Tesla Model S: Bleed Procedure - One Caliper (Remove and Replace)

Warning: If the 12V power supply is disconnected, do not attempt to open any doors with door glass in closed position. Failure to follow this instruction could result in door glass shatter.

Note: Before disconnecting the 12V power supply, ensure that the driver's door window is fully open. Failure to follow this instruction could result in vehicle lockout.

Bleed

 Note: The bleed procedure requires bleeding through the outboard bleed nipple of each caliper, bleeding through the inboard bleed nipple, then bleeding through the outboard bleed nipple again.

Note: A pressure bleeder is required to properly bleed the brake system. Do not use a vacuum bleeder.

1. Remove the rear underhood apron (refer to procedure).
2. Disconnect 12V power.
   • Rear wheel drive (RWD): Refer to procedure.
   • Dual Motor: Refer to procedure.
3. Remove the road wheel (refer to procedure).
4. Clean the area surrounding the brake fluid reservoir cap, then remove the cap. Note: Place suitable absorbent material around the affected area to absorb any possible fluid spillage. Caution: If brake fluid is spilled on a painted surface, wash off immediately with clean water.
5. If the brake fluid is excessively dirty, use a syringe to remove the brake fluid from the reservoir.
6. Top off the brake fluid reservoir. Warning: Use the brake fluid specified in this manual only (General Information > Fluids and Capacities > Fluids). Warning: Use only new brake fluid from a sealed container. Do not reuse brake fluid.
7. Install the pressure bleeder on the reservoir. Fill the pressure bleeder with sufficient brake fluid to replace all fluid used during the bleed procedure. Warning: Use the brake fluid specified in this manual only (General Information > Fluids and Capacities > Fluids). Warning: Use only new brake fluid from a sealed container. Do not reuse brake fluid. Note: This procedure requires a significant amount of fluid. Make sure that the pressure bleeder reservoir is adequately filled before continuing.
8. Set the pressure bleeder to 30 PSI (2.07 bar).
9. Pressure bleed the affected caliper.
   1. Attach a brake bleed container to the outboard bleed nipple on the caliper.

      Note: Place suitable absorbent material around the affected area to absorb any possible fluid spillage.

      

   2. Loosen the bleed nipple one quarter turn counterclockwise.
   3. Tighten the bleed nipple once a flow of clean, air-free fluid is purged into the container (torque 17-20 Nm)
   4. Disconnect the bleed container and clean any brake fluid from the caliper.

   Caution: If brake fluid is spilled on a painted surface, wash off immediately with clean water.

10. Repeat step 9, using the inboard bleed nipple.

    

11. Repeat step 9, using the outboard bleed nipple a second time.

    

12. Leave the pressure bleeder attached to the reservoir.

13. Manually bleed the affected caliper.
    1. Attach a brake bleed container to the outboard bleed nipple on the caliper.

       Note: Place suitable absorbent material around the affected area to absorb any possible fluid spillage.

       

    2. Have an assistant press and hold the brake pedal. Note: Do not release the pedal until the bleed nipple is closed again.
    3. Loosen the bleed nipple one quarter turn counterclockwise.
    4. Tighten the bleed nipple (torque 17-20 Nm).
    5. Have the assistant release the pedal.
    6. Repeat steps 13b-13e 4 times.
    7. Disconnect the bleed container and clean any brake fluid from the caliper.

    Caution: If brake fluid is spilled on a painted surface, wash off immediately with clean water.

14. Repeat step 13, using the inboard bleed nipple.

    

15. Repeat step 13, using the outboard bleed nipple a second time.

    

16. Remove the pressure bleeder in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Caution: If brake fluid is spilled on a painted surface, wash off immediately with clean water.
17. Check the brake fluid level, and top off the fluid if required.
18. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
19. Reconnect 12V power.
20. Reinstall the road wheel.
21. Sit in the driver's seat and pump the brake pedal several times. Check for a short, firm travel when the brakes are applied. Note: If the brake pedal is soft, bleed the complete system (refer to procedure).
22. Perform a road test using a series of ABS-active stops and ensure proper brake pedal feel and performance.

Note: If the brake pedal is soft, bleed the complete system (refer to procedure).

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