How to Do a Front Brake Job on a 2003 Dodge Ram

The 2003 Dodge Ram began the third generation of the truck which was available in 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton or 1-ton models. It was also available in two- or four-wheel drive. Replacing the front brakes on the 2003 Dodge Ram employed the same procedure no matter what model or drive train the truck came with. The only difference was on the 1-ton model--if replacing the rotors in that model, the hub extension and mounting nuts must be carefully removed from the rotor.

Instructions

1

Break the lug nuts loose on one front wheel using the lug nut wrench or breaker bar. Lift the Ram with the hydraulic jack and then support the front wheel onto a jack stand placed under the lower control arm. If desired, lift and support the other front wheel after cracking the lug nuts loose. Remove the lug nuts and then remove the wheel(s).

2

Insert a pry bar into the front port of the caliper and then pry the outboard pad against the rotor to compress the caliper piston. If necessary use a large C-clamp to compress the piston further into the caliper bore.

3

Use a 3/8-inch hex-head key to remove the upper and lower caliper guide bolts. Set them aside.

4

Rotate the caliper rearward off of the rotor and caliper mount. Rest the caliper onto milk crate or box. Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage can occur to it. Remove the outboard pad from the caliper assembly first by prying the clips off of the caliper housing. Pull the inboard pad retaining clip out of the caliper piston. Proceed to step 6 if not replacing the rotors.

5

Remove the two caliper anchor bolts using the breaker bar and a socket. Set the anchor aside. Remove the rotor. On 1-ton models, remove the hub extension bolts first and then remove the hub extension to remove the rotor. On all models, clean the hub extension with emery cloth. Spray the new rotor with brake clean to remove the protective coating and then replace the new rotor onto the hub. Replace the caliper anchor and tighten the bolts with a torque wrench (130 foot-pounds for light-duty 1500 or 210 foot-pounds for heavy-duty models).

6

Install the inboard pad into the caliper piston first and then replace the outboard pad onto the caliper housing. Apply a liberal coating of anti-seize compound to the surface of the rattle clips. Use an artisan paint brush to prevent getting any of the compound on the rotor. Wipe off any excess compound from the rotor if necessary. Place the caliper and pad assembly over the rotor and caliper anchor. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the smooth surface of the guide bolts before reinstalling them into the caliper. Tighten the bolts to 24 foot-pounds using the torque wrench if possible with the hex-head key. An adapter may be necessary to achieve this.

7

Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts flush to the hub and then lower the Ram. Torque the lug nuts to 140 foot-pounds. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

8

Pump the brake pedal until it feels firm in order to seat the pads to the rotors.