. Check the brake fluid level and top off if necessary.
  31. Install the brake reservoir cap.
  32. Remove the absorbent material from underneath the brake fluid reservoir.
  33. After service to the vehicle is complete, perform a test drive and make sure that proper brake pedal feel and brake performance is achieved.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Add the correction code for the post-repair validation test drive 00040100 as a separate activity to the Service Visit.