How to Assemble a Dodge Truck Brake

Most Dodge truck models come equipped with disc brake pads on the front wheels and brake shoes on the rear wheels. The disc brake pads stop the front wheels from turning by applying friction to each side of the brake rotors. The brake shoes stop the rear wheels from turning by applying friction to the inside surface of the brake drums. The brake pads and the brake shoes wear down over time and must be replaced. Replace the pads and the shoes before the brake material thickness reaches 1/8 inch.

Instructions

How to Assemble a Brake Pad

1

Insert the inner and outer brake pad into the retaining clips inside the brake caliper. Inspect the brake rotor for damage, such as grooving and wear. If the damage is excessive, replace the rotor. If the damage is minimal, have the rotor machine-turned by a machine shop. If the rotor has no damage, leave the rotor alone.

2

Slide the caliper over the rotor and onto the caliper mount. Screw the two rear caliper mounting bolts into the back of the caliper. Tighten the caliper bolts with the ratchet and socket.

3

Finish tightening the caliper bolts to 25 foot pounds with a torque wrench and a socket. Slide the wheel onto the hub and turn the lug nuts onto the lugs until the lug nuts are tight.

How to Assemble a Brake Shoe

4

Tap the brake spring retainers from old brake shoe with the rubber mallet. Tap new brake spring retainers through the new brake shoe. Install the retainer clips back over the front of the retainers with the spring retainer tool. Turn the tool clockwise until the retainer clip locks onto the retainers. Position the brake shoe back onto the backing plate and reattach the parking brake lever to the rear brake shoes with your hand.

5

Reattach the lower hold-down springs over the spring retainers and into the holes of the backing plate with the spring removal tool. Make sure each end of the springs are secured to the brake shoe and the backing plate.

6

Reattach the top return springs to the top of the brake shoe and to the anchor pin at the top of the backing plate with the brake spring removal tool. Look over the brake shoe to ensure that all of the braking hardware is properly installed.