Brake Pads - Front

Replace front brake pads on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van, including caliper service and proper bedding procedure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (4 pads total) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (clips and shims) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner aerosol × 1 — Non-chlorinated formula

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Power off the vehicle completely and verify the dashboard is dark. Leave vehicle in Park.
3. Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. Remove the cap and check fluid level. If near MAX line, extract approximately 1-2 oz with a syringe to prevent overflow during piston retraction.
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove).
5. Lift front of vehicle using proper jacking points per Rivian service manual (frame rail lift points near front wheels).
6. Place jack stands under designated support points. Lower vehicle onto stands and verify stability.
7. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect current brake system condition
   With the wheel removed, visually inspect the brake rotor for deep scoring, cracks, or excessive rust. Check the brake caliper for fluid leaks around piston boots and bleeder valve. Measure remaining pad thickness through caliper window if visible. Document any abnormal wear patterns as this may indicate suspension or caliper issues requiring additional service.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear side of the caliper assembly. Using appropriate socket (typically 10mm or 12mm), remove both caliper slide pin bolts. Support the caliper with one hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling. Note the condition of slide pin boots for damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Carefully lift and rotate the caliper assembly up and away from the brake rotor. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Use a bungee cord, wire, or place caliper on top of suspension component to support it. Avoid twisting or stressing the brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the two brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of inner and outer pads (they may be different). Remove any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad retaining springs from the bracket. Take photos for reference during reassembly if needed.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket and slide pins
   Spray brake cleaner liberally on the caliper bracket, focusing on pad slide channels and mounting surfaces. Use a wire brush to remove rust and buildup from pad contact areas. Remove the slide pins from the bracket and clean thoroughly. Inspect slide pin boots for tears or damage. Clean the rotor surface with brake cleaner on both sides.
6. 6

   Retract caliper piston
   Using a brake caliper piston tool or large C-clamp, slowly compress the caliper piston back into its bore. Position the tool against the piston face (not the piston boot). Apply steady pressure until piston is fully retracted and flush with the caliper housing. Watch the brake fluid reservoir and stop if fluid reaches MAX line. This step is necessary to accommodate the thickness of new brake pads.
7. 7

   Install new brake hardware
   Install new anti-rattle clips, shims, and hardware from the brake hardware kit onto the caliper bracket. Ensure clips are fully seated in their grooves. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad slide channels where the pad backing plates will contact the bracket (do NOT apply grease to friction material or rotor surfaces).
8. 8

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure any wear indicators are positioned correctly (typically on inner pad, at top, pointing forward to indicate wear through rotation). Pads should slide smoothly in the bracket channels. Verify the pad backing plates are properly seated against the hardware clips.
9. 9

   Lubricate and reinstall slide pins
   Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts (not threads). Reinstall slide pins into the caliper bracket boots, ensuring boots are properly seated. The pins should slide smoothly with slight resistance.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper assembly
    Carefully position the caliper over the new brake pads and align the caliper mounting holes with the slide pins. The caliper may require slight force to compress the pads as it seats. Ensure brake hose is not twisted or kinked.
11. 11

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Hand-thread both caliper slide pin bolts to prevent cross-threading. Apply silicone brake grease to bolt threads as specified. Using a torque wrench, tighten both slide pin bolts to 35.0 Nm (26.0 lb-ft). Verify the caliper moves smoothly on the slide pins after tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-11 on the opposite front brake assembly to complete both front wheels. Maintaining balanced brake pad wear requires replacing both sides simultaneously.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Mount front wheels back onto hubs. Hand-thread all lug nuts to prevent cross-threading. Raise vehicle slightly off jack stands, remove stands, and lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground (wheel should not spin freely but vehicle weight not fully transferred). Torque lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and verify final torque on all lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid
    Before moving the vehicle, sit in driver's seat and slowly pump brake pedal 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and reaches normal height. The first pumps will feel soft as pistons extend to contact new pads. Check brake fluid reservoir and top off to proper level with DOT 4 brake fluid if needed. Reinstall reservoir cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Verify all tools have been removed from vehicle and work area
2. Confirm both wheels are properly torqued using star pattern
3. Double-check brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks
4. Test brake pedal firmness before moving vehicle - pedal should be firm within 3-4 pumps

Verification

• With vehicle still parked, apply firm brake pedal pressure and hold for 30 seconds. Pedal should remain firm and not slowly sink, indicating no air in system.
• Perform brake bedding procedure: Drive vehicle in safe area and perform 8-10 moderate stops from 40 mph to 10 mph with 30 seconds between stops to allow cooling. Avoid coming to complete stop during bedding if possible.
• After bedding, perform several firm stops from 50 mph to ensure proper brake response and even pad contact.
• Listen for any unusual noises such as grinding, squealing, or clicking that could indicate improper installation.
• Check for brake pedal pulsation during stops which could indicate warped rotors or improperly seated pads.
• After first 50 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque to 140.0 Nm (103.0 lb-ft).
• Inspect brake fluid level after bedding procedure and top off if necessary.
• Verify even brake pad contact by checking that vehicle stops straight without pulling to either side.

More procedures for this vehicle