How to Replace Front Brake Pads on a Dodge Ram

Named after the hood ornaments that appeared on Dodge trucks in the 1930s and 1940s, the Dodge Ram was reinvented in 1981 to compete with the Ford and Chevrolet counterparts. The full-size pickup is available in 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton models. It is also available in two- or four-wheel drive. The front brakes on a Dodge Ram account for 80 percent of the braking power for the truck. Because of this, it is important to have the front brake pads inspected at certain mileage intervals.

Instructions

1

Lift the front of the Dodge Ram with a jack and place it on a jack stand below the lower control arm.

2

Remove the lug nuts using an impact gun and a suitable socket. Remove the wheel.

3

Use a pry tool to compress the caliper piston by prying the outboard pad against the rotor. Insert the pry tool into the front opening of the caliper and then position it onto the backing plate of the outboard pad. Pry against the rotor until there is side-to-side movement of the caliper. To compress the caliper piston enough to fit the new pads, continue prying until resistance is felt in the piston.

4

Use a 3/8 inch hand wrench to remove the upper and lower caliper bolts. Set them aside. Remove the caliper from the rotor. While supporting the caliper, remove the outboard pad first by prying off the retaining clips from the caliper housing using the pry tool. Remove the inboard pad next by unseating the retaining clip from the caliper piston bore. Hang the caliper to the suspension of the Ram using a wire coat hanger. Bend the hanger to make a suitable hanging device for the caliper. Use a caliper piston tool to compress the piston into the bore even more if necessary to fit the new pads.

5

Use a wire brush to clean the caliper and knuckle surfaces where the pads come into contact with them. Apply a coat of high-temp brake silicone lubricant and spread it out evenly with your finger. Wipe your hands clean with a shop rag.

6

Install the new pads onto the caliper. Place the inboard pad in first and then the outboard, making sure the retaining clips are seated properly.

7

Lubricate the caliper mounting bolts, collars, bushings and bores with the high-temp brake lubricant.

8

Place the caliper and pad assembly over the rotor. Align the caliper mounting bolts to the steering knuckle and tighten then with the 3/8 inch hand wrench. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to 35-foot-pounds.

9

Repeat steps 2-8 for the other side. Install the wheels and then tighten the lug nuts between 120-140 foot pounds (refer to a torque specifications chart for your year Ram).

10

Pump the foot pedal several time to seat the brake pads to the rotors and then test-drive the Ram.