Tesla Model S: Bleed Procedure - System (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. Position the vehicle on a lift but do not lift it at this time.
2. If equipped, remove the lug nut covers.
3. Initially loosen all lug nuts (x20) by hand (torque 175 Nm). Caution: Do not use an impact wrench to loosen the lug nuts.
4. Disconnect 12V power.
   • Rear wheel drive (RWD): Refer to procedure.
   • Dual Motor: Refer to procedure.
5. 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.
6. If the brake fluid is excessively dirty, use a syringe to remove the brake fluid from the reservoir.
7. 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.
8. Fill the pressure bleeder reservoir completely. 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. Fill the pressure bleeder reservoir completely before continuing.
9. Install the pressure bleeder on the reservoir.
10. Set the pressure bleeder to 30 PSI (2.07 bar).

11. Remove the road wheels (refer to procedure).
12. Pressure bleed the left front 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 18 Nm). Caution: If brake fluid is spilled on a painted surface, wash off immediately with clean water.
    4. Disconnect the bleed container and clean any brake fluid from the caliper.
    5. Repeat the pressure bleed procedure on the inboard bleed nipple.

       

    6. Repeat the pressure bleed procedure on the outboard bleed nipple a second time.

       

13. Repeat step 12 on the right front caliper.
14. Repeat step 12 on the right rear caliper.
15. Repeat step 12 on the left rear caliper.
16. Leave the pressure bleeder attached to the reservoir.

17. Manually bleed the left front 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 18 Nm).
    5. Have the assistant release the pedal.
    6. Repeat steps 17b-17e 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.
    8. Repeat the manual bleed procedure on the inboard bleed nipple.

       

    9. Repeat the manual bleed procedure on the outboard bleed nipple a second time.

       

18. Repeat step 17 on the right front caliper.
19. Repeat step 17 on the right rear caliper.
20. Repeat step 17 on the left rear caliper.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. 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.
23. Check the brake fluid level, and top off the fluid if required.
24. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
25. Reconnect 12V power.
26. Reinstall the road wheels.
27. Sit in the driver's seat and pump the brake pedal several times. Check for a short, firm travel when the brakes are applied. If the brake pedal feel is not firm, refill the bleeder tank, then repeat the bleed procedure.
28. Reinstall all components that were removed for access.
29. Perform a road test using a series of ABS-active stops and ensure proper brake pedal feel and performance. If the brake pedal feel is not firm, refill the bleeder tank, then repeat the bleed procedure.

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