When To Check The Brakes

[Ameretsu]

Howdy, folks! We just got our R1S, and we were wondering if the app tells us when to take the rig in for a brake replacement, or if this is something we have to do periodically. Thanks!

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[Carscott]

Hi I have owned mine for 1 year. Previously I owned a Toyota Prius with regenerative brakes. I constantly had expensive brake repairs because of uneven brake pad wear costing me more money. So now with the R1S I have requested rivian to disassemble brakes and regrease sliders before each winter. This maintenance I am hopeful will help keep the brakes working and allowing brake pads to wear evenly. I get the car back hopefully soon.


A Toyota mechanic told me to go into neutral and brake hard once a month as neutral avoids brake regen forcing friction brakes. I think with r1s you just need to brake hard the odd time. But I’d suggest getting sliders greased especially if driving in winter conditions.

 

[Time2Roll]

The brakes should be inspected at tire rotation or replacement. Or at brake fluid replacement intervals.
I expect most to last 80+K before needing pads.

 

[John G.]

The maintenance schedule shown by Rivian in the phone app suggests that you change the brake fluid every three years. So, unless you're having a problem with the brakes of your vehicle, I think you'd be good to go until then.

When you take it to you SC for the 3-year interval, just have them check everything out then when they change the fluid.

That's what I plan to do. My appointment is set for sometime in November as I hit 3-year mark.

 

[Ameretsu]

The brakes should be inspected at tire rotation or replacement. Or at brake fluid replacement intervals.
I expect most to last 80+K before needing pads.

Thank you!

 

[Ameretsu]

The maintenance schedule shown by Rivian in the phone app suggests that you change the brake fluid every three years. So, unless you're having a problem with the brakes of your vehicle, I think you'd be good to go until then.

When you take it to you SC for the 3-year interval, just have them check everything out then when they change the fluid.

That's what I plan to do. My appointment is set for sometime in November as I hit 3-year mark.

Thank you!

 

[KBabione]

In PA, checking the brakes is part of our required annual inspection (which I time to do when I'm having the tires rotated). Because of regen and OPD, I rarely use the brake pedal at all, but understand that doesn't necessarily mean that the brakes aren't being used. I know, for example, that if I've got a full charge that the OPD will use the brakes if it can't channel energy to the battery via regen.

I think, as @Time2Roll said, just have them checked each tire rotation and you'll be fine. My tire place does that automatically.

 

[BTOR]

We own a 2009 Prius Gen 2. We have 180,000 miles logged. We just had our first brake job completed, front only! The rear drums/shoes were still the original and spec’ed at 50% .

Now, the Prius regenerative braking is no where near what our Rivian has. So a SC rep said using the brake periodically was recommended to reduce the risk of the caliper pistons from “freezing” due to inactivity when I mentioned that I rarely apply the brakes. Subsequently, I now periodically use the brakes. But I have noticed that the brake pedal depresses during regen braking. Sometimes it feels more than others. Not sure if that is real or my imagination. Since I am not physically depressing the pedal, it must be activating electronically. None the less, it must be engaging the hydraulic system and therefore moving the brake caliper pistons even though it is “regen” braking. If this is true, why would you need to physically use the brakes periodically?

Anyone have additional insight or a better understanding on this “feature”?

 

[Mathme]

Several updates ago Rivian added a blended braking feature where the car will automatically apply the friction brakes when regen is limited (going down long hills, high battery charge, etc.) this will provide a consistent braking feel to the driver. This feature is on by default, so depending on how you have this configured, your brakes may be getting more use than you anticipate.

I personally turn this feature off as I drive down mountain passes on 2-lane roads that have 4-6% grades for 8ish miles. Regen always gets limited in these situations and I prefer to know when the brakes are being applied and how much to limit heat buildup. If I have to stop quick, I want maximum bite on the calipers.

Additionally, I also make it a habit to put my foot on the brake pedal (even though the truck is in Hold) while at stoplights. This action alone will keep the calipers moving, and just like in an ICE car, if you happen to get hit from behind and flex, you'll be on the brake pedal and not the accelerator.

 

[BTOR]

Wasn’t aware of the “blended” braking feature and since default is on, mine must be activated. Thanks for the heads-up. Also, good safety precaution & recommendation to keep foot on pedal during stop light “((H))” scenarios.

 

[COdogman]

The rule is brake pad and caliper replacements every 1000 miles.

 

[Ameretsu]

In PA, checking the brakes is part of our required annual inspection (which I time to do when I'm having the tires rotated). Because of regen and OPD, I rarely use the brake pedal at all, but understand that doesn't necessarily mean that the brakes aren't being used. I know, for example, that if I've got a full charge that the OPD will use the brakes if it can't channel energy to the battery via regen.

I think, as @Time2Roll said, just have them checked each tire rotation and you'll be fine. My tire place does that automatically.

Wait. If I don't depress the brake pedal, the pads don't engage? I clearly have much to learn

 

[KBabione]

Wait. If I don't depress the brake pedal, the pads don't engage? I clearly have much to learn

As mentioned above, there's a setting that came in an OTA update where you can set whether or not "blended" regen is on. If it's on, the Rivian will use your brake pads to slow the vehicle without you ever putting your foot on the brake pedal. For me this was a welcome addition...The first time I charged to 100% to go on a road trip (before the OTA update) and took my foot off the accelerator and the Rivian didn't slow down it was a bit unnerving. I don't live in an area with a lot of long grades, but if I did I'd probably adopt the wise approach @Mathme uses and switch it off so I knew when regen was limited. I think there's a warning that pops up when that happens, but I only saw it before the OTA updated that allowed blended braking.

 

[cbrcanuck]

The rule is brake pad and caliper replacements every 1000 miles.

Ahhhhh, I get it now! This explains why AI web research is sometimes... off

 

[BTOR]

The rule is brake pad and caliper replacements every 1000 miles.

Several updates ago Rivian added a blended braking feature where the car will automatically apply the friction brakes when regen is limited (going down long hills, high battery charge, etc.) this will provide a consistent braking feel to the driver. This feature is on by default, so depending on how you have this configured, your brakes may be getting more use than you anticipate.

I personally turn this feature off as I drive down mountain passes on 2-lane roads that have 4-6% grades for 8ish miles. Regen always gets limited in these situations and I prefer to know when the brakes are being applied and how much to limit heat buildup. If I have to stop quick, I want maximum bite on the calipers.

Additionally, I also make it a habit to put my foot on the brake pedal (even though the truck is in Hold) while at stoplights. This action alone will keep the calipers moving, and just like in an ICE car, if you happen to get hit from behind and flex, you'll be on the brake pedal and not the accelerator.

Going in to Settings and under "Vehicle>>Drivers Assist" then scrolling through all of the settings in Driver Assist, the very last entry read >>Regenerative Baking Assist . Is this the "blended brake feature" you are referring to in your post? Thank you.

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