Clean And Lubricate Brake Calipers (Performance Brakes) (Maintenance): Notes

Last modified: 31/05/2024 00:41:42

NOTE: See PERSONAL PROTECTION to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure.

Revision History:

2024-05-31: Added caution for correct rear brake hose installation.

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.

NOTE: Minimal corrosion, least aggressive to be effective

Courtesy of TESLA, INC.

NOTE: Maximum corrosion, escalate to most aggressive to be effective

Courtesy of TESLA, INC.

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.
CAUTION: 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.

Model S caliper shown, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y calipers similar

Courtesy of TESLA, INC.

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.