Brake Fluid Flush

Complete brake fluid flush procedure for the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, replacing old brake fluid with fresh DOT 4 fluid throughout the entire hydraulic system to maintain optimal braking performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 3 — Use OEM specification - Rivian part number recommended

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify you have at least 2 quarts of fresh, unopened DOT 4 brake fluid that meets Rivian specifications
4. Lift vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and support on jack stands rated for at least 9,000 lbs
5. Remove all four wheels for access to brake calipers
6. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine compartment and clean around reservoir cap to prevent contamination
7. Identify bleeder screws on all four brake calipers (typically covered with rubber caps)
8. Prepare clean workspace with brake fluid catch containers, rags, and tools within easy reach

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old fluid from reservoir
   Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Using a turkey baster or brake fluid syringe, extract as much old brake fluid as possible from the reservoir without exposing the bottom or allowing debris to enter. Dispose of old fluid in appropriate waste container. Do not overfill your waste container as you will be adding approximately 2 quarts more during the flush process.
2. 2

   Refill reservoir with fresh fluid
   Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid from a new, unopened container. Keep additional unopened containers nearby for refilling during the bleeding process. Leave reservoir cap off but cover opening with a clean rag to prevent contamination while allowing air exchange.
3. 3

   Begin bleeding at right rear caliper
   Starting with the right rear brake caliper (furthest from master cylinder), locate the bleeder screw. Remove the rubber dust cap from the bleeder screw. Attach clear plastic bleeder hose to bleeder nipple and route other end into catch container positioned below caliper. Have an assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold firm pressure on final press.
   ⚠Bleeder screws can be fragile. Apply penetrating oil if screws are corroded. If bleeder screw breaks, caliper replacement will be required.
4. 4

   Open bleeder and evacuate old fluid
   With assistant maintaining firm brake pedal pressure, open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn counterclockwise using bleeder wrench. Old fluid and air will flow through hose into container. Watch fluid color in clear hose. When pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw before assistant releases pedal. Repeat this process: press pedal, hold, open bleeder, close bleeder, release pedal. Continue until fluid running from bleeder is clean and light-colored with no air bubbles. This typically requires 8-15 pump cycles per caliper.
5. 5

   Monitor and refill reservoir during right rear bleeding
   Check brake fluid reservoir level after every 3-4 bleeder cycles. Never allow fluid level to drop below MIN line or halfway point. Immediately refill to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 fluid as needed. This is critical - if reservoir runs dry, air will enter the system requiring complete restart and possible ABS module bleeding.
   ⚠️Running the reservoir dry will introduce air into the master cylinder and ABS module, requiring scan tool activation to purge.
6. 6

   Complete right rear and move to left rear
   Once clean fluid flows from right rear caliper with no air bubbles, close bleeder screw firmly (hand-tight plus 1/8 turn, do not overtighten). Replace rubber dust cap. Move bleeder hose setup to left rear caliper. Repeat the bleeding process from steps 3-5 for the left rear brake caliper, maintaining vigilant reservoir monitoring.
7. 7

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to right front brake caliper. Remove dust cap and attach bleeder hose. Repeat bleeding procedure: assistant pumps and holds brake pedal, open bleeder screw, allow fluid to flow until clear, close bleeder before releasing pedal. Continue until clean fluid with no air bubbles flows from bleeder. Check and refill reservoir frequently throughout process.
8. 8

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move to left front brake caliper (closest to master cylinder, bled last). Repeat complete bleeding procedure until clean, bubble-free fluid flows. This caliper typically requires fewer cycles as it has shortest hydraulic path. Ensure bleeder screw is firmly closed when complete. Replace dust cap.
9. 9

   Perform ABS module bleeding (if equipped with scan tool)
   If you have a compatible scan tool, connect to vehicle OBD-II port. Navigate to ABS/ESC bleeding function. Follow scan tool prompts to activate ABS pump and open internal solenoid valves. While scan tool activates hydraulic control unit, have assistant ready at brake pedal. When prompted, repeat bleeding process at each wheel starting with right rear, then left rear, right front, left front. This purges fluid trapped in ABS module internal circuits. If scan tool is not available, proceed to next step - most air will be purged through normal caliper bleeding.
   ℹ️Without scan tool ABS module bleeding, some old fluid remains in internal ABS circuits but regular caliper bleeding is sufficient for most maintenance purposes.
10. 10

    Final reservoir fill and cap installation
    With all bleeders closed and dust caps replaced, fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 fluid. Inspect reservoir cap gasket for damage or deterioration - replace if worn. Install reservoir cap securely, ensuring proper seal. Wipe any spilled brake fluid from reservoir area, master cylinder, and surrounding components using clean water and lint-free rags.
11. 11

    Clean all components and inspect for leaks
    Thoroughly inspect each caliper bleeder screw area for fluid leaks. Check all brake line connections visible during service. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, suspension components, and chassis using water and clean rags. Brake fluid is corrosive - complete removal is essential.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels, tightening lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground using floor jack
3. With vehicle on ground, torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in star pattern (torque spec not provided in database - consult owner's manual)
4. Remove wheel chocks
5. Dispose of used brake fluid at appropriate recycling facility - never pour down drain or onto ground

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify brake warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster
• With vehicle stationary, pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and maintain pressure without sinking
• Pedal travel should be consistent and not excessive - pedal should not go more than halfway to floor with firm pressure
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area (parking lot) at 5-10 mph, testing brake response multiple times
• Verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to either side
• Perform moderate braking from 25-30 mph in safe area, ensuring proper stopping power
• Test ABS function if possible (on private property only) - verify no unusual noises or vibrations beyond normal ABS pulsation
• After test drive, recheck brake fluid reservoir level - should remain at MAX line with no significant drop
• Inspect all four bleeder screws for any signs of fluid seepage or leaks
• If pedal feels soft, excessive travel exists, or any warning lights appear, DO NOT DRIVE - repeat bleeding process or seek professional service immediately

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