How to Repair the Front Brakes on a Dodge Ram

Replacing the disc brake pads and removing the rotors for resurfacing on a Dodge Ram pickup are two relatively straightforward jobs, but they do require some basic mechanical skills. Generally, brake calipers are not disassembled during this process--only moved out of the way to allow the rotor to be removed and the pads to be replaced. Resurfacing the rotors is always recommended as part of this process. Most larger auto parts stores have the equipment to complete this job.

• 1

  Park the Dodge pickup on a firm, level surface. Block the rear wheels with wheel chocks or wood blocks.to prevent accidental movement of the vehicle. Use a lug wrench to loosen, but do not remove, the front wheel lug nuts. Two-wheel drive trucks can be lifted with a jack placed under the lower control arm. Four-wheel drive models can be lifted with the jack placed under the spring at the axle. Raise one side of the truck, insert a jack stand under the lower control arm then lower the vehicle onto the jack stand. Repeat this for the opposite wheel. Once the vehicle is safely on the jack stands, use the lug wrench to completely remove the lug nuts and carefully lift the wheels off and set them aside.

• 2

  Unscrew the two Allen bolts that secure the caliper then lift it off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by the hose; secure it to the suspension with a piece of wire. Remove the brake rotor if there is any sign of wear or if any brake shudder was noted when driving. The rotor may have clips installed over its lug bolts; these are simple to remove. Take the rotor to a qualified machine shop to have it resurfaced if necessary.

• 3

  Remove the outer pad from the caliper by prying the clips free from the caliper with a flat head screwdriver. The inner pad is held in place by a spring clip and can easily be pried out with the screwdriver. Once the inner pad has been removed, use a large C-clamp to compress the piston. This will allow the caliper to be reinstalled after the pads are replaced. The new pads can be installed by simply reversing the steps for removal.

• 4

  Lubricate the surface of the mounting bolts and set them aside. Gently slide the caliper assembly over the rotor and align the holes for the assembly with the mounting brackets. Insert the freshly lubricated Allen bolts used to attach the caliper assembly then tighten them.

• 5

  Remount the wheels then tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Check the brake fluid level at the reservoir to verify sufficient fluid is present. The minimum and maximum levels are marked on the reservoir. If additional brake fluid is needed, use only the type specified on the reservoir cover. Start the truck and pump the brakes until the brake pedal feels firm.

• 6

  Raise one side of the vehicle up and remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack. Repeat for the other side of the vehicle. Re-tighten the lug nuts to ensure the wheels are properly secured. Remove the blocks from the rear wheels. Shift the vehicle into gear and move the vehicle slightly with the brakes applied to verify proper braking action. If there is any indication of a problem, do not drive the vehicle until the brake installation is re-inspected to ensure proper brake pad installation.