Brake Fluid Flush

Complete brake fluid flush procedure for the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, replacing old brake fluid with fresh DOT 4 fluid to maintain hydraulic braking performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify vehicle is in Park mode with high-voltage system disabled (consult owner's manual for proper shutdown procedure)
4. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine compartment - typically near driver's side firewall
5. Clean area around brake fluid reservoir cap to prevent contamination
6. Check current brake fluid level and condition - dark or contaminated fluid confirms need for flush
7. Open all new brake fluid containers but keep sealed until immediately before use
8. Prepare waste fluid container and label as hazardous waste for proper disposal
9. Loosen wheel lug nuts on all four wheels before lifting vehicle
10. Lift vehicle using designated lift points and secure on jack stands at all four corners
11. Remove all four wheels for access to brake calipers

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare brake fluid reservoir
   Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Use a turkey baster or brake fluid syringe to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir without exposing the internal components to air. Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a clean, lint-free cloth. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Keep the reservoir topped off throughout the entire bleeding process to prevent air from entering the system.
2. 2

   Locate all bleeder valves
   Identify the bleeder valve on each of the four brake calipers. These are typically located on the rear or top of each caliper and have a rubber dust cap covering a 10mm hex fitting. Remove all four dust caps and inspect bleeder valves for damage or corrosion. If any bleeder valve is seized or damaged, stop and replace the caliper or repair the bleeder before continuing.
3. 3

   Begin bleeding sequence - Right Rear
   Start with the brake caliper furthest from the master cylinder (typically right rear). Attach clear plastic tubing to the bleeder valve, with the other end submerged in the waste container. Have an assistant press the brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold pressure on the final press. With pressure held, open the bleeder valve 1/4 to 1/2 turn using the 10mm wrench. Fluid and air will discharge through the tube. Close the bleeder valve before the assistant releases the pedal. Repeat this process until clear, fresh fluid with no air bubbles flows through the tube. Check and refill the reservoir frequently - never let it drop below the MIN line.
4. 4

   Bleed Left Rear brake
   Move to the left rear brake and repeat the bleeding procedure. Attach tubing to the bleeder valve, have assistant pump and hold brake pedal, open bleeder valve while pressure is held, observe fluid flow, close valve before pedal is released. Continue until clean, bubble-free fluid flows. Keep reservoir filled above MIN line at all times.
5. 5

   Bleed Right Front brake
   Proceed to the right front brake caliper. Repeat the bleeding sequence: attach tubing, pump brake pedal 3-4 times, hold pressure, open bleeder 1/4 turn, observe flow, close bleeder, release pedal. Continue until only fresh, clear DOT 4 fluid with no air bubbles is visible in the tube. Monitor reservoir level constantly.
6. 6

   Bleed Left Front brake
   Complete the basic bleeding sequence at the left front brake (closest to master cylinder). Follow the same procedure: attach tubing, pump and hold pedal, open bleeder while pressure is maintained, close before releasing. Bleed until clean fluid flows without bubbles. Top off reservoir to MAX line.
7. 7

   Activate ABS pump (if equipped with diagnostic tool)
   If you have access to Rivian diagnostic software or a compatible scan tool, connect it to the vehicle's OBD2 port. Navigate to the brake system service functions and activate the ABS pump cycling procedure. This opens internal valves and allows trapped air or old fluid in the ABS module to be purged. Follow the scan tool's specific instructions. If no diagnostic tool is available, proceed to step 8 but be aware that some old fluid may remain in the ABS module.
8. 8

   Second bleeding sequence (post-ABS activation)
   If ABS pump was activated, repeat the bleeding sequence at all four wheels in the same order (RR, LR, RF, LF). This purges any old fluid or air that was released from the ABS module. Use 3-5 pump cycles per wheel. If no ABS activation was performed, perform an additional bleeding pass at each wheel as a precaution. Ensure only clean, fresh fluid is visible at each bleeder.
9. 9

   Final reservoir fill and inspection
   Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 fluid. Wipe any spilled fluid from the reservoir area and surrounding components immediately. Inspect all four bleeder valves to ensure they are tight and not leaking. Reinstall all bleeder valve dust caps. Clean any brake fluid residue from calipers and wheels using water.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall all four wheels, hand-threading lug nuts initially. Lower vehicle partially so that wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is still supported by jack stands. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 160-180 ft-lbs for commercial vans - verify in owner's manual) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
11. 11

    Perform brake pedal feel test
    With vehicle still parked, pump the brake pedal 10-15 times. The pedal should feel firm and consistent, with similar resistance on each press. If the pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to the floor, air remains in the system - repeat the bleeding procedure. A proper brake pedal should have a firm, high engagement point.

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line and cap is securely installed
2. Confirm all four bleeder valves are tight and dust caps are reinstalled
3. Ensure no brake fluid has been spilled on painted surfaces, wheels, or brake components
4. Verify all wheels are properly torqued and secured
5. Dispose of old brake fluid according to local hazardous waste regulations - never pour down drains

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify that the brake system warning light is not illuminated on the dashboard
• With vehicle running, press brake pedal firmly - it should feel solid and not sink
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, testing brake response at 5-10 mph
• Test brakes at progressively higher speeds up to 25 mph in a safe location, ensuring straight, even stopping with no pulling
• Check for any fluid leaks around all four bleeder valves and brake lines
• Verify regenerative braking system is functioning normally (characteristic of electric vehicles)
• Re-check brake fluid reservoir level after test drive - should remain at MAX line
• If any abnormal brake behavior occurs (pulling, soft pedal, warning lights), do not drive the vehicle - repeat the procedure or seek professional service immediately

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