How to Change the Front Brakes for a 2001 Dodge Ram

In 2001 Dodge redesigned its full-size pickup, the Ram. This new Dodge Ram was bigger, stronger, and had a larger interior than the prior model. It had optional four-wheel anti-lock brakes and disc front brakes. The disc brakes are far easier to change than the rear drum brakes.

Instructions

1

Loosen all of the lug nuts on the front wheels. Put the Ram in park on a level surface, but do not apply the parking brake, and set the wheel chocks behind the rear tires.

2

Raise one side of the front of the Ram, using the jack, until the tire is more than 2 inches off the ground. Slide the jack stand underneath the front axle or frame rail and lower the Ram onto the stand. Then go to the other side of the front of the Ram and repeat the process. When the front of the Ram is securely resting on the jack stands. remove the loosened lug nuts and remove the wheels from the front of the Ram.

3

Unbolt the brake caliper mounting bracket from one of the rotors using the socket wrench. The bracket is the half-moon piece of metal that is revealed when the wheel has been removed. Once the braket is off, hang the caliper in the wheel well with the rope, string, wire or bungee to prevent any stress damage to the brake line.

4

Remove the brake pads from the caliper mounting bracket. The brakes are just sitting in there and easily slip out.

5

Compress the brake caliper piston with the C-clamp. The C-clamp will fit over the bracket and can be placed against the cylinder. Compress the cylinder until it is flush with the bracket.

6

Install the new brake pads into the bracket in the same orientation the old ones were in. Make sure the black brake material is facing toward the rotor.

7

Bolt the mounting bracket back onto the rotor with the wrench. Put the tire back onto the Ram axle hub and tighten the lug nuts with your fingers.

8

Repeat Steps 3 through 7 on the other side of the Ram. Lower the Ram and tighten all of the lugs with the tire iron.