A Guide to Aftermarket Brake Pads for the 2012-2016 Tesla Model S

Understanding Brake Pads and Your Model S

The 2012-2016 Tesla Model S relies heavily on regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the car and recharge the battery. This means the traditional disc brake pads are used far less often than in a gasoline-powered vehicle. While this leads to extremely long pad life—often over 100,000 miles—it creates a unique problem: the brake components can suffer from a lack of use. Rust can build up on rotors and pads, and caliper pins can seize, leading to noise and potential brake drag.

Symptoms of Failing Brake Pads

Even with infrequent use, brake pads will eventually need replacement. Here’s what to look and listen for:

• Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal is a common first sign. This can happen due to moisture or rust from sitting, but if it persists, it means the pads are worn. A grinding sound indicates the pads are completely worn out, and you are hearing metal-on-metal, which can damage the brake rotors.
• Vibration When Braking: If you feel a pulsing in the brake pedal or a vibration through the car when you brake, it could be a sign of warped rotors, often caused by worn pads or sticking calipers.
• Visible Thinness: You can sometimes see the brake pads through the wheels. New pads have a thickness of about 8-9mm. If they look to be 2-3mm thick, it's time for a replacement.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads

Many 2012-2016 Model S vehicles were originally equipped with high-quality Brembo brakes from the factory. When choosing an aftermarket replacement, you have several options that can match or change your car's braking feel, noise, and dust levels.

Brand Tiers

• Premium OEM-Equivalent Brands (Brembo, Akebono, TRW): These brands often supply original parts to car manufacturers. Choosing a ceramic pad from Brembo or Akebono will give you a factory-like performance with reliable, quiet stopping power. TRW is another trusted OEM supplier offering quality replacement options.
• Performance Brands (EBC Brakes, Hawk Performance, Powerstop): These brands are for owners looking to enhance braking performance. EBC offers different compounds like their RedStuff for low dust street performance or YellowStuff for more aggressive driving. Hawk pads are known for high-performance applications, providing excellent stopping power. Powerstop offers a good balance of performance and value, often in kits that include rotors.
• Value-Oriented Brands (Bosch, Centric, Dynamic Friction, Raybestos): These brands provide reliable, budget-friendly options that meet or exceed standard OEM quality. A ceramic pad from Bosch or Centric is a solid choice for daily driving, offering low noise and dust at a good price point.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

For the 2012-2016 Model S, there was a recall on certain 2016 models for the electric parking brake (EPB) calipers, which could have an improperly manufactured internal gear (Recall SB-17-33-002). This could prevent the parking brake from holding or releasing properly. While this recall was for the caliper, not the pads, it's important to be aware of the system's history. There are no major recalls or widespread TSBs specifically for the brake pads themselves, as wear is minimal. Most service actions relate to cleaning and lubricating brake components due to lack of use.

Installation Considerations

Replacing brake pads on a Model S is more complex than on a standard car due to the electronic parking brake (EPB). To replace the rear pads, the EPB must be put into a special "Service Mode" using the vehicle's touchscreen or specific software. Failure to do this can damage the caliper motors. The front brakes on many models are a Brembo fixed-caliper design, which is more straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions