Brake Pads - Rear

Remove and replace rear brake pads on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500, including caliper service and proper bedding procedure for electric vehicle braking systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (contains pads for both sides) × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
• Brake hardware kit with anti-rattle clips × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake (front wheels only on AWD models)
2. Access vehicle settings through center display: Service Mode > Brake Service > Enable. This disables regenerative braking and prevents motor activation
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using approved lift points (consult owner's manual for high-voltage battery protection zones) and support with jack stands rated for electric vehicle weight
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
6. Inspect brake rotors for scoring, excessive wear, or warping. Minimum rotor thickness should be verified if rotors show wear
7. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and inspect rear brake assembly
   With wheel removed, visually inspect the rear caliper, brake lines, and rotor condition. Check for fluid leaks around caliper seals and brake line connections. Photograph or note the position of brake pad anti-rattle clips and hardware for reinstallation reference. Verify brake rotor minimum thickness specifications if rotors show significant wear (consult service manual for specifications).
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper. Clean any dirt from bolt heads. Using the appropriate socket, remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. These bolts allow the caliper to pivot. Keep bolts in a clean location for inspection and reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward and away from the rotor. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Immediately support the caliper using wire or a bungee cord attached to the suspension or chassis. Inspect the rubber brake hose for cracks, swelling, or damage. If caliper will not pivot freely, verify slide pins are not seized.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads
   With caliper secured, remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any shims, anti-rattle clips, or wear indicators. Remove all pad hardware clips from the bracket. Inspect the old pads for unusual wear patterns (uneven wear may indicate caliper or slide pin issues). Measure old pad thickness to confirm they needed replacement.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket and hardware
   Using a wire brush and non-chlorinated brake cleaner, thoroughly clean the caliper bracket, especially the areas where pads slide. Remove all rust, debris, and old brake dust from pad contact surfaces. Clean the caliper slide pins and inspect their rubber boots for tears. If boots are damaged, they must be replaced to prevent slide pin seizure.
6. 6

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a brake caliper piston compression tool or large C-clamp, slowly compress the caliper piston(s) fully into the caliper bore. Work slowly to allow brake fluid to flow back into the master cylinder without creating excessive pressure. Monitor the master cylinder reservoir to ensure it does not overflow. For multi-piston calipers, compress all pistons evenly. Wipe away any fluid that seeps from around the piston seals with a clean rag.
7. 7

   Lubricate and install new hardware
   Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins (not petroleum-based grease). Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware from the brake hardware kit onto the caliper bracket. Ensure clips are fully seated and secure. Apply a light coat of silicone brake grease to the pad backing plate edges where they contact the bracket (NOT on friction material or rotor contact areas).
8. 8

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. Verify that any wear indicator tabs are positioned correctly (typically on the inner pad, oriented to contact the rotor when pads are worn). Ensure pads move freely in the bracket but are held securely by the clips. Confirm the friction material faces toward the rotor on both pads.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper over pads
   Remove the support wire/bungee from the caliper. Carefully guide the caliper down over the new brake pads and onto the bracket. Ensure the caliper piston(s) align properly with the pad backing plates. The caliper should seat fully without forcing. If resistance is felt, verify pistons are fully compressed and pads are correctly positioned.
   ⚠Do not twist or strain the brake hose during caliper installation. Hose damage can cause brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt threads and contact surfaces. Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten slide pin bolts to exactly 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) in an alternating pattern. Verify the caliper can still slide freely on the pins after torquing (slight movement should be possible when pushed by hand).
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform all previous steps (1-10) on the opposite rear brake assembly. It is critical that both rear brakes are serviced together with matching pad sets to ensure even braking performance. Never replace pads on only one side of the vehicle.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Clean wheel mounting surfaces and hub faces of any rust or debris. Mount rear wheels onto hubs, ensuring proper seating. Thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to 203 Nm (150 lb-ft) in a star/cross pattern. Fully lower vehicle and perform final torque verification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts203 Nm (150 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Restore brake fluid level and exit Service Mode
    Check master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to the MAX line. Ensure reservoir cap is securely installed. Access vehicle center display and exit Brake Service Mode to restore normal regenerative braking function. Do NOT start this step until all brake work is complete on both sides.
14. 14

    Pump brake pedal and verify system
    With vehicle still stationary, pump the brake pedal 15-20 times until it becomes firm and achieves normal height. The first few pumps will feel soft as pistons re-extend to contact the new pads. Pedal must achieve firm resistance before vehicle is moved. Check for any fluid leaks around calipers, brake lines, and master cylinder. Add brake fluid if level has dropped below MIN line.
15. 15

    Perform brake bed-in procedure
    New brake pads require proper bedding to transfer material to the rotor surface. In a safe area with no traffic: Perform 10-15 moderate stops from 40 mph to 10 mph with 30 seconds between stops to allow cooling. Follow with 3-5 firmer stops from 50 mph to 15 mph. Avoid complete stops during bedding. Allow brakes to cool for 10 minutes. Do not perform hard braking for the first 200 miles. Brake performance will improve as pads fully seat.
    ⚠Incomplete bedding can cause brake noise, vibration, and reduced performance. Plan for proper bedding procedure before returning vehicle to normal service.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps above
2. Verify all caliper bolts are torqued to specification before test driving
3. Confirm Service Mode has been exited to restore regenerative braking
4. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern after first test drive

Verification

• Brake pedal must feel firm and achieve normal height within 3-4 pumps from rest
• No brake fluid leaks visible at calipers, brake lines, or master cylinder
• Test vehicle stopping ability at low speed (under 15 mph) in safe area before entering traffic
• No unusual noises (grinding, squealing beyond normal new pad noise, or rattling) during brake application
• Vehicle stops in straight line without pulling to either side
• Brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir
• All wheel lug nuts remain tight after first 50 miles (re-check torque)
• Regenerative braking functions normally (verify through display or driving feel)
• After bedding procedure, brakes should provide smooth, progressive stopping power
• If brake pedal is soft, pulls to one side, or any unusual symptoms occur, STOP driving immediately and have system inspected by qualified technician

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