Quick answer: Front Brake Pad Replacement on a 2012–2015 Tesla Model S is rated Moderate and takes about 1–2 hours. You'll need 8 tools for this job, and parts cost about $109. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Front brake pad set (correct application for 2012–2015 Tesla Model S) |
— |
$67.00 |
|
| Front brake hardware kit |
— |
$20.00 |
|
| Brake parts cleaner |
— |
$7.00 |
|
| Brake caliper grease |
— |
$15.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Park, enable Jack Mode, and chock the wheels
Park the Model S on level ground, shift to Park, and enable Jack Mode through the menu so the air suspension can't self-level while lifted. Chock both rear wheels; without it, the suspension can shift the car off the jack.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
Jack Mode isn't optional on these — I've heard of a Model S walking right off a jack when the air suspension leveled itself. Enable it before the jack ever touches the car, and don't disable it until the wheels are back on the ground.
2
Loosen the front lug nuts and lift the car
Break the lug nuts loose half a turn on the ground. Lift at the front jack point with a pad for the battery-pack rail and set the car on a stand. Shake firmly to confirm stability.
3
Remove the wheel and inspect the brake assembly
Remove the wheel to expose the large front caliper. Check pad thickness on both sides and inspect the rotor for scoring or rust ridges. Regen braking does most of the stopping, so pads can corrode from disuse — inspect carefully.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
Because regen does most of the braking, these pads corrode more than they wear — I check for rust ridges on the rotor even when the pads look thick, because I've seen a rusty rotor eat new pads fast.
4
Unbolt the caliper and support it
Remove the two caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor. Hang it from the suspension with wire or a bungee — never by the brake hose. Note the positions of pads, shims, and wear-sensor wiring before removing them.
5
Remove the old pads and clean the bracket
Slide the worn pads out of the bracket and remove the old hardware clips. Clean rust and brake dust from the bracket channels where the pad ears slide — smooth surfaces keep the new pads from dragging.
6
Compress the caliper piston
Press the piston into the bore with a compressor or C-clamp over a pad, keeping it square. Check the reservoir under the trunk; remove fluid if it's at the brim. It must retract to fit the caliper over the pads.
7
Install the new pads with fresh hardware
Install the new hardware clips and grease the pad ears and caliper contact points sparingly — keep grease off the friction surfaces. Slide the pads in matching the old orientation, and reconnect any wear-sensor wiring exactly as it was routed.
8
Reinstall the caliper and wheel
Slide the caliper over the pads and rotor and tighten the caliper bolts. Mount the wheel, run the lugs down in a star pattern, lower the car, and torque them. Disable Jack Mode on the ground.
9
Restore pedal feel and road-test
With the car in Park, press the brake pedal several times until firm and high. Take a careful low-speed test drive first, confirming the car stops straight with no grinding or pulling. Make several moderate stops to bed the pads.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Forgetting Jack Mode, allowing the suspension to self-level the car off the jack.
- • Letting the heavy caliper hang by the brake hose.
- • Getting brake grease on the pad friction surface, which ruins stopping power.
- • Reusing corroded hardware clips so the new pads drag and wear unevenly.
- • Skipping the pedal-pump step and discovering a soft pedal in traffic.
