Clean and Lubricate Brake Calipers (Performance Brakes)
Correction code 33013365 (Wheels Removed) 0.90 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Procedure
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NoteIf the vehicle already has all four wheels removed for another service procedure, begin this procedure at step 4.
- Move the vehicle to a 2-post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
- Loosen the wheel lugnuts.
-
Raise the vehicle only
enough that the wheels no longer contact the floor.
NoteIf performing this procedure as a Mobile Service, chock opposing wheels to prevent rollaway, service the front calipers, and then service the rear calipers.
- Place the vehicle into EPB Service Mode. See Parking Brake - Caliper - Rear - LH (Release).
- Raise the vehicle to a working height.
-
Remove all four wheels. See
Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
NoteIf performing this procedure as a Mobile Service, service the front calipers, and then service the rear calipers.
- Turn the front wheel hubs to point fully right.
- Remove the bolt that attaches the jounce hose bracket to the front LH knuckle, and then remove the bracket from the knuckle.
-
Remove and discard the bolts (x2) that attach the front LH caliper to the
front LH knuckle, remove the caliper from the knuckle, and then hang the
caliper from an S-hook.
CAUTIONMake sure not to strain or kink the brake jounce hose.
- Use a caliper spreader to expand the brake pads and compress the pistons back into the front LH caliper.
-
Remove the brake pads from the front LH caliper.
CAUTIONKeep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
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Use a 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, and the brake pad edges and surfaces that
contact the caliper.
CAUTIONMake sure not to contaminate the friction material.
-
Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper lubricant to the
abutment flats in the front LH caliper.
CAUTIONMake 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.
CAUTIONDo not apply any lubricant to the back of the brake pads, and make sure not to contaminate the friction material.
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Install the brake pads into the front LH caliper.
CAUTIONDo not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the caliper.
-
Install the front LH caliper
onto the front LH knuckle, install new bolts (x2) to attach the caliper to
the knuckle, and then mark the bolt heads with a paint pen.
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Install the jounce hose
bracket onto the front LH knuckle, and then install the bolt that attaches
the bracket to the knuckle.
- 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.
- Turn the front wheel hubs to point fully left, and then repeat step 7 through 17 for the front RH caliper.
- Point the front wheel hubs to center.
- Use a brush and Tesla–approved brake cleaner to clean dirt and debris from the outside of the rear LH caliper connector and harness.
- Release the red retaining tab and disconnect the electrical harness from the rear LH caliper connector.
- Move the rear LH caliper outward to partially compress the caliper piston.
- Remove the cap from over the upper bolt that attaches the rear LH caliper to the rear LH carrier, and then remove the upper bolt.
-
Remove the lower bolt that attaches the rear LH caliper to the rear LH
carrier, remove the caliper from the carrier, and then hang the caliper from
an S-hook.
CAUTIONMake sure not to strain or kink the brake jounce hose.
-
Remove the brake pads from the rear LH caliper and rear LH carrier.
CAUTIONKeep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
- Remove the abutment springs/clips from the rear LH carrier.
-
Use the brush and Tesla–approved brake cleaner to clean the abutment flats,
the piston faces, the inner surfaces of the rear LH caliper and rear LH
carrier, the anti-rattle springs, the abutment springs/clips, and the brake
pad edges and surfaces that contact the caliper or carrier.
CAUTIONMake sure not to contaminate the friction material.
- Install the abutment springs/clips into the rear LH carrier.
-
Install the brake pads into the rear LH caliper and rear LH carrier.
CAUTIONDo not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the caliper and carrier.
-
Install the rear LH caliper
onto the rear LH carrier, install the lower bolt that attaches the caliper
to the carrier, and then mark the bolt head with a paint pen.CAUTIONTo prevent damage to the flexible brake hose, make sure that the brake hose can bend forward and does not make contact with the wheel arch liner when the vehicle is lowered.
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Install the upper bolt that
attaches the rear LH caliper to the rear LH carrier, mark the bolt head with
a paint pen, and then install the cap over the bolt.
- Connect the electrical harness to the rear LH caliper connector, fasten the red retaining tab, and then perform a push-pull-push check of the connection.
- Rotate the rear LH rotor 180 degrees, and then use the Tesla–approved brake cleaner to clean any debris from the rotor. Repeat.
- Repeat step 20 through 33 for the rear RH caliper.
- If the vehicle already had all four wheels removed for another service procedure, return to that procedure. Otherwise, continue to the next step of this procedure.
- Install all four wheels, and then lower the vehicle so that the wheels just contact the floor but do not support the weight of the vehicle. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
- On the vehicle touchscreen, touch and hold Park to disable EPB Service Mode.
- Disable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
- Lower the vehicle completely.
-
Final torque all wheel
lugnuts.
- Pump the brake pedal until firm.
- Remove the vehicle from the 2-post lift. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
- 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.