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.
- 2026-02-10: Added Caution that this procedure cannot be applied to Hitachi front brakes (front brake calipers with part numbers 1188623-00-B and 1188624-00-B).
- 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.
Procedure
- Enable EPB Service Mode. See Parking Brake - Caliper - Rear - LH (Release).
- open the hood.
- Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
- Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See Assembly - Filter - HEPA (Remove and Replace).
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Put absorbent material underneath the
brake fluid reservoir.
- Clean the area around the brake fluid reservoir and remove the brake reservoir cap.
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Remove the bolt that attaches the
jounce hose bracket to the front LH knuckle, and then remove the bracket from the
knuckle.
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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.
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Remove the brake pads from the front
LH caliper.
CAUTIONKeep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.NoteIf 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..
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Inspect and clean the brake rotor.
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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.
Figure 1. Abutment flats Figure 2. Retaining pins and anti-rattle springs -
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.
94 Nm (69.3 lbs-ft) -
Install the jounce hose bracket onto
the front LH knuckle, and then install the bolt that attaches the bracket to the
knuckle.
5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft) - Repeat step 7 through 16 for the front RH caliper.
- Point the front wheel hubs to center.
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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.
CAUTIONMake sure not to strain or kink the brake jounce hose.
Figure 3. Remove bolts Figure 4. Hang caliper -
Remove the brake pads from the LH rear
brake caliper bracket.
CAUTIONKeep the inboard pad and the outboard pad separate and organized.
-
Use the caliper spreader to compress
the piston into the rear LH caliper.
-
Use a brush and brake cleaner to clean
the abutment clips, the piston face, and the inner surfaces of the caliper
springs.
NoteVisually inspect the abutment spring/clips for corrosion or damage, and replace as needed.
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Inspect and clean the brake rotor.
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Clean and lubricate the LH rear brake pads.
NoteClean any debris with a hand brush.Apply Silaramic lubricant on metal edges of the brake pads only.
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Install the brake pads into the rear
LH carrier.
CAUTIONDo not mix brake pads, as they have worn specifically to their respective position within the carrier.
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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)WarningDuring 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.NoteIf the bolt heads have become deformed, replace the bolts. - Repeat step 19 through 26 for the rear RH caliper.
- On the vehicle touchscreen, touch and hold Park to disable EPB Service Mode.
- Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
- Press the brake pedal several times to verify proper feel and action.
- Check the brake fluid level and top off if necessary.
- Install the brake reservoir cap.
- Remove the absorbent material from underneath the brake fluid reservoir.
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After service to the vehicle is complete, perform a test drive and make sure that
proper brake pedal feel and brake performance is achieved.
NoteAdd the correction code for the post-repair validation test drive 00040100 as a separate activity to the Service Visit.