Clean and lubricate brake calipers every year?

[cbr1000]

I don't own a Cybertruck, or a Tesla. I've been car shopping forever like many here (reserve for years). I feel like I'm getting closer to making a decision and was comparing the Cybertruck routine maintenance with other vehicles.

I looked online and didn't find a good answer. I'm wondering why the Cybertruck owners manual recommends annual caliper greasing when living in an area with salted roads.

Is there something specific with the Cybertruck brake system that requires yearly service? I can't imagine there would be, but wanted to double check by asking here. None of the other vehicles I own have ever needed annual brake grease, and a friend of mine with a Tesla that lives in the area has never done this service to his Y. Our roads are salted during the winter.

Copy from the Cybertruck manual:


Maintenance Service Intervals
Service Intervals
Tesla recommends the following maintenance items and intervals, as applicable to your vehicle, to ensure continued reliability and efficiency of your Cybertruck.
For additional information on vehicle alerts, see Troubleshooting Alerts.

• Brake fluid health check every 4 years (replace if necessary)*.
• A/C desiccant bag replacement every 8 years.
• HEPA filter replacement every 2 years, or every year in cases of off-road/dirt road driving.
• Clean and lubricate brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where roads are salted during winter.
• Rotate tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or greater, whichever comes first.

*Heavy brake usage due to towing, mountain descents, or performance driving -- especially for vehicles in hot and humid environments -- may necessitate more frequent brake fluid checks and replacements.

Sponsored

 

[AlmostHuman]

It is the same for all the models. I have a feeling part of the reason it may be shorter than ICE rides is that it is possible to use the manual brakes very little over the recommended 12,500 miles which may make it so the calipers don’t get as much movement. I know I one pedal drive the truck and our X 99% of the time. Only use the manual brakes when something unexpected happens. Just a guess ??

Oh I will also add that I didn’t do this on our X for the first 3 years When I finally had it done the tech said it was going to take longer than normal because of the condition of things. I plan to do it on them both annually going forward. Want it to be as safe as possible and last as long as possible.

 

[cbr1000]

It is the same for all the models. I have a feeling part of the reason it may be shorter than ICE rides is that it is possible to use the manual brakes very little over the recommended 12,500 miles which may make it so the calipers don’t get as much movement. I know I one pedal drive the truck and our X 99% of the time. Only use the manual brakes when something unexpected happens. Just a guess ??

Oh I will also add that I didn’t do this on our X for the first 3 years When I finally had it done the tech said it was going to take longer than normal because of the condition of things. I plan to do it on them both annually going forward. Want it to be as safe as possible and last as long as possible.

Thank you - this was super helpful. In a few minutes I was able to search and find answers. I was specifically looking for Cybertruck posts related to brake maintenance and didn't come up with much. Seems like I can read up on this for hours if I wanted. Looking for a few minutes I'm guessing this is related to lubrication of the caliper pins, lack of use due to regenerative braking causing build up on the rotor surface and pads. I think I was a little thrown off by the salt on the roads part of the manual. Seems like this work should be done if you have salted roads or not if you are a heavy regen user... Anyway, thanks for your post - it pointed me in the right direction.

 

[Jack27]

What the guy above said. Sometimes when I back
M3 out of the garage the breaks squeak. Drives me nuts ! Makes me feel like I’m driving a 72 Cadillac. But I’ve been told it’s break dust built up from not using the breaks but in reverse you are using all breaks no regen. Someone will say I’m wrong but that’s what I’ve heard ?

Sponsored