Brake Hose - Rear

Replace the rear brake hose on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including brake fluid bleeding and system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Brake hose mounting clip (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers (banjo bolt) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rubber grommets (frame bracket mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification as needed

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Using the vehicle touchscreen or mobile app, disable parking brake mode if active
4. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir - DO NOT remove cap yet
5. Verify you have correct replacement brake hose for rear axle (driver or passenger side)
6. Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves - brake fluid exposure is harmful
7. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
8. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear lift point
9. Install jack stands under frame rails at manufacturer-specified jacking points
10. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working
11. Remove rear wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Disable electronic brake systems
   Using a compatible scan tool, enter the brake service mode to disable ABS pump and electronic brake assist. This prevents unexpected pump activation during hose replacement. Follow scan tool prompts to retract electronic parking brake calipers if applicable to the rear axle being serviced. Document any fault codes present before beginning work.
2. 2

   Clean brake hose connections
   Locate the rear brake hose at the wheel end (connects to caliper or wheel cylinder) and at the chassis end (connects to hard brake line). Spray both connection points with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 5 minutes. Use wire brush to clean debris from flare nut fittings and banjo bolt area. This reduces risk of rounding off fittings.
3. 3

   Prepare for fluid loss
   Position catch pan under the brake hose connection points. Using a brake fluid syringe or turkey baster, remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when disconnecting lines. Keep removed fluid in a sealed container - do not reuse old brake fluid.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake hose at caliper end
   If using a banjo bolt connection: Use the appropriate flare nut wrench to loosen the banjo bolt at the caliper. Note the orientation of the copper crush washers on both sides of the banjo fitting. If using a threaded fitting: Use a line wrench to hold the caliper fitting stationary while loosening the hose end fitting with another line wrench. Allow brake fluid to drain into catch pan. Immediately plug or cap the caliper port to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake hose at chassis end
   Locate where the flexible brake hose connects to the rigid brake line at the frame bracket. Use the correct size line wrench or flare nut wrench to loosen the fitting - these are typically 10mm or 12mm. Hold the hose end stationary while turning the fitting to prevent twisting the hose. Once loose, carefully unthread the connection and allow fluid to drain. Cap or plug the hard line immediately to prevent fluid loss and air entry.
6. 6

   Remove hose from frame bracket
   Locate the mounting bracket that secures the brake hose to the frame or suspension component. Remove the retaining clip, bolt, or grommet that holds the hose in the bracket. On Rivian EDV, this may be a spring clip or threaded fastener. Note the exact routing and orientation of the hose for installation of the replacement. Take a photo if necessary.
7. 7

   Remove old brake hose
   Carefully extract the brake hose from the vehicle, noting its exact routing path through suspension components and frame brackets. The hose must not contact any moving parts, sharp edges, or hot components. Inspect the removed hose for signs of damage, cracking, chafing, or fluid seepage to confirm replacement was necessary.
8. 8

   Prepare new brake hose
   Remove new brake hose from packaging. Verify it matches the old hose in length, fitting types, and bracket configuration. Install NEW copper crush washers on banjo fittings if applicable - never reuse old washers. Check that all protective caps are removed from fittings and that threads are clean and undamaged. Verify rubber grommets or mounting hardware are included.
9. 9

   Install new brake hose routing
   Route the new brake hose through the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact suspension components, driveshaft, or frame edges at any point in suspension travel. Install the hose into the frame bracket with new grommet or retaining clip. The hose must have slight slack to allow for suspension movement without stretching. Verify routing matches your reference photo.
10. 10

    Connect brake hose to chassis hard line
    Remove the plug from the chassis hard line. Thread the brake hose fitting into the hard line fitting by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement - do not cross-thread. Once hand-tight, use line wrenches to tighten the connection. Hold the hose end stationary to prevent twisting while tightening the flare nut. Note: No torque specification provided in database - tighten firmly but do not overtighten and strip aluminum fittings.
11. 11

    Connect brake hose to caliper
    Remove plug from caliper port. If using banjo bolt connection: Position new copper crush washers on both sides of the banjo fitting, align the fitting with the caliper port, and install the banjo bolt. Thread by hand first, then tighten with appropriate wrench. If using threaded connection: Thread hose into caliper by hand first, then tighten with line wrenches while preventing hose twist. Ensure the hose is not twisted or kinked after final tightening.
12. 12

    Bleed rear brake circuit
    Fill the master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Attach brake bleeding kit to the rear bleeder valve on the caliper being serviced. If using pressure bleeder, pressurize system to 20 psi maximum. Open bleeder valve and allow fluid to flow until all air bubbles are eliminated and only clean fluid emerges. Close bleeder valve before releasing pressure. If manual bleeding, have assistant pump brake pedal 5 times and hold while you open bleeder valve, close before pedal is released, repeat until fluid runs clear without bubbles.
13. 13

    Bleed complete brake system
    Due to the integrated ABS and stability control system, a complete brake system bleed is required after hose replacement. Using scan tool, initiate ABS pump cycle bleeding procedure per Rivian service protocol. Bleed all four corners in the sequence specified by scan tool (typically RR, LR, RF, LF). Monitor master cylinder level constantly and refill as needed - never let reservoir run dry or air will enter ABS unit requiring dealer service.
14. 14

    Reset brake system and clear codes
    Using scan tool, exit brake service mode and reactivate all electronic brake systems. Clear any brake service codes that were generated. Perform system self-test and verify no fault codes remain. Test electronic parking brake function through scan tool before road test. If any codes persist or electronic parking brake fails to operate, do not drive vehicle - professional service is required.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle to ground completely
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (consult owner's manual for exact torque - typically 130-150 ft-lbs for Rivian)
5. Check master cylinder fluid level and top off to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid
6. Ensure reservoir cap is securely installed
7. Clean any brake fluid spills from vehicle body, chassis, or wheel with water immediately
8. Dispose of old brake fluid and contaminated materials according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• With vehicle still parked, pump brake pedal multiple times - pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy or sinking
• Start vehicle and verify brake warning light extinguishes after system check
• Check scan tool for any brake system fault codes - there should be none
• Test electronic parking brake engagement and release multiple times using touchscreen or button
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle at both brake hose connections - there should be no fluid seepage or dripping
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area (empty parking lot): Test brakes at 5 mph, then 10 mph, verifying straight stops with no pulling
• Test regenerative braking function - should engage smoothly without warning messages
• Perform moderate brake application from 25 mph in safe location - verify firm pedal and straight stop
• After test drive, re-inspect all connections for leaks while assistant applies firm brake pedal pressure
• Road test at normal speeds only after confirming firm pedal, no leaks, and no warning lights
• Monitor brake performance for the first 50 miles and re-inspect connections after 100 miles of driving
• If at any point pedal feels soft, warning lights appear, or brake performance is abnormal, stop driving immediately and have vehicle towed to Rivian service center

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