Brake Rotors - Rear Pair

Replace the rear brake rotors on a 2023 Rivian EDV 500, including removal of calipers and proper bedding procedure for the electric vehicle's regenerative braking system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor × 2 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Rotor set screw (if equipped) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and ensure the vehicle is fully powered off
2. Press the brake pedal firmly several times to deplete any residual vacuum or pressure in the brake system
3. Connect diagnostic scan tool and access service mode to retract electronic parking brake and disable regenerative braking on rear axle
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
5. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points per owner's manual
6. Support vehicle on jack stands at proper frame support points - verify stands are secure before proceeding
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
8. Remove small amount of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts (slide pin bolts) on the rear of the caliper bracket. Using the appropriate socket, remove both caliper mounting bolts. Note the condition of the slide pin boots for any tearing or damage. Keep these bolts organized as they will be reused.
2. 2

   Support and remove brake caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the rotor and brake pads. Do NOT disconnect the brake hose. Immediately support the caliper using wire or bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension or stress on the brake hose. The caliper must not hang by the brake line.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation and position for reinstallation. Inspect pads for uneven wear patterns which may indicate alignment issues. Set pads aside if they will be reused, or discard if replacing rotors due to wear.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Locate the two caliper bracket mounting bolts that secure the bracket to the rear knuckle/hub assembly. These bolts are typically larger than the caliper slide pins. Remove both bolts and carefully remove the caliper bracket. These are high-torque fasteners - use a breaker bar if necessary.
5. 5

   Remove rotor retaining hardware
   If equipped, remove any Torx or Phillips rotor set screws from the face of the rotor through the wheel studs. These screws are for assembly retention only. Apply penetrating oil if screws are corroded. If screw strips, it may need to be drilled out.
6. 6

   Remove old brake rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap the rotor from behind with a rubber mallet in several places around its circumference. Do not strike the rotor face or use excessive force. For severely stuck rotors, apply penetrating oil at the hub interface and allow to soak, or use a rotor puller if available.
7. 7

   Clean hub mounting surface
   Using a wire brush and brake cleaner, thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface where the rotor sits. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. The surface must be completely clean and flat to ensure proper rotor seating. Any debris or uneven surface will cause rotor runout and brake pulsation.
8. 8

   Install new brake rotor
   Remove protective coating from new rotor using brake cleaner (rotors are shipped with oil coating to prevent rust). Clean both sides thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub mounting surface (not the rotor friction surface). Slide new rotor onto hub, ensuring it seats completely flat. Install rotor set screw if equipped to hold rotor in place during reassembly.
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling the caliper bracket, the caliper piston must be compressed to accommodate the new rotor thickness. Using a brake caliper piston tool or C-clamp, slowly compress the piston(s) back into the caliper bore. Watch the brake fluid reservoir - it will rise as the piston compresses. For electric parking brake calipers, ensure the parking brake is fully retracted electronically before attempting compression.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper bracket
    Position the caliper bracket over the new rotor and align with mounting holes on the knuckle/hub. Install both caliper bracket bolts and tighten. Without manufacturer torque specifications, reference a factory service manual for proper torque value. These bolts are critical safety components and must be torqued correctly. Verify bracket does not contact rotor and has proper clearance.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake pads
    Install brake pads into the caliper bracket in their original orientation. Ensure anti-rattle clips or shims are properly positioned if equipped. Pads should slide smoothly in the bracket but not have excessive play. Clean any corrosion from pad slide points in the bracket.
12. 12

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the wire or bungee supporting the caliper. Position the caliper over the brake pads and align the slide pins with the bracket holes. Install both caliper mounting bolts and tighten to specification per factory service manual. Ensure caliper moves freely on slide pins and centers properly over rotor.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-12 for the opposite rear brake rotor. Both rear rotors should always be replaced as a pair to ensure balanced braking performance.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (refer to factory service manual for torque specification). Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
15. 15

    Check brake fluid and restore brake system
    Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off to MAX line with DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary. Using the diagnostic scan tool, restore parking brake function and re-enable regenerative braking. Pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal is achieved before attempting to drive.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper and bracket bolts are torqued to manufacturer specification
2. Verify brake hoses are not kinked, twisted, or under tension
3. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued in proper star pattern sequence
4. Double-check that all tools and parts have been removed from wheel wells and under vehicle

Verification

• Before driving, pump brake pedal firmly at least 10-15 times to ensure proper pad-to-rotor contact and firm pedal feel
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper connections and bleeder screws
• Verify brake warning lights are off on the instrument cluster
• Using scan tool, verify electronic parking brake operates correctly and no fault codes are present
• Perform initial brake test at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area to confirm brakes engage properly
• Perform proper brake bedding procedure: make 10-15 moderate stops from 40-50 mph down to 10 mph with gradual deceleration, allowing 30 seconds between stops to cool rotors. Avoid heavy braking for first 200-300 miles
• After bedding procedure, verify no vibration, pulsation, or pulling during braking
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving

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