Brake Pads - Front

Replace front brake pads on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including caliper service and proper torque specifications for this heavy-duty commercial vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (4 pads total) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification for EDV 500
• Brake hardware kit (anti-rattle clips, shims) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Access the vehicle settings through the center display and enable Service Mode or Transport Mode to disable regenerative braking and prevent unintended movement
4. Open the driver's door to keep vehicle systems accessible throughout the procedure
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheels are still on ground (do not remove)
6. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jack point per owner's manual
7. Place jack stands under frame rails at proper support points
8. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath
9. Remove wheel lug nuts completely and remove front wheels
10. Using turkey baster or fluid syringe, remove approximately 1/4 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Before disassembly, visually inspect the brake rotor for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear. Check for brake fluid leaks around caliper and brake lines. Measure rotor thickness if possible and compare to minimum specification (typically stamped on rotor hat). If rotors show damage or are below minimum thickness, they must be replaced before installing new pads. Note the routing of brake pad wear sensors if equipped.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear side of the caliper (facing the engine bay). Clean any dirt from around the bolt heads. Using a 17mm socket or wrench, remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. Keep these bolts clean and inspect the rubber dust boots on the slide pins for damage.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove and support brake caliper
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper upward and away from the rotor. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Support the caliper using a bungee cord, wire, or by resting it on the suspension component. Ensure there is no tension or stress on the rubber brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the two brake pads from the caliper bracket. They may be held by spring clips or slide out of retaining grooves. Note the orientation and position of each pad (inner vs outer) for reference. Remove any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad hardware from the caliper bracket. Photograph the hardware configuration before removal if helpful.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean caliper bracket
   Inspect the caliper bracket for cracks, damage, or excessive corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean the pad slide contact areas on the bracket where the brake pads sit. Remove all rust, old brake dust, and debris. Clean with brake cleaner spray and allow to dry. Inspect the caliper slide pins and boots for damage, replacing if torn or deteriorated.
6. 6

   Compress caliper pistons
   Using a brake caliper piston compression tool or large C-clamp, slowly compress the caliper pistons fully into their bores. Place a block of wood or the old brake pad against the piston to protect it. Compress evenly and slowly. Watch the brake fluid reservoir and ensure it does not overflow. If the piston does not compress smoothly or is seized, the caliper may require replacement.
7. 7

   Install new brake hardware and prepare bracket
   Install the new anti-rattle clips, shims, and hardware from the brake hardware kit onto the caliper bracket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad slide contact areas on the bracket (where the pad backing plates slide). Do NOT get grease on the rotor or friction material.
8. 8

   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 and slide freely. Verify correct orientation with the friction material facing the rotor and any wear indicators positioned correctly (typically at the top of the inner pad). The pads should fit snugly but slide in the bracket.
9. 9

   Service caliper slide pins
   Remove the caliper slide pins from the caliper bracket by pulling them out of their bores. Wipe clean and inspect for corrosion or damage. Apply a fresh coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts (not the threads). Reinstall the slide pins into the bracket, ensuring the rubber dust boots are properly seated.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Carefully lower the brake caliper down over the new brake pads and onto the caliper bracket. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes. Ensure the caliper moves freely on the slide pins without binding. The brake pads should be centered on the rotor.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the threads of the caliper slide pin bolts. Thread both bolts in by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, torque both caliper slide pin bolts to exactly 35.0 Nm (26.0 lb-ft). Verify both bolts are properly tightened.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 on the opposite front wheel to replace the other front brake pads. It is critical that both front wheels receive new pads simultaneously to ensure balanced braking performance.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Clean the wheel hub mating surface with a wire brush. Reinstall the front wheels, threading lug nuts on by hand initially. Lower the vehicle partially so the wheels contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque the wheel lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern (not in a circle). Fully lower the vehicle, then perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in the same star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid level
    Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until it becomes firm. This repositions the caliper pistons against the new brake pads. The pedal should feel normal and firm. Check the brake fluid reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to the MAX line if needed. Inspect around all brake components for any fluid leaks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper slide pin bolts are torqued to specification with silicone brake grease applied
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to 140.0 Nm in a star pattern on both front wheels
3. Confirm brake pedal is firm after pumping and brake fluid level is correct
4. Exit Service Mode or Transport Mode in vehicle settings to restore normal regenerative braking function

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no brake warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• With the vehicle stationary, press the brake pedal firmly and hold for 30 seconds to verify it remains firm without sinking
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, applying brakes gently at first to verify normal operation
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 20-30 mph to bed in the new pads and verify straight stopping without pulling
• Listen for any unusual noises (squealing, grinding, or rattling) during brake application
• After 50-100 miles of normal driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and recheck brake fluid level
• Be aware that new brake pads require a 200-300 mile break-in period for optimal performance; avoid heavy braking during this time if possible

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