Tired of those annoying squeaks every time you hit the brakes in your Tesla? You're not alone! While Teslas are known for their advanced regenerative braking system, which often means less reliance on traditional friction brakes, they can still develop squeaks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common causes and step-by-step solutions to silence those noisy brakes. Let's get started! ️
Step 1: Identify the Type of Squeak and Its Cause ️
Before you dive into fixing the problem, it's crucial to understand why your Tesla's brakes are squeaking. Different sounds can indicate different issues.
 |
| How To Fix Squeaky Tesla Brakes |
Understanding Common Brake Noises:
High-pitched screeching sound when lightly applying brakes: This often points to worn brake pads or an accumulation of brake dust on the rotors.
Squeaking sound when pressing down on the brake pedal or when braking: This could be due to brake pad vibrations or a lack of lubricant on brake system components.
Metal-on-metal grinding or scraping noise: This is a more serious indication of excessively worn or broken brake components, potentially meaning your brake pads are completely worn down, and the backing plate is grinding against the rotor. This requires immediate attention!
Scraping sound after a car wash or in wet weather: This is often due to moisture or surface rust on the rotors, which usually resolves after a few braking applications.
Groaning, grinding, or scraping sound from the wheels/brakes while driving (even at low speeds): This is likely a rock or debris stuck between the brake rotor and the brake shield.
Initial Visual Inspection:
Give your wheels a quick glance. Look for any visible debris stuck around the brakes.
Check your Tesla app for service alerts. This might provide insights into brake pad wear or other issues.
Inspect the brake pads and rotors. Look for signs of uneven wear, scoring, or if the pads appear thin.
Step 2: Address Common Squeak Causes
Once you have a better idea of the potential cause, you can proceed with the appropriate solution. Remember, safety first! Always ensure your vehicle is on a flat, stable surface and properly supported if you're working underneath it or removing wheels.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Sub-heading: Clearing Debris and Brake Dust
What you'll need:
Compressed air or a Tesla-approved brake cleaner
Clean shop towels
Gloves
Jack and jack stands (if removing wheels)
Wheel lug nut wrench
Procedure:
Shift into Park.
If equipped, remove the aero cover from the wheel.
If you suspect a rock or debris is stuck, with a gloved hand, carefully push on the top, sides, and bottom of the brake shield until the rock or debris falls out. CAUTION: Avoid using tools that could damage the brake shield.
If the issue is likely brake dust buildup, use compressed air or a Tesla-approved brake cleaner to clean the brake components, specifically the brake rotors and pads. Follow the cleaner's instructions carefully.
Wipe away any excess cleaner or loosened dust with clean shop towels.
Reinstall the aero cover if removed.
Test drive slowly in a safe area, alternating between Drive and Reverse a few times to see if the noise is gone.
Sub-heading: Lubricating Brake Caliper Pins and Abutment Flats
Why it's important: If the brake caliper pins aren't well-lubricated, the brake pads can stick, leading to squeaking. Proper lubrication ensures the brake pads glide smoothly.
What you'll need:
Tesla-approved brake caliper lubricant (high-temperature brake grease)
Brush
Tesla-approved brake cleaner
Clean shop towels
Jack and jack stands
Wheel lug nut wrench
Caliper spreader (optional, but helpful)
S-hook (to hang the caliper)
Procedure (This is a more involved process and may be best left to a professional if you're not comfortable):
Safety First: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and put the car in EPB Service Mode via the touchscreen. Loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly.
Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Remove all four wheels.
Remove the bolts that attach the brake caliper to the knuckle and carefully remove the caliper. CAUTION: Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose; use an S-hook to support it.
Use a caliper spreader to push the pistons back into the caliper (this makes it easier to remove pads).
Remove the brake pads. Keep them organized as they wear to their specific position.
Clean thoroughly: Use a brush and Tesla-approved brake cleaner to clean the abutment flats, piston faces, inner surfaces of the caliper, retaining pins, anti-rattle springs, and the edges of the brake pads that contact the caliper. CAUTION: Do not contaminate the friction material of the brake pads.
Apply lubricant sparingly:
Apply a thin layer of Tesla-approved brake caliper lubricant to the abutment flats in the caliper. CAUTION: Do not contaminate piston seals or any rubber components.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the brake pad edges that contact the abutment flats. CAUTION: Do not apply lubricant to the back of the brake pads or contaminate the friction material.
Install the brake pads back into the caliper, ensuring they are in their original positions.
Install the caliper onto the knuckle with new bolts (if required) and torque them to specification.
Clean any lubricant or debris from the rotor using a Tesla-approved brake cleaner.
Repeat for all other wheels.
Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle.
Exit EPB Service Mode.
Bed in the new lubrication/pads (see Step 3).
