diff --git a/plugins/elements/gsttee.c b/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
index 4f2c8f1192..304ab3b33d 100644
--- a/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
+++ b/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
@@ -386,11 +386,14 @@ gst_tee_release_pad (GstElement * element, GstPad * pad)
   }
   GST_OBJECT_UNLOCK (tee);
 
-  gst_pad_set_active (pad, FALSE);
-
+  gst_object_ref (pad);
   gst_element_remove_pad (GST_ELEMENT_CAST (tee), pad);
+
+  gst_pad_set_active (pad, FALSE);
   GST_TEE_DYN_UNLOCK (tee);
 
+  gst_object_unref (pad);
+
   if (changed) {
     gst_tee_notify_alloc_pad (tee);
   }