Brake Caliper Slide Pins

Service or replace brake caliper slide pins to restore proper caliper movement and ensure safe, even braking performance on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper slide pin kit (includes pins, boots, and hardware) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Synthetic brake caliper grease (high-temp silicone-based) × 1 — Use brake-specific lubricant
• Brake cleaner spray × 1 — Non-chlorinated recommended

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 wheels that will remain on the ground
3. Verify vehicle is in Park mode and powered off completely
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
5. Locate jack points per Rivian service manual (behind front wheels and ahead of rear wheels on chassis rail)
6. Raise vehicle with floor jack at appropriate jack point
7. Install heavy-duty jack stands under manufacturer-specified support points
8. Lower vehicle weight onto jack stands and verify stability by gently pushing vehicle
9. Remove wheel lug nuts completely and remove wheels
10. Use turkey baster to remove approximately 1/4 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons
11. Place catch pan under brake caliper work area

Procedure

1. 1

   Clean brake caliper exterior
   Spray brake caliper assembly, bracket, and rotor area thoroughly with brake parts cleaner. Wipe away brake dust and debris with clean shop towels. Avoid breathing dust. Clean the area around the caliper slide pins and boots to prevent contamination during disassembly.
2. 2

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper (typically 12mm or 14mm hex head). Remove both bolts completely using a socket and ratchet. Support the caliper with one hand as you remove the second bolt. Note: These are the bolts that thread into the slide pins themselves.
3. 3

   Pivot caliper away from rotor
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper up and away from the brake rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Support the caliper using a bungee cord, wire hanger, or rest it on the suspension component to avoid stressing the brake line. Inspect brake pads for wear while caliper is accessible.
4. 4

   Remove caliper slide pins
   With the caliper secured and out of the way, locate the slide pins in the caliper bracket. The pins may be retained by clips or simply press-fit. Carefully pull each slide pin straight out of the bracket bore. If pins are stuck, gently wiggle while pulling or tap lightly with a rubber mallet. Remove the rubber dust boots from both the pins and bracket bores.
5. 5

   Inspect slide pin bores and components
   Inspect the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket for corrosion, pitting, or damage. Examine the old slide pins for scoring, corrosion, or uneven wear. Check that rubber boots are not torn or deteriorated. If bores are damaged, the bracket may need replacement. Minor surface rust in bores is normal but should be cleaned.
6. 6

   Clean slide pin bores
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean inside each slide pin bore in the bracket. Remove all old grease, corrosion, and debris. Follow with brake parts cleaner and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. The bore should be smooth and clean metal. Repeat cleaning until no residue appears on the cloth.
7. 7

   Prepare new slide pins
   Remove new slide pins from packaging. Apply a thin, even coat of synthetic brake caliper grease to the entire sliding surface of each pin. Do not use petroleum-based grease or standard lithium grease. Ensure grease coverage is complete but not excessive. Install new rubber dust boots onto each slide pin.
8. 8

   Install slide pins into bracket
   Apply a small amount of brake caliper grease inside each slide pin bore in the bracket. Insert each greased slide pin straight into its bore, pushing firmly until fully seated. The pin should slide smoothly with no binding. Install the dust boot onto the bracket end of each pin, ensuring the boot lip is properly seated in the bracket groove.
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling the caliper, compress the caliper piston(s) fully back into the caliper bore using a brake caliper tool or C-clamp. Place the tool against the back of the piston and the rear of the caliper body. Apply steady pressure to slowly compress the piston. Watch the master cylinder reservoir level as fluid will be pushed back. Wipe up any overflow.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper over rotor
    Remove the caliper from its supported position. Inspect brake pads and replace if necessary. Carefully position the caliper back over the brake rotor and align the mounting bolt holes with the slide pins in the bracket. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned on both sides of the rotor.
11. 11

    Install and torque caliper mounting bolts
    Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Use a torque wrench to tighten both bolts evenly. Since specific torque specifications are not available in the database, refer to the Rivian service manual for exact values (typically 25-35 ft-lbs for caliper slide pin bolts, but VERIFY). Tighten in a cross pattern if applicable. Do not over-tighten.
12. 12

    Verify caliper movement
    With caliper installed, verify that it can move freely on the slide pins. Grasp the caliper body and attempt to slide it inboard and outboard on the pins. Movement should be smooth with no binding. If binding occurs, remove caliper and inspect slide pins for proper installation and lubrication.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount wheel onto hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove tension from jack stands. Remove jack stands and slowly lower vehicle to ground. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to manufacturer specification using torque wrench (typically 120-150 ft-lbs, but verify for Rivian EDV 500).
14. 14

    Restore brake pedal pressure
    With vehicle on ground and before moving it, pump the brake pedal slowly multiple times until firm resistance is felt. This repositions the caliper pistons against the brake pads. Check master cylinder fluid level and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid to the MAX line if needed. Do not overfill.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for the opposite side caliper on the same axle to ensure even braking
2. If servicing both front and rear axles, complete one axle fully before moving to the other
3. Verify all caliper mounting bolts are properly torqued
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or under vehicle
5. Check that all brake fluid reservoir caps are securely tightened
6. Properly dispose of old brake fluid, contaminated cleaning materials, and used slide pins according to local regulations

Verification

• With vehicle stationary and powered on, press brake pedal firmly. Pedal should feel solid and not sink to the floor
• Perform a slow-speed test drive (under 10 mph) in a safe area and verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• Test regenerative braking and conventional braking separately to ensure both systems function properly
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing, or clunking) during braking
• After test drive, carefully feel each wheel hub/rotor area for excessive heat or uneven heating between sides (indicates dragging caliper)
• Perform brake pedal test again after test drive to ensure pedal feel remains firm
• Inspect ground and wheel area for any brake fluid leaks
• Verify that brake warning lights do not illuminate on dashboard
• Schedule a professional brake inspection if ANY abnormality is detected during verification
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle