Brake Caliper Slide Pins

This procedure covers the cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of brake caliper slide pins on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 to ensure proper caliper movement and even brake pad wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper slide pin boot kit (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper slide pins (if damaged or corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if working on front brakes, or in front of the front wheels if working on rear brakes
2. Verify vehicle is in Park mode and parking brake is disengaged (you will need wheels to rotate freely)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is still on the ground
4. Lift vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points per owner's manual
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for the EDV 500's weight (approximately 6,000 lbs)
6. Remove wheels completely and set aside in a safe location
7. Inspect brake system for any obvious damage, leaks, or unusual wear patterns before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Access brake caliper
   Inspect the brake caliper assembly and identify the two slide pins (also called guide pins) on the rear of the caliper bracket. These are typically located at the top and bottom of the caliper. Note the condition of the rubber dust boots covering each pin.
2. 2

   Remove lower caliper slide pin bolt
   Using the appropriate metric socket, remove the lower caliper slide pin bolt by turning counterclockwise. The bolt typically has a hex head on the backside of the caliper bracket. You do not need to remove the upper slide pin bolt at this time. Once loosened, carefully extract the bolt and slide pin together.
3. 3

   Pivot caliper upward
   With the lower slide pin removed, carefully pivot the brake caliper upward on the remaining upper slide pin. This will expose the brake pads. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or bungee cord attached to the suspension to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do NOT allow the caliper to hang freely by the brake line.
4. 4

   Remove upper caliper slide pin bolt
   With the caliper supported, remove the upper caliper slide pin bolt using the same method as the lower pin. Extract the bolt and slide pin. The caliper should now be completely separated from the bracket but still connected via the brake hose. Keep it securely supported.
5. 5

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Examine both slide pins for corrosion, scoring, wear, or damage. Check the rubber dust boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. If pins show significant corrosion or pitting, they must be replaced. If boots are damaged, replace them as contamination will cause premature pin failure. Minor surface rust can be cleaned.
6. 6

   Clean slide pin bores in bracket
   Using brake parts cleaner and a clean rag, thoroughly clean the slide pin bores (holes) in the caliper bracket. Remove all old grease, dirt, and debris. Use a wire brush if necessary to remove stubborn deposits, but avoid damaging the bore surfaces. Ensure bores are completely dry before proceeding.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect slide pins
   Spray brake parts cleaner on both slide pins and wipe clean with lint-free rags. Remove all old grease and contamination. Inspect the pin surfaces carefully—they should be smooth and free of pitting or scoring. The pins should slide freely in and out of the bracket bores without binding when dry.
8. 8

   Apply brake caliper pin grease
   Apply a thin, even coating of high-temperature synthetic brake caliper pin grease to the entire length of each slide pin shaft. Use only brake-specific grease—do not use general-purpose grease as it will break down under brake heat. Avoid getting grease on the pin threads or bolt head surfaces.
9. 9

   Install new boots if needed
   If replacing dust boots, install new boots onto the slide pins according to the kit instructions. Ensure boots are seated properly in their grooves on both the pin and the caliper bracket bore. Boots must seal completely to prevent contamination.
10. 10

    Reinstall slide pins into bracket
    Insert the lubricated slide pins back into their respective bores in the caliper bracket. Push them in fully until they bottom out or reach their proper seating depth. Ensure the dust boots remain properly seated and are not twisted or pinched. Pins should move smoothly with light resistance.
11. 11

    Reposition caliper onto bracket
    Remove the support wire and carefully position the brake caliper back onto the caliper bracket, aligning the caliper bolt holes with the slide pins. If necessary, gently compress the caliper piston(s) using a C-clamp or brake piston tool to provide clearance for the brake pads. Be careful not to damage the brake hose during this process.
12. 12

    Install and torque slide pin bolts
    Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, then tighten them using a torque wrench. Since no manufacturer torque specifications are available in the database, consult the vehicle service manual for proper torque values—typically in the range of 20-30 ft-lbs for caliper slide pins, but MUST be verified. DO NOT guess at torque values for brake components. Tighten in a cross pattern if both bolts are accessible simultaneously.
13. 13

    Verify caliper movement
    After installation, manually check that the caliper can slide smoothly on the pins by pushing it side to side (perpendicular to the rotor). There should be slight movement with moderate force, indicating the pins are properly lubricated and not binding. Binding indicates insufficient lubrication or damaged components.

Reassembly

1. Repeat this entire procedure for the remaining three wheels to ensure consistent brake performance
2. Reinstall all wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack, then remove jack stands
4. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
5. Torque all wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench (consult service manual for exact value)
6. Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm to properly seat the brake pads

Verification

• Pump brake pedal 5-10 times with vehicle stationary until pedal feels firm and consistent—this is critical for proper brake pad seating
• Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid if needed (fluid may have been displaced during piston compression)
• Start vehicle and verify no brake warning lights appear on the instrument cluster
• Perform a low-speed test drive (under 10 mph) in a safe area to confirm brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 20-30 mph to verify even braking and proper caliper function
• Listen for any unusual noises during braking (squealing, grinding, or clunking may indicate improper installation)
• After test drive, visually inspect all four wheels for any signs of brake fluid leakage around calipers
• Re-check all caliper slide pin bolts are tight and verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued
• If any abnormalities are detected, do NOT drive the vehicle—seek immediate professional service

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