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2021 Model Y - Squealing Brakes & Uneven Pad Wear

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Kim L. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range

Hey everyone, I'm experiencing some concerning brake issues with my 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range. I've noticed a persistent squealing sound, especially at low speeds, and it's getting worse. It's not just when I'm braking hard; sometimes it even squeals lightly when I'm just cruising.

I recently took a look at the brake pads, and it seems like the inner pad on my front passenger wheel is significantly more worn than the outer pad. This makes me think I might have a sticking caliper or some other issue causing uneven wear. The car only has about 35,000 miles on it, which seems a bit early for major brake problems, especially with regen braking.

Has anyone else with a Model Y had similar issues with squealing or uneven pad wear? What was the fix? I'm trying to figure out if this is a common problem or if I just got unlucky. Any advice on what to check or what to tell the service center would be great.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:23 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Uneven brake pad wear and persistent squealing are common indicators of a problem within the brake caliper assembly or its associated hardware. For a 2021 Tesla Model Y, especially with only 35,000 miles, this suggests a mechanical issue rather than just normal wear, particularly given the use of regenerative braking.

Causes:

  1. Sticking Caliper Piston: The piston inside the caliper can seize or become sticky due to corrosion or dirt. This prevents it from retracting fully, causing constant pressure on one pad (often the inner pad) and leading to accelerated wear and squealing.
  2. Seized Caliper Slide Pins: The pins that allow the caliper to float and move freely can corrode or become dry. If they bind, the caliper cannot apply even pressure across both pads, resulting in uneven wear and noise.
  3. Worn or Damaged Brake Hardware: Clips, springs, or shims that hold the pads in place can be damaged, missing, or corroded, leading to improper pad seating, vibration, and noise.
  4. Lack of Maintenance: In regions with road salt or high humidity, Tesla brakes, due to less frequent use (thanks to regen braking), can be prone to corrosion on calipers and slide pins if not regularly inspected and serviced.

When to See a Shop: Uneven brake pad wear is a serious issue that can lead to reduced braking performance, premature component failure, and potentially dangerous situations. If you suspect a sticking caliper or significant uneven wear, have your Model Y inspected by a qualified technician immediately. Ignoring this can lead to complete brake failure, damage to the brake rotor, or even a wheel locking up.

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Visual Inspection: Safely lift the vehicle and remove the wheel. Visually inspect the caliper, slide pins, and brake pads. Look for signs of rust, uneven wear between the inner and outer pads, or any visible damage to the caliper or its mounting.
  2. Caliper Slide Pin Check: Remove the caliper from its mounting bracket. Check if the slide pins move smoothly in and out of their bores. If they are stiff or seized, they need to be cleaned and lubricated with appropriate high-temperature brake grease, or replaced if corroded.
  3. Piston Retraction Test: With the caliper off the rotor, carefully try to push the caliper piston back into its bore using a brake caliper tool. If it's very difficult, impossible, or retracts unevenly, the piston might be seized or sticky.
  4. Brake Service: A full brake service, including cleaning all components, lubricating slide pins, and potentially replacing pads and rotors, is often necessary to resolve these issues. While there are no specific OBD codes for mechanical brake wear, a shop might check for any related sensor faults if the issue is more complex.
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