Brake Fluid Flush

Complete brake fluid flush for the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 dual motor AWD electric delivery van, removing old brake fluid and replacing with fresh DOT 4 fluid throughout the hydraulic system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent DOT 4

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle battery is fully charged (brake bleeding requires electrical power for the electronic brake booster)
3. Connect OBDII scanner or Rivian service tool and activate service mode to disable regenerative braking and place brake system in service state
4. Loosen all wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise vehicle using appropriate lift points and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
6. Remove all four wheels and set aside
7. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine bay and clean area around cap to prevent contamination
8. Identify all four brake caliper bleeder valves (rear brake calipers on EDV 500, front brake calipers)
9. Prepare clean DOT 4 brake fluid and open only when ready to use to prevent moisture absorption
10. Set up catch container with clear tubing attached for old fluid collection

Procedure

1. 1

   Extract old fluid from reservoir
   Using a turkey baster or fluid extraction pump, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir without letting it run completely dry. Dispose of old fluid in appropriate sealed container. Wipe reservoir interior with clean lint-free cloth if accessible. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid.
2. 2

   Begin bleeding at right rear caliper
   Starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (right rear), locate the bleeder valve on the brake caliper. Clean the bleeder valve area thoroughly. Attach clear plastic tubing to bleeder valve and submerge other end in catch container with small amount of fresh brake fluid to prevent air reentry. Have assistant press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold on final press. With pedal held down, open bleeder valve 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Observe old fluid flowing through clear tubing. When flow stops, close bleeder valve before assistant releases pedal. Check reservoir and refill to MAX line. Repeat until fluid runs clear and free of air bubbles (typically 10-20 repetitions).
   ⚠Monitor reservoir constantly. If it empties, air will enter the ABS hydraulic unit requiring dealer equipment to purge.
3. 3

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to left rear caliper and repeat the bleeding process. Clean bleeder valve area, attach tubing to bleeder valve with opposite end in catch container. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold. Open bleeder valve while pedal is held, observe fluid flow, close valve before pedal is released. Refill reservoir to MAX line after every 2-3 bleeds. Continue until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Ensure bleeder valve is tightened securely when complete.
4. 4

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to right front caliper, which is the second furthest from master cylinder. Clean bleeder valve thoroughly. Attach clear tubing and repeat bleeding procedure: assistant pumps brake pedal 3-4 times and holds, open bleeder valve, observe flow, close valve before pedal release. Check reservoir level frequently and maintain at MAX line. Continue bleeding until completely clear fluid with no bubbles appears. The front calipers may require more repetitions due to larger caliper volume.
5. 5

   Bleed left front caliper
   Complete the bleeding sequence at the left front caliper, closest to the master cylinder. Follow same procedure: clean bleeder area, attach tubing, pump and hold pedal, open bleeder valve, observe flow, close valve, release pedal. Maintain reservoir level at MAX line throughout process. Bleed until fluid is completely clear with absolutely no air bubbles visible. This is the final caliper in the sequence.
6. 6

   Perform secondary bleeding cycle
   To ensure complete fluid replacement and air removal, repeat the entire bleeding sequence one more time in the same order: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. This second cycle should require fewer repetitions per corner (typically 5-8 pumps each). Verify fluid remains clear at each corner and no air bubbles are present. Keep reservoir at MAX line throughout.
7. 7

   Check brake pedal feel
   With vehicle still in service mode and elevated, have assistant pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times. Pedal should become firm and maintain consistent height. If pedal feels spongy or sinks slowly, air remains in system and additional bleeding is required at all four corners. A firm, high pedal indicates successful fluid replacement.
8. 8

   Inspect for leaks
   Thoroughly inspect all four bleeder valves for any signs of brake fluid leakage. Check brake lines, calipers, and connections. Wipe down any spilled brake fluid immediately with water to prevent paint damage. Ensure all bleeder valves are tightened securely. Verify no fluid is dripping from any component.
9. 9

   Final reservoir fill and cap
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Do not overfill. Clean any spilled fluid from reservoir area and surrounding painted surfaces immediately. Install reservoir cap securely, ensuring rubber seal is properly seated. Wipe entire area clean.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and exit service mode
    Reinstall all four wheels, hand-tightening lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in star pattern. Using OBDII scanner or Rivian service tool, exit service mode to restore normal brake system operation including regenerative braking. Verify system exits service mode successfully.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bleeder valves are tightened securely with no leaks present
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line and cap is installed properly
3. Confirm all wheels are installed and lug nuts torqued to specification
4. Double-check that vehicle has been taken out of service mode and all systems are operational

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no brake warning lights appear on dashboard
• With vehicle stationary, pump brake pedal firmly - it should feel firm and consistent, not spongy or low
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area: brake pedal should respond immediately with firm, progressive stopping power
• Test regenerative braking function by gently releasing accelerator - vehicle should exhibit normal regen behavior
• Perform multiple moderate brake applications from 25-30 mph in safe area to verify consistent pedal feel and stopping power
• Inspect ground under vehicle after test drive for any signs of brake fluid leaks
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should remain at MAX line with no significant drop indicating leaks
• Verify ABS and brake warning lights remain off during and after test drive
• If ANY abnormality is detected in pedal feel, stopping power, or warning lights, DO NOT drive vehicle and seek professional service immediately

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