Brake Pads - Rear

Replace rear brake pads on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including caliper service and proper bedding procedure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (anti-rattle clips) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake (front wheels only on this vehicle)
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Verify vehicle is in Park mode and power is off
4. Open brake fluid reservoir and remove approximately 2 ounces of fluid with turkey baster to prevent overflow during piston compression
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
6. Lift rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at designated lift points per owner's manual
7. Remove rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Before beginning, visually inspect the brake rotor for excessive wear, cracking, or scoring. Measure rotor thickness with a micrometer if available and compare to minimum specification (typically stamped on rotor hat). Inspect brake hoses and lines for damage or leaks. If rotor replacement is needed, this procedure must be expanded.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. Clean any dirt from bolt heads. Remove both slide pin bolts completely using appropriate socket. Support the caliper with your hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Pivot caliper upward
   Carefully pivot the caliper assembly upward and away from the rotor. Use a bungee cord or wire to secure the caliper to the suspension component to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the rubber brake hose. This can cause internal hose damage and brake failure.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and position of any anti-rattle clips or shims. Take photos if necessary for reference during reassembly. Remove all old hardware clips from the caliper bracket.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket and slides
   Using wire brush and brake parts cleaner, thoroughly clean the caliper bracket, paying special attention to the pad slide areas where the brake pad backing plates contact the bracket. Clean the caliper slide pins, removing old grease and inspecting for corrosion or damage. Check slide pin boots for tears or damage.
6. 6

   Compress caliper pistons
   Lower the caliper back into position temporarily. Using a brake caliper piston compression tool or large C-clamp, slowly compress the caliper pistons fully into their bores. Work slowly and watch the brake fluid reservoir - if it begins to overflow, stop and remove more fluid. Both pistons must be fully retracted to accommodate new, thicker brake pads.
   ⚠Monitor brake fluid reservoir during piston compression. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint and skin.
7. 7

   Install new brake hardware
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware from the brake hardware kit onto the caliper bracket in the same positions as the original hardware. Ensure all clips are fully seated and secure.
8. 8

   Apply brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a thin coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins. Do not use petroleum-based grease. Apply grease only to the sliding surface of the pin, not to threads. Reinstall slide pins into the caliper bracket and verify smooth movement.
9. 9

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. Verify the pad friction material faces the rotor. The wear indicator (if equipped) should be positioned at the top of the inner pad.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper assembly
    Remove the caliper from its supported position and carefully lower it over the new brake pads and rotor. Align the caliper slide pin holes with the slide pins. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the slide pin bolt threads.
11. 11

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Install both caliper slide pin bolts and tighten by hand first. Using a torque wrench, torque both slide pin bolts to exactly 30 Nm (22 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can damage the slide pin mechanism.
    ⚠Proper torque on caliper slide pins is critical for even brake pad wear and safe operation. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear brake assembly. Always replace brake pads on both sides of the same axle simultaneously to ensure balanced braking performance.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean the wheel mounting surface on the hub. Install the rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern by hand until wheel is seated against hub.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Using torque wrench, torque lug nuts to 203 Nm (150 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle, then re-torque all lug nuts to 140 Nm in star pattern again to final specification.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheel detachment while driving. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and torque in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts203 Nm (150 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid level
    Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal several times until pedal feels firm and reaches normal height. This repositions the caliper pistons against the new pads. Check brake fluid reservoir and top off to MAX line with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary. Reinstall reservoir cap securely.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Never attempt to drive vehicle until brake pedal is pumped and feels firm. First pedal application after pad replacement will go to floor.

Reassembly

1. Verify all tools have been removed from work area and vehicle
2. Confirm brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks
3. Ensure parking brake is functioning properly
4. Double-check all lug nuts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Pump brake pedal multiple times - pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• Start vehicle and verify brake warning light is not illuminated on dash
• Check around wheels for any brake fluid leaks
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area (under 10 mph) to verify brakes engage properly
• Perform medium-speed brake test (25-30 mph) in safe area to confirm normal operation
• Follow Rivian's brake bedding-in procedure: perform 20-30 moderate stops from 40 mph to 10 mph with 30 seconds between applications, avoiding complete stops when possible
• After bedding procedure, park and verify no unusual odors, smoke, or brake fluid leaks
• Re-check lug nut torque after first 50 miles of driving

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