Brake Bleed - All Four

Complete brake system bleeding procedure for all four wheels on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van to remove air from brake lines and restore proper brake pedal feel and stopping performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 brake fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification or high-quality DOT 4

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Access vehicle settings through center display and enable Service Mode or Transport Mode to disable regenerative braking and prevent unintended movement
4. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir on driver side near firewall
5. Using turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from reservoir without allowing debris to enter system
6. Wipe reservoir clean with lint-free cloth and inspect for contamination or debris
7. Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid from sealed container
8. Raise vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 7500-8000 lbs)
9. Remove all four wheels and set aside in safe location
10. Visually inspect all brake calipers, lines, and hoses for leaks, damage, or wear
11. Connect diagnostic scan tool to OBD-II port located under driver side dashboard
12. Power on scan tool and navigate to Rivian brake system controls

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare bleeder screws
   Locate bleeder screw on each brake caliper (typically on top or rear of caliper). If bleeder screws appear corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak. Clean area around each bleeder screw with brake cleaner to prevent contamination during bleeding process. Do NOT open bleeder screws yet.
2. 2

   Begin with right rear wheel
   Start bleeding sequence at right rear wheel (passenger side rear), which is furthest from master cylinder. Attach clear brake bleeder hose to bleeder screw and place other end into clean catch container with 2-3 inches of fresh brake fluid to prevent air from being drawn back into system. Ensure hose fits snugly to prevent air leaks.
3. 3

   Manual bleed right rear caliper
   Have assistant sit in driver seat. Instruct assistant to pump brake pedal 5-6 times slowly and firmly, then hold steady pressure on pedal. While assistant maintains pressure, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn counterclockwise. Observe fluid flowing through clear hose. When fluid flow stops and pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw before assistant releases pedal. Never allow assistant to release pedal while bleeder screw is open. Repeat this process 5-7 times or until fluid flows clear without air bubbles.
4. 4

   Check and refill reservoir
   After bleeding right rear, immediately check brake fluid reservoir level. Add fresh DOT 4 fluid to maintain level between MIN and MAX marks. Never allow reservoir to drop below MIN line during entire bleeding process. This is critical to prevent introducing air into ABS hydraulic unit.
5. 5

   Bleed left rear wheel
   Move to left rear wheel (driver side rear). Repeat same bleeding procedure as right rear: attach bleeder hose, have assistant pump and hold brake pedal, open bleeder screw while pressure is maintained, close bleeder before pedal is released. Continue until fluid runs clear without bubbles. Check and refill reservoir immediately after completing this wheel.
6. 6

   Bleed right front wheel
   Move to right front wheel (passenger side front). Repeat bleeding procedure: attach bleeder hose to front caliper bleeder screw, pump and hold pedal, open bleeder under pressure, close before release. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free. Check and refill reservoir immediately after.
7. 7

   Bleed left front wheel
   Move to left front wheel (driver side front), which is closest to master cylinder and last in sequence. Repeat bleeding procedure until fluid runs completely clear without any air bubbles. This wheel may require fewer cycles as it is closest to reservoir. Check and refill reservoir to MAX line after completing.
8. 8

   Perform ABS hydraulic unit bleed cycle
   Using diagnostic scan tool, navigate to Rivian brake system service functions. Select 'ABS Bleed' or 'Hydraulic Control Unit Bleed' function. This activates ABS pump and cycles all internal solenoid valves to purge trapped air from ABS/stability control components that cannot be bled manually. Follow on-screen prompts. System will typically run through automated sequence lasting 30-90 seconds. You will hear ABS pump motor running and may hear clicking of solenoids. Check reservoir level immediately after cycle completes and top off as needed.
   ⚠ABS bleed cycle may cause sudden brake pedal movement. Ensure no one is pressing brake pedal during this procedure.
9. 9

   Repeat manual bleed sequence
   After ABS cycle, repeat manual bleeding at all four wheels in same sequence (right rear, left rear, right front, left front). This time, only 2-3 pump-and-bleed cycles per wheel should be necessary to remove any air released from ABS unit. Continue until all wheels show clean, bubble-free fluid flow. Maintain reservoir level throughout.
10. 10

    Verify pedal feel and system integrity
    With vehicle still raised and wheels off, have assistant pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should become firm and maintain pressure. If pedal feels spongy or sinks slowly to floor, air remains in system and additional bleeding is required. Check all bleeder screws to confirm they are tightened securely. Inspect entire brake system for leaks, paying special attention to bleeder screws, caliper connections, and brake lines.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall all four wheels, ensuring wheel mounting surfaces are clean. Thread lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern to manufacturer specification using torque wrench. Due to heavy vehicle weight, torque specification is likely 110-130 ft-lbs, but verify in owner's manual or on door jamb sticker if available.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final checks
    Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. Remove jack stands and floor jack. With vehicle on ground, perform final lug nut torque check in star pattern. Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line. Wipe reservoir cap and surrounding area clean before installing cap securely. Exit Service/Transport Mode through vehicle display to restore normal driving functions including regenerative braking.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all four bleeder screws are tightened securely to prevent leaks
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line and cap is installed securely
3. Confirm all wheels are installed with lug nuts torqued properly in star pattern
4. Double-check that no tools or equipment remain under vehicle or near wheels
5. Ensure Service Mode is deactivated and vehicle is returned to normal operating mode

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no brake warning lights appear on instrument cluster
• With vehicle stationary and engine on (READY mode), press brake pedal firmly - pedal should feel firm and solid with no sponginess or excessive travel
• Pump brake pedal several times rapidly - pedal height should remain consistent and not sink
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area: test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify proper operation and pedal feel
• During test drive, verify regenerative braking has been restored and functions normally when coasting
• Test brakes progressively at 15-20 mph, then 25-30 mph, verifying straight-line stopping with no pull to either side
• Perform several moderate stops to verify ABS system responds correctly if wheels approach lockup on loose surfaces
• After test drive, recheck brake fluid reservoir level and inspect all four wheels for any signs of brake fluid leakage at bleeder screws or calipers
• If any abnormal pedal feel, pulling, noise, or warning lights occur, DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service immediately

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