2025-02-10

Clean And Lubricate Brake Calipers (Non-Performance Brakes)

Correction code 33013345 FRT 1.38 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.

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Warning
Wear respiratory protective equipment in addition to standard personal protective equipment when servicing brake components.
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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.
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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 effective. Maximum corrosion, escalate to most aggressive to be effective. 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.

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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
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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.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications: Clean And Lubricate Brake Calipers (Non-Performance Brakes)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Bolt that attaches the LH front brake hose bracket to the knuckle
5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft)
  • 10 mm socket
 Reuse
Bolts (x2) that attach the LH front brake caliper to the LH front knuckle
94 Nm (69.3 lbs-ft)
  • External Torx E18
 Replace 1088969-00-B
Bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper to the LH rear brake caliper bracket
26.5 Nm (19.5 lbs-ft)
  • 14 mm socket
 Reuse
Bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper bracket to the LH rear knuckle
83 Nm (61.2 lbs-ft)
  • External Torx E18
 Replace 1088969-00-B

Procedure

  1. Place the vehicle on the 2-post lift.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Ensure the vehicle is not charging.
  2. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  3. Enable the EPB Service Mode.
    1. Place the vehicle in Service Mode by using the touchscreen. See Service Mode.
    2. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway (Unlock).
    3. While holding the brake pedal, tap the Service Mode "wrench" at the bottom of the touchscreen UI, and then tap Chassis > Brakes > EPB Service Mode, select Both in the EPB Selection dropping list, and select Start in the Action Selection dropping list. Click Run, and allow the routine to complete.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The EPB Selection field can also be selected as Left/Right as needed.
  4. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  5. Place absorbent material underneath the brake fluid reservoir.
  6. Clean the area around the brake fluid reservoir and remove the brake reservoir cap.
  7. Remove all the four wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  8. Remove the bolt that attaches the LH front brake hose bracket to the knuckle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
  9. Remove and discard the bolts (x2) that attach the LH front brake caliper to the LH front knuckle, and then hang the caliper off to a firm part beside with an S-hook.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Preferentially use S-hook 1082171-10-A. If 1082171-10-A is not available, use 1082171-00-A instead.
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    Note
    S-hook 1082171-10-A can only be hung on metal parts.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E18
  10. Use the Brake Caliper Spreader to spread the brake pads as wide as possible to push the piston into a position for easy installation.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 1134786-00-A - Brake Caliper Spreader M3
  11. Move the brake pads (x2) towards the middle of the caliper to release them from the retaining pins.
  12. Remove and clean the LH front brake caliper anti-rattle spring.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use soapy water or brake cleaner as needed, and allow 1 minute to dry after clean.
  13. Clean the LH front brake caliper.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use nylon brush and brake cleaner as needed, and allow 1 minute to dry after clean.
  14. Remove the LH front brake rotor. See Calipers and Pads - Front Brake Rotor - LH (Remove and Replace).
  15. Inspect the brake rotor for debris.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect the inner and outer rotor vents and the surface for excess debris. Clean any debris from the rotor if present. Ensure the rotor mating surface to hub is clean on inside and outside surface.
  16. Install the LH front brake rotor. See Calipers and Pads - Front Brake Rotor - LH (Remove and Replace).
  17. Apply an even layer of Silaramic lubricant onto the LH brake pad guide contact points.
  18. Install the LH front brake caliper anti-rattle spring.
  19. Install the brake pads (x2) into the caliper and secure them into the retaining pins.
  20. Install new bolts (x2) that attach the LH front brake caliper to the LH front knuckle.
    94 Nm (69.3 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E18
  21. Install the bolt that attaches the LH front brake hose bracket to the knuckle.
    5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
  22. Repeat step 8 to step 21 for the RH 14 mm socketfront brake.
  23. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper to the LH rear brake caliper bracket.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 14 mm socket
  24. Use the Brake Caliper Spreader to spread the brake pads as wide as possible to push the piston into a position for easy installation.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure the up cut of the piston is placed in the middle of the two tabs.
  25. Remove the LH rear brake caliper and hang it off to a firm part beside with an S-hook.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Preferentially use S-hook 1082171-10-A. If 1082171-10-A is not available, use 1082171-00-A instead.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    S-hook 1082171-10-A can only be hung on metal parts.
  26. Remove the LH rear brake pads (x2) from the LH rear brake caliper bracket.
  27. Remove and clean the LH rear brake caliper bracket abutment clips (x4), and allow 1 minute to dry.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use nylon brush and brake cleaner as needed.
  28. Clean the LH rear brake caliper bracket abutment clips (x4) with soapy water or brake cleaner.
  29. Remove and discard the bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper bracket to the LH rear knuckle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E18
  30. Remove the LH rear brake rotor. See Brake Rotor - Rear - Base - LH (Remove and Replace).
  31. Inspect the brake rotor for debris.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Inspect the inner and outer rotor vents and the surface for excess debris. Clean any debris from the rotor if present. Ensure the rotor mating surface to hub is clean on inside and outside surface.
  32. Install the LH rear brake rotor. See Brake Rotor - Rear - Base - LH (Remove and Replace).
  33. Install new bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper bracket to the LH rear knuckle.
    83 Nm (61.2 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E18
  34. Install the LH rear brake caliper bracket abutment clips (x4).
  35. Apply an even layer of Silaramic lubricant to the top and the bottom of the LH brake pad contact points.
  36. Install the LH rear brake pads (x2) onto the LH rear brake caliper bracket.
  37. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper to the LH rear brake caliper bracket.
    26.5 Nm (19.5 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the brake pad kit is reused, apply Loctite 222 to the bolts and reinstall. If the brake pad kit is replaced, discard the old bolts and use the bolts that come with the new kit.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 14 mm socket
  38. Repeat step 23 to step 37 for the RH rear brake.
  39. Install all the four wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  40. Check the brake fluid level and top off if necessary.
  41. Install the brake reservoir cap.
  42. Remove the absorbent material from underneath the brake fluid reservoir.
  43. Press the brake pedal several times to verify proper feel and action.
  44. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Chassis > Brakes > EPB Service Mode, select Both in the EPB Selection dropping list, and select Stop in the Action Selection dropping list. Click Run, and allow the routine to complete.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The EPB Selection field can also be selected as Left/Right as needed.
  45. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  46. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  47. Remove the vehicle from the lift.
  48. Perform one of the following:
    • If the brake pads were not replaced in this procedure, perform a road test using a series of aggressive stops and make sure that there is proper brake pedal feel and brake performance.
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      Note
      Add test drive correction code 00040100 as a separate activity to the Service Visit.
    • If the brake pads were replaced in this procedure, perform the brake pad burnishing procedure. See Brake Pads - Burnishing.
      Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
      Note
      Add the correction code for brake pad burnishing 33013000 as a separate activity to the Service Visit.