Brake Bleed - All Four

Complete brake system bleed procedure for all four wheels on the 2024 Rivian EDV 500, removing air from brake lines to ensure proper braking performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify battery is fully charged (bleeding procedure may take 30+ minutes with systems active)
4. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine bay and check fluid level
5. Clean area around reservoir cap to prevent contamination
6. Prepare at least 1.5 quarts of fresh DOT 4 brake fluid from sealed containers
7. Connect diagnostic tool to OBD-II port and verify communication with brake control module
8. Loosen all four wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
9. Lift vehicle using approved lift points and support securely on jack stands
10. Remove all four wheels
11. Inspect brake lines, calipers, and connections for leaks or damage before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare brake system for bleeding
   Using a turkey baster or fluid pump, remove old brake fluid from reservoir down to minimum line. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Do not allow reservoir to fall below MIN line at any point during this procedure or air will enter the system.
2. 2

   Configure diagnostic tool
   Access the brake bleeding function in the diagnostic tool. Select 'Manual Brake Bleed' or 'ABS System Bleed' mode. This will allow the tool to cycle the ABS pump and open solenoid valves. Follow all on-screen prompts to initialize the bleeding sequence. The system should enter a ready state.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Locate the bleeder screw on the right rear caliper (passenger side rear). Clean bleeder screw area thoroughly. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw and route into catch bottle. Have assistant monitor reservoir level and add fluid as needed. Open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn. If using scan tool automated mode, activate pump cycle. If manual, have assistant press brake pedal slowly and hold, then close bleeder before pedal is released. Repeat until fluid flows clear without bubbles. Close bleeder screw securely.
4. 4

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to left rear caliper (driver side rear). Clean bleeder screw area. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw. Verify reservoir is at proper level before proceeding. Open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Execute bleeding procedure using same method as right rear. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Close bleeder screw securely. Check reservoir and refill to MAX line.
5. 5

   Bleed right front caliper
   Proceed to right front caliper (passenger side front). Clean bleeder screw thoroughly. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw and route into catch bottle. Check reservoir level and top off if needed. Open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Execute bleeding procedure. The front calipers may require additional cycles due to larger caliper volume and ABS integration. Continue until no air bubbles are visible in clear hose. Close bleeder screw securely.
6. 6

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move to left front caliper (driver side front). Clean bleeder screw area. Attach clear hose to bleeder screw. Verify reservoir level is adequate. Open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Execute bleeding procedure using scan tool or manual method. Continue until fluid flows completely clear without air bubbles. Close bleeder screw securely. Refill reservoir to MAX line.
7. 7

   Execute ABS pump bleeding cycle
   With all four wheels initially bled, use diagnostic tool to command the ABS pump into purge mode. This cycles the internal valves and pump to expel air trapped in the ABS module. Follow tool prompts carefully. The pump will make audible clicking and humming sounds - this is normal. Monitor reservoir constantly and add fluid as needed. This cycle typically runs 30-60 seconds.
8. 8

   Second bleed sequence - right rear
   After ABS pump cycle, repeat bleeding at right rear caliper. Air displaced from ABS module will travel to calipers. Open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn and bleed until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Close bleeder securely. This second pass is critical for complete air removal.
9. 9

   Second bleed sequence - left rear
   Repeat bleeding procedure at left rear caliper. Open bleeder screw, bleed until completely clear of bubbles, then close securely. Check reservoir level frequently.
10. 10

    Second bleed sequence - right front
    Repeat bleeding procedure at right front caliper. Open bleeder screw and bleed until no air bubbles visible. Close bleeder securely. Top off reservoir as needed.
11. 11

    Second bleed sequence - left front
    Complete second bleeding sequence at left front caliper. Open bleeder screw, bleed until fluid is completely clear and free of air bubbles. Close bleeder screw securely. Fill reservoir to MAX line.
12. 12

    Final system check
    With all bleeders closed, verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line. Use diagnostic tool to exit bleeding mode and restore normal brake system operation. Check for fault codes and clear if bleeding-related codes are present. Verify no active brake system warnings on instrument cluster.
13. 13

    Pedal feel test
    With vehicle still raised and in PARK mode, pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should build firm resistance and not sink to floor. Hold firm pressure on pedal for 30 seconds - it should not slowly sink. If pedal is soft or sinks, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle to ground
3. Torque all wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in star pattern
4. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line and cap is secure
5. Clean any brake fluid spills from painted surfaces immediately
6. Disconnect diagnostic tool

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, start vehicle and verify no brake warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Pump brake pedal several times - it should feel firm and consistent with high resistance
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area: at 5-10 mph, apply brakes firmly - vehicle should stop smoothly without pulling to either side
• Perform moderate brake test at 20-25 mph in safe area - brakes should engage firmly and evenly
• Check for any brake fluid leaks at all four bleeder screws and around brake line connections
• Verify regenerative braking integration is functioning properly by monitoring energy recuperation display during gentle braking
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive - it should remain at or near MAX line
• If pedal feel is soft, pedal sinks, vehicle pulls during braking, or any warning lights appear, DO NOT DRIVE - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service

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