Brake Fluid Flush

This procedure performs a complete brake fluid flush on the 2022 Rivian EDV 500, removing old brake fluid and replacing it with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to maintain optimal braking performance and prevent internal corrosion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification - Rivian-approved DOT 4

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Access the 12V battery compartment (typically under hood or front storage) and disconnect the negative terminal, or put vehicle into Service Mode per owner's manual
4. Wait 5 minutes after battery disconnect for system capacitors to discharge
5. Loosen all wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
6. Raise vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and support on jack stands at all four corners
7. Remove all four wheels and set aside
8. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and surrounding area thoroughly to prevent contamination
9. Locate all four brake bleeder valves (one per wheel, typically on rear of each caliper)
10. Prepare clean containers for old brake fluid disposal and have new DOT 4 brake fluid bottles ready
11. Have assistant available if not using a vacuum pump (required for proper bleeding)

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old brake fluid from reservoir
   Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Using a turkey baster or fluid extraction syringe, remove as much old brake fluid from the reservoir as possible without exposing the bottom or the internal sensor. Dispose of old fluid in appropriate container. Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean, lint-free cloth if accessible. Refill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Leave the cap off for easy monitoring during bleeding.
2. 2

   Begin bleeding at right rear wheel
   Start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (right rear). Locate the bleeder valve on the rear of the brake caliper. Clean the bleeder valve thoroughly with brake cleaner or clean cloth. Attach clear plastic tubing to the bleeder valve nipple and route the other end into a catch container. If using a vacuum pump, attach it to the tubing. If manual bleeding, have assistant sit in driver's seat ready to pump brake pedal.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Using a 10mm or 11mm box wrench (confirm size on your calipers), loosen the bleeder valve approximately 1/2 turn. If using vacuum pump, apply steady vacuum and observe old fluid flowing through the clear tube. If manual bleeding, have assistant pump brake pedal 5-6 times and hold pressure, then open bleeder valve while pedal is held down. Close valve before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear without air bubbles. Check reservoir level every 4-5 pumps and refill to MAX line. Never let it drop below MIN line. When fluid is clear, tighten bleeder valve to snug (approximately 10-12 ft-lb) while holding pressure or vacuum. Remove tubing.
   ⚠️Do not allow the brake pedal to be released while the bleeder valve is open as this will draw air into the system.
4. 4

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to the left rear wheel (second furthest from master cylinder). Repeat the same process as right rear: clean bleeder valve, attach tubing, check reservoir level and top off to MAX if needed, open bleeder valve 1/2 turn, and bleed until fluid runs clear without air bubbles. Tighten bleeder valve to snug (approximately 10-12 ft-lb). Monitor reservoir constantly and refill as needed throughout the process.
5. 5

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to the right front wheel (third position in bleeding sequence). Check brake fluid reservoir and refill to MAX line. Repeat bleeding process: clean bleeder valve, attach tubing to bleeder valve, open valve 1/2 turn, and bleed until fresh clear fluid flows without air bubbles. The fluid should be noticeably cleaner than what came out of the rear calipers. Tighten bleeder valve to snug (approximately 10-12 ft-lb).
6. 6

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move to the left front wheel (closest to master cylinder, final position). Check brake fluid reservoir and refill to MAX line. Repeat bleeding process one final time: clean bleeder valve, attach tubing, open bleeder valve 1/2 turn, and bleed until fluid runs completely clear without any air bubbles. This is the final caliper, so ensure the fluid is pristine. Tighten bleeder valve to snug (approximately 10-12 ft-lb).
7. 7

   Verify reservoir level and system integrity
   Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Clean any spilled brake fluid from the reservoir area and surrounding components immediately with water. Inspect all four bleeder valves to confirm they are tight and not leaking. Reinstall the brake fluid reservoir cap securely.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle off jack stands using floor jack until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still on stands. Torque lug nuts to specification (typically 130-150 ft-lb for Rivian, verify in owner's manual) in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands. Remove wheel chocks.
9. 9

   Reconnect battery and test brake pedal feel
   Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal or exit Service Mode. With vehicle still in Park, press the brake pedal firmly several times (10-15 pumps). The pedal should feel firm and consistent, with normal height and resistance. If the pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks slowly, air remains in the system and bleeding must be repeated. A slightly different feel compared to before is normal with fresh fluid, but the pedal must be firm.
10. 10

    Perform low-speed brake test
    In a safe, traffic-free area (empty parking lot), start the vehicle and perform a series of low-speed stops from 5-10 mph. Gradually increase speed to 20-25 mph and test braking again. The brakes should engage smoothly and firmly with no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling to one side. The brake pedal should remain firm throughout. If any abnormalities are detected, do not drive the vehicle and repeat the bleeding procedure or seek professional service.
    ⚠️Do not perform high-speed testing or enter public roads until low-speed brake function is confirmed to be normal. Complete brake failure can occur if air remains in the system.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bleeder valves are tightened securely with no leaks
2. Confirm brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line and cap is installed securely
3. Verify all wheels are torqued to specification in star pattern
4. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, and painted surfaces immediately with water

Verification

• Check brake fluid reservoir level is at MAX line and fluid is clear with no cloudiness
• Inspect all four bleeder valves for signs of leakage
• With vehicle on and brake pedal pumped, the pedal should be firm and not sink when held with steady pressure for 30 seconds
• Verify no brake warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Test brakes at low speed in safe area - pedal should be firm with consistent, predictable stopping power
• If brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or if ABS/brake warning lights illuminate, the system requires professional scan tool bleeding to purge air from the ABS module
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Schedule follow-up inspection after 50-100 miles to recheck fluid level and brake pedal feel

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