Tesla Model 3: Brake Fluid Bleed / Flush

SPECIAL TOOLS

Brake System Servicing Equipment (1054715-01-A)

 Flare nut crowfoot set (1079041-00-A)

Adapter, Brake Bleeder, PowerProbe TS04 (1080578-00-B)

Catch Bottle (1086618-01-A)

Procedure

Caution: Brake fluid dissolves paint. Have clean towels and plenty of water standing by to wash spilled brake fluid off painted surfaces.

Note:  Dispose of used brake fluid in a manner consistent with local environmental codes.

1. Review the bleeder service tool profile.
2. Raise the vehicle and remove all four wheels. See Wheel (Remove and Install).
3. Lower the vehicle to a working height.
4. Connect the vehicle to Toolbox 3.
5. In Toolbox, type "bleed" into the search field and click Actions.
6. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
7. Clean the area around the brake fluid reservoir breather cap and remove the cap.
8. Add clean brake fluid to the MAX level in the reservoir.
9. Attach the pressure cap to the reservoir.
10. Set the pressure to 30 PSI.
11. Bleed the front LH brake caliper first.
12. Remove the caliper outer bleed valve cap and attach the catch bottle to the valve.

Note: Hang the bottle by the wire hook, not by the hose.

13. In Toolbox, start the task for the particular caliper.

• For the front LH and rear RH calipers, run PROC_ESP_FRONT-L-REAR-R_BRAKE_BLEED.
• For the front RH and rear LH calipers, run PROC_ESP_FRONT-R-REAR-L_BRAKE_BLEED.

14. Open the outer bleed valve and watch the fluid as it flows out of the caliper.
15. Use the crowfoot extension to close the bleed valve when the pump stops, or when clean fluid without bubbles flows out of the caliper.
16. Make sure that the reservoir does not go empty, or that the catch bottle does not overfill.

Note: If the reservoir goes empty, you must refill the reservoir and repeat the entire procedure from step 9.

17. Repeat step 13 through step 16 until clean fluid without bubbles flows out of the caliper.
18. Remove the catch bottle and install the bleed valve cap.
19. Repeat step 12 through step 18 for the inner bleed valve, and again for the outer bleed valve.
20. Tighten the bleed valves. Torque 18.5 Nm
21. Refill the reservoir to MAX, and properly dispose of the catch bottle contents.
22. Repeat step 12 through step 21 for the front RH brake caliper.
23. Bleed the rear RH brake caliper next.
24. Remove the caliper bleed valve cap and attach the catch bottle to the valve.

Note: Hang the bottle by the wire hook, not by the hose.

25. In Toolbox, start the task for the particular caliper.

• For the front LH and rear RH calipers, run PROC_ESP_FRONT-L-REAR-R_BRAKE_BLEED.
• For the front RH and rear LH calipers, run PROC_ESP_FRONT-R-REAR-L_BRAKE_BLEED.

26. Open the bleed valve and watch the fluid as it flows out of the caliper.
27. Use the crowfoot extension to close the bleed valve when the pump stops, or when clean fluid without bubbles flows out of the caliper.
28. Make sure that the reservoir does not go empty, or that the catch bottle does not overfill.

Note: If the reservoir goes empty, you must refill the reservoir and repeat the entire procedure from step 9

29. Repeat step 25 through step 28 until clean fluid without bubbles flows out of the caliper.
30. Remove the catch bottle and install the bleed valve cap.
31. Tighten the bleed valve as follows: Torque Brembo Rear Caliper 14 Nm Torque Mando Rear Caliper 10 Nm
32. Refill the reservoir to MAX, and properly dispose of the catch bottle contents.
33. Repeat step 24 through step 32 for the rear LH brake caliper.
34. Remove the pressure cap from the reservoir and install the breather cap.
35. Press the brake pedal several times to verify proper feel and action.
36. In Toolbox, type "stiffness" into the search field and click Actions.
37. Run the IBST Stiffness Test - Burnished - Pressure test.
38. If the Pressure_P100 value in the test results is less than 55 bar, repeat the bleed procedure from step 5.
39. Install all four wheels and lower the vehicle. See Wheel (Remove and Install).
40. Repeatedly press the brake pedal until firm.
41. Perform a road test using a series of panic stops to make sure there is proper pedal feel and brake performance.

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