my Tesla Model S has a pulsating brake pedal when stopping what's wrong

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure vehicle is parked on a level surface and secure with wheel chocks.
• Wear appropriate safety gear (gloves, goggles).

2. Lift the Vehicle

• Use a hydraulic jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on which brakes are being serviced.
• Secure with jack stands.

3. Remove Wheel

• Use a socket set to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
• Store lug nuts in a safe place.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Inspection:
  • Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench.
  • Carefully lift the caliper and support it with a bungee cord (do not let it hang by the brake line).
  • Check the brake pads for wear; replace if less than 3mm thick.
• Replacement:
  • Remove old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  • Insert new brake pads into place ensuring correct orientation.

5. Inspect and Resurface or Replace Rotors

• Inspection:
  • Remove the rotor by taking off the caliper bracket.
  • Check for warping using a dial indicator or by visually inspecting for uneven surfaces.
• Resurfacing:
  • If rotors are within service limits, consider having them resurfaced.
• Replacement:
  • If damaged, replace with new rotors, ensuring they are properly torqued according to manufacturer specifications (typically 75-90 lb-ft).

6. Reassemble Components

• Reattach the caliper bracket and caliper.
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specifications (typically 100-120 lb-ft).

7. Final Checks

• Check brake fluid level and top off if necessary.
• Pump the brake pedal to ensure proper brake engagement before driving.