How to Replace the Disc Brakes on a 2002 Dodge Ram

It is not difficult to replace the disc brake pads on a 2002 Dodge Ram. You can take care of the project in your driveway or garage and avoid having to take it into a repair shop. It will take about 30 minutes to finish each wheel. When you change the brake pads, inspect the brake rotors as well. If there is any damage to them, such as grooves in the surface, it will wear your brake pads prematurely, so they need to be replaced as well.

Instructions

1

Park the Ram on a level, paved surface and turn off the engine. Open the engine compartment and locate the master cylinder on the driver's side back firewall. Lift the lid of the reservoir and siphon enough brake fluid from it with the turkey baster to bring it to the minimum level. Put the fluid in a drain pan for later recycling.

2

Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the truck. Raise the Ram on the side you will be working on first with a jack. Place a jack stand under the truck and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench then take the wheel off the truck.

3

Place a C-clamp on the brake caliper, front to back, while it is still on the mounting bracket. Tighten the clamp until the piston seats itself inside of the caliper housing. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper. Loosen the caliper retaining bolts with a 3/8-inch hex socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper away from the mounting bracket. Remove the old brake pads and discard them.

4

Insert the new brake pads into the caliper and place it on the mounting bracket. Tighten the bolts with the hex socket and the ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the truck and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Dodge. Lower the truck to the ground with the jack. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

5

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and add to it if necessary. Pump the brakes several times to seat the brake pads onto the rotors.