How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes in a Dodge Ram

Like many large trucks, the Dodge Ram is rarely equipped with rear disc brakes. Occasionally though, you will find one. If your Ram has rear disc brakes, read further to learn how to replace them in a couple of hours or less.

Instructions

1

Lift the Dodge Ram off the ground with a car jack. Support the vehicle on all sides with jack stands. Keep children out of the vicinity to prevent harm to them while you replace the brakes.

2

Take off the rear wheels from the Dodge Ram. Loosen the lug nuts with a torque wrench and take off the wheel assemblies. Set them to the side, face up, to prevent damaging them.

3

Extract the two caliper guide pin bolts that connect the caliper to the steering knuckle. Rotate the loose end of the caliper up and away from the steering knuckle. Slip the other end from underneath the steering knuckle and secure it to the upper control arm with mechanical wire.

4

Remove the outboard brake pads by prying the retaining clip over the edge of the caliper and sliding them out. Pull out the inboard brake pad until you free the retaining clip from the cavity.

5

Clean and inspect the caliper for leaks. Verify that the caliper pin bushings are free from damage and replace them if necessary. Compress the piston into the bore with a large C-clamp.

6

Install the inboard brake shoes, making sure that you position them squarely against the caliper piston. Replace the outboard brake shoes by sliding them onto the caliper assembly. Lubricate the caliper slide abutments with a multi-purpose lubricant.

7

Release the caliper and lower it over the brake shoes and rotor. Replace the caliper mounting bolt and torque to 16 ft. lb. Replace the wheel and tire assemblies and torque them to 100 ft. lb. Lower the Dodge Ram to the ground.