Sub-heading: Addressing Surface Rust and Infrequent Braking
Problem: Teslas use regenerative braking extensively, meaning the friction brakes are used less often. This can lead to surface rust buildup on rotors, especially in wet or humid climates, causing squeaking.
Solution: Simply use your mechanical brakes more often! Tesla recommends frequently pressing the brake pedal to apply the mechanical brakes, which helps dry the brake pads and rotors and prevent rust and corrosion. A few firm stops from a moderate speed should clear up any surface rust.
Step 3: Bedding In Your Tesla Brakes (or Re-Bedding)
"Brake bedding" or "burnishing" is a crucial process, especially after cleaning, lubricating, or replacing brake pads and rotors. It helps transfer a thin, even layer of brake pad material onto the rotor, which is essential for optimal braking performance and to reduce noise. Teslas often have a specific "Brake Burnishing Mode" or "Brake Bedding" procedure accessible through the car's service menu.
Procedure (General, always refer to your Tesla's specific manual or service menu for exact instructions):
Find a safe, unpopulated area with ample room to accelerate and decelerate.
Enable Brake Burnishing Mode (if available) through your Tesla's touchscreen service menu. This will often disable regenerative braking temporarily, which is important for this process.
Accelerate to 45-55 mph (70-90 km/h).
Apply gentle to moderate braking pressure to decelerate smoothly down to about 10 mph (15 km/h). Crucially, do NOT come to a complete stop during these cycles, as this can transfer uneven pad material to the rotor and cause juddering later.
Release the brakes and accelerate again immediately.
Repeat this cycle approximately 6-10 times, allowing for a short cool-down period (around 30-60 seconds) between each braking application. This helps gradually heat the brakes.
After the cycles, drive normally for a few minutes without heavy braking to allow the brakes to cool down completely.
Exit Brake Burnishing Mode.
Step 4: When to Seek Professional Help
If you've tried the above steps and your Tesla's brakes are still squeaking, or if you experience any of the following, it's best to contact a Tesla Service Center or a Tesla-approved independent repair shop:
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Persistent loud squealing or grinding noises that don't go away.
The brake pedal feels soft or "mushy."
The car shakes or the brake pedal vibrates when you brake.
Warning lights related to the brakes appear on your dashboard.
You notice uneven brake pad wear or deep scoring on the rotors.
You are uncomfortable performing the DIY steps, especially those involving removing the wheels and calipers.
Tesla Service Centers can diagnose the precise issue using their specialized tools and expertise. They can also perform necessary maintenance like brake fluid health checks (recommended every 4 years or if heavy usage occurs) and annual brake caliper cleaning and lubrication, especially in areas with salted winter roads.
FAQ: How to Fix Squeaky Tesla Brakes
How to identify if my Tesla's brake pads are worn?
You can visually inspect them for thinning, or if you hear a high-pitched screeching when lightly applying the brakes, it might indicate wear. Your Tesla app may also provide service alerts.
How to clean brake dust from Tesla brakes?
You can use compressed air or a Tesla-approved brake cleaner and a brush to clean the brake pads, rotors, and caliper components.
How to lubricate Tesla brake calipers?
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
This involves removing the wheel and caliper, cleaning the abutment flats and pad edges, and then applying a thin layer of Tesla-approved high-temperature brake caliper lubricant to these contact points.
How to "bed in" new Tesla brakes or re-bed existing ones?
Drive to a safe, open area, accelerate to 45-55 mph, and then gently brake down to 10 mph without stopping completely. Repeat this 6-10 times with cool-down periods in between. Some Teslas have a "Brake Burnishing Mode" in the service menu.
How to prevent Tesla brakes from squeaking due to rust?
Regularly use your mechanical brakes, especially in wet or humid conditions, by applying the brake pedal firmly from time to time.
How to check my Tesla's brake fluid level?
Tesla recommends having brake fluid health checks every 4 years, and replacement if necessary. This is generally a service center task.
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
How to know if I need new brake pads for my Tesla?
If you hear a persistent high-pitched squealing, feel reduced braking performance, or visually confirm the pads are very thin, it's likely time for replacement.
How to remove a rock from a Tesla brake shield?
Shift to park, remove the aero cover (if applicable), and with a gloved hand, gently push on the top, sides, and bottom of the brake shield until the rock or debris falls out.
How to access Tesla's Brake Burnishing Mode?
This mode is typically found within the service menu on your Tesla's touchscreen. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact steps to navigate to it.
How to find a Tesla-approved service center for brake issues?
You can locate a Tesla Service Center or Tesla-approved collision center through the Tesla website or your Tesla mobile app under the "Service" section.
For more visual guidance on brake maintenance, you can check out this video:
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
