Brake Bleed - All Four

This procedure removes all air from the brake hydraulic system by bleeding all four brake calipers in the correct sequence, ensuring safe and effective braking performance on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 1 — Use Rivian specified DOT 4 brake fluid only

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely before lifting vehicle
3. Verify vehicle is powered OFF and key fob is at least 20 feet away to prevent accidental movement
4. Locate and review the approved lifting points in the owner's manual (frame rails near each corner)
5. Safely lift vehicle and support on jack stands at all four corners, ensuring stability
6. Remove all four wheels and store safely away from work area
7. Clean all brake caliper bleeder valves with brake cleaner and wire brush to prevent dirt entry
8. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine compartment and clean area around cap
9. Open reservoir cap and check fluid level - should be at MAX line
10. Connect Rivian diagnostic tool to OBD-II port and verify communication with brake control module
11. Have at least one quart of fresh, unopened DOT 4 brake fluid ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Using a turkey baster or brake fluid suction tool, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir without allowing any debris to enter. Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean, lint-free towel. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container.
2. 2

   Prepare bleeding equipment
   Attach one end of clear plastic bleeding hose to a 10mm brake bleeder wrench or box wrench. Place the other end of the hose into a clean catch container with enough fresh brake fluid to keep the hose end submerged (prevents air from being drawn back). This setup will be moved to each wheel in sequence.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear brake caliper (first position)
   Starting with the right rear wheel (furthest from master cylinder), locate the bleeder valve on the brake caliper. Position the bleeding hose and wrench onto the bleeder valve. Open the bleeder valve 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal to the floor and hold. Close the bleeder valve before the pedal is released. Release the pedal slowly. Repeat this process 5-7 times until no air bubbles appear in the hose and fluid runs clear. Check and top off reservoir after every 3-4 pumps - NEVER let it run below MIN line.
   ⚠️Monitor brake fluid reservoir constantly. If reservoir runs dry, air will enter the ABS unit requiring extensive re-bleeding procedures.
4. 4

   Bleed left rear brake caliper (second position)
   Move bleeding equipment to the left rear wheel. Repeat the exact bleeding process: open bleeder valve 1/4 to 1/2 turn, have assistant depress pedal slowly to floor, close valve before pedal release, release pedal. Continue for 5-7 cycles until fluid runs clear with no bubbles. Check reservoir level frequently and maintain at MAX line.
5. 5

   Bleed right front brake caliper (third position)
   Move bleeding equipment to the right front wheel. Locate the bleeder valve and repeat the bleeding process. Open bleeder valve, depress pedal slowly to floor, close valve, release pedal. Continue for 5-7 cycles until no air bubbles appear and fluid is clear. Maintain reservoir level throughout.
6. 6

   Bleed left front brake caliper (fourth position)
   Move bleeding equipment to the left front wheel (closest to master cylinder). Perform final manual bleed using the same procedure: open valve, depress pedal to floor, close valve, release pedal. Repeat 5-7 times until fluid is completely clear with no bubbles. Top off reservoir to MAX line.
7. 7

   Perform ABS system bleed with diagnostic tool
   Using the Rivian diagnostic tool, navigate to the brake system service functions. Select the ABS bleed or hydraulic control unit bleed function. This will activate the ABS pump and open internal valves to purge air from the HCU. Follow the on-screen prompts, which typically involve activating the pump for 30-60 seconds. Monitor reservoir level during this process and add fluid as needed. The tool may cycle through multiple activation sequences.
   ⚠️ABS pump activation will rapidly consume brake fluid. Have an assistant continuously monitor and refill the reservoir during this step to prevent running dry.
   ⚠Do not run ABS pump for longer than instructed by diagnostic tool as overheating can damage the hydraulic control unit.
8. 8

   Repeat manual bleed sequence after ABS cycle
   After completing ABS system bleed, repeat the manual bleeding process on all four wheels in the same order (right rear, left rear, right front, left front). This time, 3-4 pumps per wheel should be sufficient to remove any air released from the ABS unit. Ensure fluid runs clear and bubble-free at each position.
9. 9

   Final fluid level and pedal check
   With all bleeder valves closed and tightened securely, fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line. Install the reservoir cap and ensure it is sealed properly. With vehicle still raised, have assistant pump the brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should become firm and hold pressure. If pedal feels soft or spongy, repeat bleeding procedure starting at step 3.
10. 10

    Install wheels and perform torque sequence
    Reinstall all four wheels onto their hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque all lug nuts to manufacturer specification (check owner's manual, typically 140-160 lb-ft for Rivian EDV) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque check on all lug nuts in star pattern.
    ⚠Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheel detachment. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow star pattern sequence.

Reassembly

1. Verify all bleeder valves are closed tightly - typically 50-80 inch-lbs (do not overtighten)
2. Ensure brake fluid reservoir cap is installed and sealed properly
3. Clean any brake fluid spills from painted surfaces, calipers, and wheels with water
4. Remove wheel chocks
5. Disconnect diagnostic tool from OBD-II port

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine off, pump brake pedal 5-6 times - pedal should feel firm and not sink to floor
• Start vehicle (ready mode) and verify brake warning lights are off on instrument cluster
• Check for any brake fluid leaks at all four bleeder valves and around brake lines
• Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line with cap installed
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area - brake pedal should engage smoothly with no sponginess
• Test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify firm pedal feel and straight stopping
• Gradually test brakes at higher speeds up to 25-30 mph in safe area, ensuring proper function
• Verify ABS function by performing controlled ABS activation on safe surface if possible
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive - should remain at MAX line
• If pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, DO NOT DRIVE - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional assistance

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle